By Marilyne Morin, Founder of IMPACT M, Marketing & PR Consultancy.
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From the first floating Zuma restaurant in the world to Michelin-star chef curated menus, and an al-fresco treetop venue, the Maldivian resort is an international dining hotspot.
The Maldives already sounds like a dream… but being able to taste the best food from around the world, all on one island, is the epitome of indulgence. Epicureans will be in for a treat at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, with 11 unique dining destinations, a first for the Maldives.
At the helm of the resort’s gastronomic offerings, Ivan Alvarez, Director of Culinary who joined the resort in November last year, is bringing a new dimension to the resort’s dining concepts.
Originally from the Canary Islands, Ivan began his culinary career in 2002 at the one-Michelin-starred Las Rejas, offering locally sourced seafood and fish.
Since then, on a quest to discover new ingredients and cooking techniques around the world, he has worked at restaurants and hotels throughout Spain, most notably at the renowned three-Michelin-starred El Bulli, as well as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the UK, Chile and China, where he was an Executive Chef at China World Summit Wing in Beijing.
“It has been so interesting to see how the taste buds of the modern traveler are evolving…”
“We find more of our guests requesting for dishes unique to the local area or asking for superfoods to supercharge their health and energy. Thankfully, I have a passion for trying new recipes and adding my own personal touch to them.
Therefore, I look forward to creating new menu concepts at the treetop restaurant Terra, our signature lounge Peacock Alley and all-day dining restaurant Tasting Table by introducing innovative flavors and ingredients,” chef Ivan shares.
The resort’s unique food offerings include the globally acclaimed Zuma restaurant, inspired by the authentic Japanese dining style – Izakaya.
The first floating Zuma in the world is beautifully set amidst the crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters, adding a feast for the eyes to the sumptuous gastronomic offerings, including thinly sliced Seabass with Yuzu, Truffle Oil and Salmon Roe, Roasted Lobster, Shiso Ponzu Butter and Spicy Beef Tenderloin with Sesame, among others.
The iconic Maldives destination also invites diners to take a gastronomic stroll through China, at Li Long, serving its signature Peking duck roasted in the Maldives’ first classic woodfired oven; the Middle East, in the Arabian village setting of Yasmeen, offering the best of levant cuisine; all the way to Australia, at The Ledge serving barbecue style cuisine curated by Chef Dave Pynt of Singapore’s Michelin starred Burnt Ends.
And to make the gastronomic scene complete, the resort offers extraordinary intimate dining experiences, be it at a private hand-crafted bamboo dining pod in treetop settings, an exclusive menu crafted around the wine regions of the world at The Rock wine cellar, or a Destination Dining experience by the beach, turning the sand into your very own cinema theatre.
The chefs’ creativity and passion for fresh ingredients make Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi a gastronomic destination like no other, where culinary innovation meets excellence.