Italian Pizza Maestro Chef Marco Piccini at COLOURS OF OBLU Resorts

23 April, 2025

Discover how Italy’s pizza heritage meets Maldivian luxury in this exclusive culinary collaboration.

Imagine the scent of slow-fermented dough crisping in a wood-fired oven, the azure Indian Ocean lapping at powdery white sands, and an Italian virtuoso transforming simple ingredients into edible masterpieces. This September, COLOURS OF OBLU resorts elevate their guest experiences by welcoming renowned pizza artisan Chef Marco Piccini for an unprecedented Maldives tour.

Why This Culinary Event Redefines Maldives Luxury

COLOURS OF OBLU – Atmosphere Core’s vibrant portfolio of Maldivian resorts – has built its reputation on blending playful energy with refined relaxation. Their latest partnership with Chef Marco Piccini (CEO of ‘Mako Pizza’) cements their status as innovators in destination dining. From September 22 to October 3, 2025, Chef Marco will embark on a whirlwind tour across three resorts:

• OBLU NATURE Helengeli (family-friendly island escape)

• OBLU SELECT Sangeli (vibrant all-island experience)

• OBLU SELECT Lobigili (romantic couples-only sanctuary)

Meet the Maestro: Chef Marco Piccini’s Journey

• Tuscan Roots: Raised in Sovigliana-Vinci, Marco inherited his passion from his mother Mara. His culinary training at Enriques Institute led to stints at Michelin-starred JOIA in Milan and the Castelfalfi resort.

• Philosophy: "Pizza is a passion from the soul – more culinary art form than practical process." He champions organic dough, 72-hour fermentation, and premium flours.

• Sustainability Pioneer: Co-founded Italy’s first vegetarian bakery-pizzeria, Pizza Del Popolo, dedicated to hyper-local, organic ingredients.

The Unforgettable Experiences Await You

1. Pop-Up Pizza Theatres

Witness Marco’s legendary "show cooking" where pizza-making becomes performance art. Savor creations like:

• Crunch + Cloud: Paper-thin Roman bases with airy cornicione

• Taste of Tuscany: Heritage tomato sauces and artisanal cheeses

• Maldives Fusion: Local seafood accents on Italian foundations

2. Hands-On Pizza Crafting

Join intimate workshops where Chef Marco personally guides you through:

• Dough hydration secrets for perfect texture

• The science of slow fermentation

• Wood-fired oven mastery at golden perfection

3. Chef’s Table Exclusives

Indulge in limited-seating gourmet dinners featuring Marco’s signature tasting menus beyond pizza – a journey through Italy’s lesser-known regional flavors.

Behind the Scenes: Elevating Resort Cuisine

Beyond guest experiences, Chef Marco will collaborate with resort culinary teams through:

• Masterclasses on authentic Neapolitan techniques

• Ingredient Sourcing Initiatives to enhance local supply chains

• Menu Co-Creation for lasting pizza legacies at resort restaurants
  "I’ll learn from island chefs too – their local cuisine insights will inspire my craft," Marco shares.

Why This Collaboration Matters

COLOURS OF OBLU’s VP of F&B, Anupam Banerjee, explains: "We seek artisanal experiences that entertain as much as they please the palate. Chef Marco’s obsession with ingredient origins – how flour terroir affects crumb structure, how fermentation tells time – transforms a simple meal into cultural storytelling". This event embodies the brand’s core ethos: fun, indulgence, and unforgettable moments are equally essential to paradise.

Planning Your Visit

• Dates: September 22 – October 3, 2025

• Resort Schedule:

  Resort	Dates	Atmosphere
  OBLU Helengeli	Sept 22-26	Nature-focused family escape
  OBLU Sangeli	Sept 27-30	Vibrant all-ages oasis
  OBLU Lobigili	Oct 1-3	Romantic adults-only sanctuary

  ---

• Booking Tip: Reserve pop-up dinners upon arrival – seating is extremely limited.

Beyond Pizza: The OBLU Experience

While Chef Marco headlines, remember these resorts offer:

• Helengeli: House reef snorkeling with resident turtles

• Sangeli: Overwater spa and lagoon pool parties

• Lobigili: Private overwater villas with direct ocean access

A Taste That Lingers

As Chef Marco notes: "The Maldives adds a new dimension to my events – where nature’s beauty heightens sensory pleasure." This collaboration goes beyond temporary pop-ups; it’s a cultural exchange where Italian culinary heritage meets Maldivian hospitality, leaving guests and chefs alike forever changed.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Related pages:

• Where to Find the New Cuisine in Maldives
• Gluten-Free Dining Guide: Constance Halaveli
• The Ultimate Maldives Dining Guide
• Hidden gem beach shack dining: Azure at Milaidhoo Maldives
• Unlock Maldives Luxury: The All-Inclusive Resorts Guide You Need
• Maldives Romantic getaways Every Food-Lover Needs to Visit
• Guide to Dining at Atmosphere Resorts