JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa will welcome Michelin-starred and Green Michelin-starred Chef Rico Birndt for an exclusive culinary residency that brings the refined character of the Bavarian Alps to the pristine surroundings of the Shaviyani Atoll. Scheduled for October 24, 2026, the one-night dining experience, titled “Savour the Moment,” will introduce Chef Birndt’s acclaimed, environmentally conscious culinary philosophy to the Maldives for the first time.
Chef Birndt is the visionary behind Restaurant June, an acclaimed dining destination near Lake Chiemsee in Germany. He is recognised for contemporary cuisine that remains deeply connected to regional produce, seasonal cycles and the natural environment. His achievements include both a Michelin Star for culinary excellence and a Green Michelin Star for his commitment to responsible and sustainable gastronomy.
His culinary approach is defined by patience, precision and careful attention to the full potential of every ingredient. Fermentation, ageing and traditional preservation techniques play an important role in his kitchen, where herbs and vegetables grown on the restaurant’s terrace are transformed through house-made miso, shoyu and other carefully developed preparations. His zero-waste philosophy and respect for seasonal produce have established Restaurant June as a distinctive destination for guests seeking thoughtful and ingredient-led dining.
The collaboration closely reflects the culinary and sustainability values of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. The resort’s JW Garden serves as a signature sanctuary where tropical herbs, vegetables, edible flowers and other fresh ingredients are cultivated close to the kitchens. Produce harvested from the garden is incorporated into dining experiences across the resort, supporting a closer connection between the natural environment and the dishes served to guests.
By bringing together Chef Birndt’s alpine-inspired craftsmanship and the resort’s island-grown ingredients, the residency will celebrate a shared dedication to conscious luxury, responsible sourcing and creative gastronomy. The collaboration is expected to combine the clarity and refinement of European culinary traditions with the vibrant produce and flavours of the Indian Ocean.
Guests will be invited to experience an exclusive six-course set menu at Kaashi Restaurant on October 24. Elevated above the island’s lush tropical canopy, Kaashi offers an atmospheric treetop dining environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the resort. The distinctive venue will provide an intimate setting for Chef Birndt to present a carefully composed menu that brings together locally sourced ingredients, tropical produce and his precise, ingredient-focused culinary techniques.
Throughout the evening, Chef Birndt will personally guide guests through the inspiration and preparation behind each course. The experience will include live culinary storytelling, offering diners an opportunity to understand the origin of the ingredients, the techniques applied and the sustainability principles shaping each creation. The interactive format is designed to provide a deeper appreciation of the relationship between nature, craftsmanship and contemporary fine dining.
Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the opportunity to bid for an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments package featuring a Two-Night Culinary Experience with Chef Rico Birndt and a Four-Night Stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. The experience, scheduled from October 21 to 26, 2026, will be available to the successful bidder and one guest.
The immersive culinary journey will begin with an interactive Garden-to-Table cooking class using fresh ingredients cultivated at the resort. This will be followed by an intimate lunch during which Chef Birndt will share the stories, inspiration and philosophy behind his signature creations. The programme will allow participants to engage directly with the chef while discovering how garden-grown ingredients can be transformed through thoughtful preparation and innovative culinary techniques.
A central highlight of the Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience will be an exclusive 10-course dinner personally presented by Chef Birndt at RIHA on October 23. Meaning “curry” in Dhivehi, RIHA is the resort’s intimate open-air destination dining concept, where Maldivian culinary heritage is interpreted through contemporary techniques and artistic presentation. Located in a secluded beachfront setting, the venue offers an immersive dining experience accompanied by the natural sounds and scenery of the island.
The package will also include two nights in an Overwater Pool Villa and two nights in a Beach Pool Villa, allowing guests to experience two of the resort’s signature accommodation settings. The spacious villas are designed to provide privacy, comfort and uninterrupted access to the surrounding tropical environment, with private pools and carefully considered indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Guests will receive daily breakfast at Aailaa, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, as well as a 50-minute Aromatherapy Ritual at Spa by JW. Shared seaplane transfers between Velana International Airport and the resort will also be included, creating a complete island journey combining culinary discovery, relaxation and luxury accommodation.
“I am incredibly excited to bring the culinary philosophy of Restaurant June to the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa,” Chef Rico Birndt said. “Modern luxury lies in authenticity and a true connection to the land. Bringing our approach to fermentation and garden sourcing to an environment as beautiful as the island allows us to create imaginative creations infused with local ingredients, crafted to surprise and delight our guests.”
Mohit Dembla, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, said the partnership reflects the resort’s commitment to responsible luxury and exceptional culinary experiences.
“This collaboration with Chef Rico Birndt reflects our deep commitment to mindful luxury, holistic well-being and culinary excellence,” Dembla said. “We are thrilled to invite our guests to be wholly present for this journey, to connect with the story behind each ingredient, and to experience the thoughtful, sustainable hospitality that defines the JW Marriott brand.”
Located in the tranquil Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a multigenerational island sanctuary designed to offer privacy, comfort and meaningful experiences for couples, families and groups. Surrounded by clear lagoons, white-sand beaches and tropical vegetation, the resort combines contemporary accommodation with personalised service and a diverse collection of dining, leisure and wellness experiences.
The resort’s villas, restaurants and recreational spaces have been thoughtfully positioned to complement the island’s natural setting. Its culinary programme ranges from relaxed beachfront dining to intimate destination experiences, supported by fresh produce from the JW Garden and a commitment to attentive hospitality. Curated activities and personalised services further allow guests of different generations to enjoy the island at their own pace.
The residency with Chef Rico Birndt will add another distinctive experience to the resort’s international culinary calendar, offering global travellers an opportunity to discover Michelin-recognised cuisine within one of the Maldives’ most peaceful island settings. Through the combination of sustainable gastronomy, local ingredients and personalised storytelling, the event will showcase JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa as a destination where culinary creativity, natural beauty and refined island hospitality come together.
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