Male’, Maldives -22nd May 2026 – This July, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, the flagship property of the Sun Siyam Luxury Collection, is set to host an exceptional culinary residency featuring acclaimed French Michelin-starred chef Maye Cissoko. The collaboration brings a refined touch of French gastronomy to the Maldives, offering guests an exclusive series of dining experiences inspired by craftsmanship, seasonality, and elegant simplicity.
In celebration of Bastille Day, the resort will present two curated evenings under the concept “Art of the Chef,” scheduled for 22 and 27 July. Each event will showcase Chef Cissoko’s signature approach to cuisine, shaped by his classical training at the Institut Paul Bocuse and his experience leading the historic 105-year-old Maison Burnel in France’s Vosges region, which he revitalised to Michelin-star status shortly after its transformation.
Known for his deep respect for seasonal produce and precise, made-to-order preparation, Chef Cissoko draws inspiration from rustic regional flavours—wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, and locally sourced ingredients—elevated through contemporary French technique. During his stay, he will collaborate closely with Executive Chef Putu Wijana, blending international expertise with the resort’s culinary philosophy.
The first dining experience, “Art of the Chef: Cellar Dinner,” will take place at Flavours on 22 July. This intimate evening will feature a refined tasting menu paired with carefully selected wines, highlighting dishes such as scallop carpaccio with leek essence, spider crab with smoked haddock espuma, reef fish complemented by caviar accents, and a classic French strawberry tartlet.
On 27 July, guests will be invited to an elevated beachfront celebration titled “Sublime Festin” at Islander’s Grill. This oceanfront experience will present a vibrant menu including truffle-infused scallops, Maldivian sea bass gravlax, local lobster with vegetable ravioli and artichoke purée, and a decadent Guanaja chocolate entremet with mango-lime notes.
Complementing both evenings, resident sommelier Sunil Kumar will curate an exceptional wine journey featuring distinguished labels from across France, thoughtfully paired to enhance each course.
Beyond this exclusive residency, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi continues to position itself as a leading culinary destination in the Maldives, with 15 dining venues and a strong focus on immersive gastronomic experiences. Nestled in the tranquil Noonu Atoll, the resort offers a secluded island retreat defined by white-sand beaches, overwater villas, and personalised service, creating a setting where fine dining and island serenity naturally converge.
