Cora Cora Maldives Appoints Umberto Piccolini as Culinary Director

04 May, 2021

Brand-new luxury resort, Cora Cora Maldives is set to be the hottest new opening in the destination in 2021.

Opening on October 1, in the Raa Atoll, it is delighted to announce the appointment of its new culinary director, Umberto Piccolini, who will oversee the entire food and beverage operation at the new resort.

Piccolini is of Italian descent, graduated from the San Pellegrino Hotel Management School in the North of Italy.

Upon graduating Umberto Piccolini developed his repertoire to provide an outstanding culinary experience and gained experience at The Ritz Carlton Sharm el Sheik, Dubai and Qatar and Anantara Thailand, Qatar and Sri Lanka. Umberto Piccolini has extensive Maldivian knowledge having worked at luxury brands such as Four Seasons Maldives, Anantara Maldives and most recently Crossroads Maldives.

With over 25 years’ experience in hotels and resorts across the globe and has gained an enviable reputation as an expert in the food and beverage sector. Umberto Piccolini is renowned for his professional culinary techniques, understanding of Maldivian cuisine and the creation of flavour combinations that impart original and innovative qualities to dishes. He will lead a team of over 80, including an Executive Sous Chef and will be responsible for the entire kitchen management including the sourcing of quality produce and will oversee the five exciting dining concepts:

Five dining venues will tantalize guests, tastebuds with cuisines around across the globe, including:

• Sufra – From a unique breakfast display to an a la carte and buffet is a tribute to different kitchens on the old spice route
• Ginger Moon® – An Asian Restaurant offering the flavors of Asia’s legendary markets
• Teien® – A Japanese Restaurant that combines Teppanyaki, Sushi and Kushiyaki.
• Acquapazza® – An Italian Restaurant & Beach Club lifestyle concept serving meals and drinks throughout the day
• My Coffee® – A 24-hour flow of craft coffees, Maldivian snacks, ice creams and drinks

Cora Cora Maldives’ General Manager, Martin Van Der Reijden enthuses: “The appointment of Umberto Piccolini as Culinary Director is a genuine synergy and in line with the ethos of Cora Cora Maldives. With his extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and worldwide wisdom and understanding of the luxury hotel sector, and extensive Maldivian experience Chef Umberto Piccolini will be a valuable asset to Cora Cora Maldives as we seek to find creative ways to offer our guests the best possible dining experiences, whilst catering for a variety of dietary requirements that embrace our wellness concept. We are looking forward to an exciting culinary journey ahead with Chef Umberto Piccolini at the helm.”

In his role as Culinary Director at Cora Cora Maldives, Chef Umberto Piccolini will preside over a dedicated and talented team and will be responsible for the overall food and beverage development. He will devise innovative drinks and menus that reflect the freedom and creativity of the new luxury resort. Cora Cora Maldives will offer a premium all-inclusive dining plan.