Anantara Veli Showcases Female Culinary Talent in Fourth Guest Chef Series

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort has launched the fourth edition of its Michelin Star Guest Chef Series, placing a spotlight on female culinary talent through an all-women lineup of internationally acclaimed chefs, as the resort continues to expand its experiential dining offering.

The adult-only resort confirmed that the 2026 edition of the series features chefs from diverse global culinary traditions, bringing Michelin-starred expertise and contemporary gastronomy to the Maldives through a series of exclusive residencies. The initiative is positioned as both a culinary programme and a platform to elevate the presence of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The series commenced in January with Chef Caterina Ceraudo, whose cuisine draws on Southern Italian heritage, followed by Chef Gabriela Chamorro in February, who introduced a modern, flavour-driven approach influenced by Dubai’s dining scene.

Upcoming residencies will feature Chef Kelly Rangama, known for integrating Creole influences into refined French cuisine, and Chef Emily Roux, whose work reflects a legacy of French culinary tradition through her London-based restaurant. Chef Nao Motohashi will also join the programme, bringing a Japanese approach centred on seasonal ingredients and precision techniques.

The guest chef lineup has been expanded beyond Michelin-starred names to include emerging culinary figures such as Chef Iris Jordan Martin, recipient of the 2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, alongside Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger and Chef Niyati Rao, reflecting a broader effort to diversify the programme’s culinary perspectives.

According to the resort’s Culinary Director, Chef Francis Purification, the decision to feature an all-female lineup reflects a deliberate move to recognise underrepresented talent in the global culinary industry while creating learning opportunities for the in-house team. He noted that each residency incorporates collaborative dinners, cooking classes and interactive dining formats designed to engage guests beyond traditional restaurant experiences.

The series forms part of a wider strategy among luxury resorts in the Maldives to enhance destination appeal through curated experiences, particularly in high-value segments such as gastronomy. With global chefs contributing to short-term residencies, resorts are increasingly leveraging culinary tourism to differentiate their offerings and attract repeat and high-spending visitors.

By continuing the guest chef series into its fourth year with a focused thematic approach, Anantara Veli is positioning itself within a competitive hospitality landscape that increasingly prioritises experiential travel and specialised programming.