A new culinary chapter is set to enrich the Maldivian tourism experience this September, as COLOURS OF OBLU, part of the prestigious Atmosphere Core hospitality group, welcomes celebrated Italian pizza maestro Chef Marco Piccini for a limited-time gastronomic showcase. Known for its vibrant brand DNA centred on exceptional guest experiences, COLOURS OF OBLU’s portfolio of four island resorts blends world-class hospitality, breathtaking natural surroundings, and innovative dining concepts. This latest initiative reinforces the group’s commitment to offering guests more than just a holiday, it’s an immersive journey of indulgence, entertainment, and cultural exchange.
From 22 September to 3 October 2025, Chef Marco will bring his signature blend of culinary artistry, Italian heritage, and live performance to the Maldives for the very first time. His visit will see a whirlwind tour across North Malé Atoll, beginning at OBLU NATURE Helengeli, followed by OBLU SELECT Sangeli, and culminating at the adults-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili. Guests can look forward to an exclusive series of pop-up pizza dining experiences, a specially curated Chef’s Menu, and interactive culinary sessions, all set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ turquoise lagoons and white sandy beaches.
Chef Marco, CEO of Mako Pizza, is far more than a master pizzaiolo he is an artisan storyteller. Specialising in live show cooking and exclusive event catering, his creations are distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, from the use of premium flours and organic dough to long fermentation techniques that ensure depth of flavour and perfect texture. Each dining experience he curates becomes a sensory performance, weaving together taste, artistry, and the cultural narrative of Italy’s most beloved dish.
Raised in Sovigliana-Vinci with roots in Grosseto and Empoli, Chef Marco’s culinary passion was nurtured by his mother, Mara. He honed his skills at the Enriques Institute in Castelfiorentino, gaining invaluable experience in esteemed Italian kitchens including Borgo Allegro, Castelfalfi Resort, and Milan’s Michelin-starred JOIA. In 2019, his partnership with acclaimed chef Fabrizio Marino — who also collaborates with Atmosphere Core led to the creation of Pizza Del Popolo, San Miniato’s first vegetarian bakery-pizzeria. This establishment is celebrated for its dedication to organic, locally sourced ingredients and authentic regional flavours, a philosophy that continues to define Marco’s craft.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Anupam Banerjee, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, remarked:
“Our mission has always been to deliver artisanal culinary experiences that are as entertaining as they are flavourful. What sets Chef Marco apart is his uncompromising dedication to ingredient quality and his deep respect for the origins of every recipe. Guests will not only taste exceptional pizza but also understand the craftsmanship behind it, starting with the dough.”
During his Maldives residency, Chef Marco will collaborate closely with the resorts’ culinary teams, offering hands-on training in traditional pizza-making techniques. Guests will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves in interactive workshops, learning to prepare and bake their own pizzas from scratch under his expert guidance.
For Chef Marco, this visit is both a professional milestone and a creative exploration:
“Pizza, for me, is a passion from the soul, an art form that goes far beyond the kitchen. Having showcased my craft across Europe, bringing this experience to the Maldives offers a unique fusion of cultures. I look forward to exchanging culinary ideas with local chefs, discovering Maldivian flavours, and sharing my expertise with guests in such an extraordinary setting.”
The collaboration between Atmosphere Core and Chef Marco is yet another example of the Maldives’ ability to merge luxury tourism with rich cultural and gastronomic encounters. For travellers seeking not just a vacation but an experience that engages the senses and creates lasting memories, COLOURS OF OBLU’s upcoming culinary series promises to be a highlight of the season.
Visitors staying at the participating resorts between late September and early October can look forward to an unforgettable blend of Maldivian paradise and authentic Italian culinary mastery, a pairing as perfect as a crisp pizza crust and fresh mozzarella.
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