Patina Maldives Appoints Beñat Alonso as New Director of Culinary

05 August, 2025

Fari Islands, Maldives – In a strategic move poised to redefine luxury dining in the Indian Ocean, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, has appointed Beñat Alonso as its new Director of Culinary. With over 20 years of global expertise—including Michelin-starred kitchens and pre-opening roles at icons like Raffles Europejski Warsaw and Four Seasons Egypt—Alonso now leads the resort’s ambitious culinary landscape

A Visionary Chef for an Unprecedented Culinary Canvas

Alonso’s Basque heritage underpins his philosophy: quality ingredients, reverence for nature, and technical precision. Trained under legends like Martín Berasategui and seasoned at temples of gastronomy such as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (UK) and Pierre Koffmann (Australia), his career spans continents, cultures, and culinary innovations.

At Patina Maldives, he orchestrates:

• 13 distinct dining concepts, from Japanese-Nordic fusion at KOEN to plant-forward artistry at ROOTS and sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors at Helios.

• In-villa dining and sustainable farming initiatives, including the resort’s organic garden that supplies seasonal menus.

Sustainability: The Heart of the Culinary Journey

Alonso’s appointment amplifies Patina’s commitment to “perpetuality”—a term coined by the resort for its forward-thinking sustainability ethos. His approach mirrors this vision:

“Sustainability, ingredients, flavors—all go hand in hand. We’re crafting experiences rooted in nature and shaped by our surroundings.”.

Key initiatives under his leadership include:

• Zero-waste kitchens and hyper-local sourcing from the island’s gardens.

• Partnerships with marine conservation projects (like the Olive Ridley Project’s hawksbill turtle research).

Patina Maldives’ Sustainability Milestones Under Alonso

Why This Appointment Matters for Maldives Tourism

Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, notes:

“Beñat’s passion and respect for the environment make him ideal to lead our culinary program. He will elevate conscious dining in the Maldives.”.

Alonso’s hire signals Patina’s ambition to lead the luxury segment through:

1. Culturally Diverse Menus: Blending Basque rigor with Maldivian ingredients.

2. Experiential Dining: From beachside bites to immersive tasting journeys.

3. Global Recognition: Leveraging Alonso’s Michelin pedigree to attract gourmet travelers.

Experience Alonso’s Culinary World

Guests can anticipate:

• KOEN: Nordic minimalism meets Japanese omakase traditions.

• ROOTS: Vegetable-centric dishes from the garden to plate.

• Helios: Coastal Mediterranean sharing plates by the ocean.

Signature Dining Venues at Patina Maldives

The Future of Food at Patina

With Alonso at the helm, Patina Maldives cements its status as a culinary destination—one where luxury and responsibility coexist. As the Maldives sees record tourism growth (1.29 million arrivals by July 2025), Alonso’s leadership positions Patina at the vanguard of gastronomic innovation.

Plan Your Visit
Experience Alonso’s debut menus at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. Learn more: Patina Maldives Official Site follow link below.

BOOK NOW

---

“The ocean, the soil, the climate—they whisper to us. Our role is to listen, then create.”
— Beñat Alonso, Director of Culinary, Patina Maldives 

Related stories

• Fari Islands Festival 2025: Full Programme, Dates & Headliners
• Patina vs Ritz-Carlton Maldives: The Ultimate Luxury Showdown in the Fari Islands
• Ultimate Fari Islands Maldives Guide: Luxury Resorts, Activities & Tips
• The Ultimate Maldives Restaurants Guide
• Where to Find the New Cuisine in Maldives
• The Most Luxurious Hotels near Male