JA Manafaru Maldives 2026 Culinary Artist Series: Visiting Chefs & Winemaker

05 February, 2026

JA Manafaru, the luxurious Maldivian resort in the Haa Alif Atoll, is elevating its gourmet offerings with an exclusive series of visiting culinary artist experiences between February and March 2026. This curated programme brings world-renowned chefs, a celebrated mixologist, and an acclaimed winemaker to the island for limited-run, immersive dining and beverage events. It reflects the resort’s deep commitment to creating meaningful, experience-led moments where guests engage directly with the masters behind the craft.

A Commitment to Curated Culinary Storytelling

At JA Manafaru, dining is more than a meal—it's a journey. This new series transforms the resort’s intimate dining venues into global stages for craftsmanship, storytelling, and technique. Each residency is designed to transport guests through flavour, offering unique access to the personalities and passions defining today’s international food and beverage scene.

Featured 2026 Culinary Artist Residencies:

1. The Allochis Brothers: Piedmont on the Indian Ocean

• Dates: 15th – 18th February 2026

• Highlight: Founders of the acclaimed Piedmontese restaurant Il Vigneto di Roddi, brothers Manolo and Rossano Allochis bring their refined Northern Italian cuisine to the Maldives. Their residency features multi-course menus rooted in regional tradition, offering a heartfelt taste of Italy’s famed culinary heritage within an idyllic island setting.

2. Juan Lagos: World-Class Mixology & Narrative Cocktails

• Dates: 23rd – 28th February 2026

• Highlight: As Head Mixologist at Mandarin Oriental Macau and a World Class Asia finalist, Juan Lagos combines scientific precision with storytelling. Guests can enjoy masterclasses, sunset cocktail sessions, and bespoke creations that blend classic foundations with Latin American warmth and Asian influences for truly expressive drinking experiences.

3. Illaria Felluga: A Sixth-Generation Winemaker’ Dinner

• Date: 2nd March 2026

• Highlight: Hosted in The Cellar, JA Manafaru’s underground wine sanctuary, this intimate evening features Forbes-recognised winemaker Illaria Felluga of Marco Felluga. She will guide a curated wine pairing dinner, showcasing Cantine Felluga wines alongside a bespoke menu while sharing insights into Friulian terroir, sustainability, and her family’s storied legacy.

Why Book a JA Manafaru Culinary Experience?

This series is a quintessential addition to any luxury Maldives holiday, offering:

• Direct Access: Unprecedented interaction with internationally celebrated culinary artists.

• Limited Availability: Exclusive events with limited seating, ensuring an intimate atmosphere.

• Global Flavours, Island Setting: World-class craftsmanship framed by the resort’s breathtaking Maldivian vistas and impeccable hospitality.

These visits are just the beginning. JA Manafaru will welcome additional visiting chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists throughout the year, continually enriching its evolving Maldives culinary calendar.

BOOK NOW

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