Anantara Veli Maldives Hosts All-Female Guest Chef Series

Culinary Experiences Led by Women Chefs from Around the World

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort has introduced the fourth edition of its Guest Chef Series, this year featuring an all-female lineup. Set within the lagoon surroundings of the Maldives, the series brings together chefs from different culinary backgrounds for a programme of curated dining experiences.

The initiative highlights diverse perspectives in global cuisine, with each chef presenting menus shaped by their regional influences, personal journeys and cooking styles.

The series began in January with Chef Caterina Ceraudo, whose cuisine reflects the traditions of Southern Italy through a contemporary approach. Her menus focused on regional ingredients and techniques, drawing from her Calabrian roots.

In February, Chef Gabriela Chamorro brought influences from Dubai’s dining scene, presenting dishes that combined bold flavours with modern presentation. One of the featured creations included a buñuelo with tuna tartare, guava jam and black garlic aioli, balancing contrasting elements in a composed dish.

Upcoming Chefs and Culinary Collaborations

The series will continue through the year with a range of chefs contributing their own culinary perspectives.

Chef Kelly Rangama, known for combining Creole influences with French cuisine, will present dishes inspired by her heritage, including her interpretation of rougail saucisse. Chef Emily Roux will also join the programme, offering French-inspired dishes that reflect her approach to seasonal ingredients and technique.

Chef Nao Motohashi of Restaurant JULIA will introduce elements of Japanese cuisine, focusing on balance, seasonality and presentation. Her menus will explore the relationship between flavour, texture and visual composition.

In addition to Michelin-recognized chefs, the series also features Chef Iris Jordan Martin from Spain, Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger from the UK, and Chef Niyati Rao from Mumbai, expanding the programme’s scope to include a broader range of culinary voices.

Each residency includes collaborative dinners with the Anantara Veli resort’s culinary team, cooking sessions, and hosted dining experiences designed to encourage interaction between chefs and guests.

Chef Francis Purification, Culinary Director at the Anantara Veli Resort, said the decision to feature an all-female lineup reflects an effort to highlight the work of women in the culinary field and create opportunities for exchange within the team.

The Anantara Veli Guest Chef Series continues to act as a platform for culinary exchange, bringing chefs and guests together through shared dining experiences in the Maldives.