Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Appoints Rohit Pushpavanam as Executive Chef

05 November, 2022

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is delighted to welcome Rohit Pushpavanam, who helms the resort’s culinary team with exceptional skill and expertise honed through over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry spanning India, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Maldives.

Holding a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Mumbai, Rohit began his career in India. He then went on to work at various prestigious hotels, including One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives, Hilton Abu Dhabi and Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives, before joining Alila Diwa Goa, India, where he served as Executive Chef for five years.

Taking up the mantle of Executive Chef at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Rohit oversees all culinary activities at the island resort. No stranger to the Alila brand, he also continues to be guided by Alila’s core pillar of sustainability, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that, as much as possible, are sustainably grown or sourced. In addition, Rohit implements a zero-waste policy. For example, instead of buffet-style dining, daily rotating a la carte breakfast menus and set dinner menus allow guests to indulge in a variety of freshly cooked options while minimising the potential for waste.

Beyond dining and imbibing, guests also have the opportunity to learn about Maldivian cuisine and culture under the guidance of Chef Rohit in immersive Alila Experiences. In the Secrets of Maldivian Cuisine cooking class, guests can try their hand at making traditional Maldivian dishes like fish curry and Kopee Fai Mashuni, learning about the ingredients and preparation methods. Once finished, they can savour the sumptuous meal they have cooked overlooking the gentle waves.

Besides his passion for Indian and Asian cuisine, what keeps Chef Rohit motivated and feeling alive is the opportunity that each new day presents to create fresh gastronomic experiences and delight guests in unexpected ways. He is also mindful that guests are increasingly conscious of their health and diet, more careful of what they consume and where it is sourced, even more so following the pandemic. As such, Chef Rohit believes that being accommodative of guests’ dietary preferences is key in delivering a surprisingly different experience that embraces a healthier and more conscious lifestyle.

About Alila Kothaifaru Maldives:

Surrounded by a stunning house reef in the scenic Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers serenity and discovery in an awe-inspiring destination embraced by nature’s wonders. Enjoy easy access to the famous Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This protected marine sanctuary is the largest feeding and breeding hotspot in the world for manta rays and whale sharks, which at times congregate here in their hundreds. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is also close to Vaadhoo Island, one of the best spots to witness the spectacular “Sea of Stars” phenomenon, an extraordinary sight to behold.

Designed for serene relaxation in harmony with nature, each of the resort’s 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas comes with a private pool. Featuring contemporary interiors in a palette of soothing colours with natural textures, these spacious hideaways are carefully positioned to provide privacy and comfort in understated, sophisticated style.