Renowned British culinary maestro Tom Aikens is set to headline the 2025 festive season at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, delivering an extraordinary gastronomic experience that blends world-class cuisine with the pristine beauty of the Indian Ocean. From 26 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, the two-Michelin-starred chef will bring his refined European techniques and passion for seasonal ingredients to the resort’s exclusive dining venues, promising an unforgettable culinary journey for guests from around the world.
The InterContinental Maldives, celebrated for its opulence and attention to detail, continues to enhance its reputation as a premier destination for luxury travellers. With this special collaboration, the resort adds a distinguished name to its portfolio of celebrated culinary events. Aikens, known for his sophisticated, ingredient-led approach to fine dining, will lead a series of curated events and experiences during his residency.
Central to the culinary showcase is The Lighthouse, the resort’s elegant overwater restaurant. On 28 and 29 December, Aikens will personally present a specially crafted tasting menu that reflects his signature modern European style and seasonal sensibilities. This intimate fine-dining experience will feature artfully plated dishes, prepared using premium ingredients and elevated with precision and creativity.
Guests seeking a more interactive experience can join the celebrated chef on 29 December at The Collective for a hands-on cooking class. In this exclusive session, Aikens will guide participants through professional culinary techniques and preparation methods, offering insight into the creativity behind his signature plates.
To ring in the New Year in remarkable fashion, a private yacht dining experience will be available on 1 January 2026 for two lucky guests. This intimate dinner, hosted by Aikens on the resort’s luxurious private yacht, will feature a bespoke menu served under the stars, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate in style on the tranquil waters of the Maldives.
For returning guests and those eager to savour more of Aikens’ culinary repertoire, a brand-new tasting menu will be introduced on 2 and 3 January at The Lighthouse, ensuring fresh experiences throughout the residency. The festivities will culminate on 6 January with a vibrant island-style buffet dinner at Café Umi. Live cooking stations will showcase a variety of global flavours, including a featured dish created and presented by Aikens himself to commemorate the closing of this exceptional culinary series.
Speaking on the upcoming residency, Tom Aikens expressed his excitement: “I am thrilled to be partnering with InterContinental Maldives for what promises to be one of my most exciting collaborations to date. It’s so important to me that both the staff and guests receive just as much out of this experience as I will. I’m looking forward to working with the talented team there, teaching them new techniques and sharing my preparation methods.”
“Cooking and working in such a breathtaking, idyllic Maldivian setting is always going to be an incredible experience, and I have no doubt this will be an unforgettable trip,” he added.
As one of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs, Tom Aikens brings decades of experience to the kitchen, with accolades including Michelin stars earned at an impressively young age. His involvement at InterContinental Maldives this festive season highlights the resort’s continued dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences through high-calibre collaborations.
This exclusive culinary programme is available to all guests booking during the festive period. With its seamless fusion of luxurious hospitality and world-class cuisine, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites visitors from across the globe to savour an extraordinary celebration of taste and tradition in one of the world’s most picturesque destinations.
For those seeking an indulgent escape this holiday season, the InterContinental Maldives offers more than just paradise , it offers a flavourful journey crafted by one of the world’s most respected chefs.
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