Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is gearing up for a delicious few months ahead, with the launch of its Culinary Season dining programme. The luxurious resort is upping its gastronomic game by welcoming a roster of Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning trendsetters, baristas and mixologists from the world’s top F&B venues for the rest of this year.

Big names on the calendar for Culinary Season 2022 include Rafael Gomes from Itacoa in Paris, Benjamin Padrón from Licorería Limantour in Mexico City, Illy Master Barista Fabrizio Aquè, and French-Japanese fusion chef Walter Ishizuka. 

Kicking things off is Brazilian chef Rafael Gomes – known for generous, refined and nourishing cuisine. He will be at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa from 3-6 May, where he’s hosting two multi-course dinners, a beach barbecue and an exclusive dining experience at the resort’s private island, Bodu Finolhu. 

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Legendary bartender Benjamin Padrón successful innovations and entrepreneurship have gained Licorería Limantour a reputation for being one of the best bars in the world. Visiting between 12-14 May, Benjamin will craft his signature mixes by the beach and pair his creations at exclusive dinners and set to make Bodu Island the best bar in the world for one spectacular evening. 

The month of June will be dedicated to coffee, with Fabrizio Aquè visiting the resort from 6-10 of the month. Aquè is an illy Master Barista who graduated from illy’s own Università del Caffè (University of Coffee) and is responsible for training baristas within the Asia Pacific region. During his time at the resort, guests will be able to learn to brew their own coffee like professionals, or simply enjoy the best of his signature drinks. 

Chef Walter Ishizuka, who hails from the gastronomic city of Lyon in France, has built a reputation working for some of the best restaurants in Paris. He is set to take over the kitchen of the resort’s signature Japanese-French fusion restaurant Tabemasu in a series of Omakase dinners between 11-13 July.