Chef Fabrizio Zanetti’ Exclusive Culinary Residency at Kandolhu Maldives

20 January 2026

When the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps meet the turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean, it’s a culinary event you won’t want to miss. Kandolhu Maldives is bringing one of Switzerland’s most celebrated culinary artists to paradise. The resort has announced an exclusive residency with Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti, the mastermind behind the kitchens of the legendary Suvretta House in St. Moritz, for a series of unforgettable dining experiences this October.

Meet Chef Fabrizio Zanetti: From the Alps to the Indian Ocean

Chef Fabrizio Zanetti isn’t just a chef—he’s a product of his stunning alpine home. A native of St. Moritz, he is a true “local boy” who grew up in the Engadin valley and began his journey with an apprenticeship at the iconic Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. After refining his skills at Michelin-starred establishments, including Baur au Lac in Zurich and the Savoy Grill in London under the legendary Gordon Ramsay, Zanetti embarked on an international career that saw him lead kitchens across the globe.

But it was the call of home that brought him back to lead the Suvretta House, where he has been the Executive Chef for over a decade. Today, he is recognized as one of Switzerland's finest hotel chefs, having been honored with an exceptional 17 points in the prestigious Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the esteemed Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named the Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.

A Hands-On Chef with a Global Palate

What sets Chef Zanetti apart is his philosophy. He is a “hands-on chef” who refuses to be confined to an office. Instead, he can be found in the kitchen, portioning fish, preparing poultry, and personally jumping in when things get busy. His cooking style is a reflection of his life's journey—a harmonious blend of classical French technique, the hearty soul of Swiss and German cuisine, and the delicate, aromatic influence of his time in Asia. As he puts it, "Cooking is not just a passion for me, it's my life".

The Culinary Events: An Exclusive Gastronomic Journey

Kandolhu’s collaboration with Chef Zanetti promises an intimate and exclusive journey through his culinary artistry, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean. The program will unfold over three exclusive events in October:

🍽️ A Curated Light Lunch at The Market

• Date: Wednesday, 14 October

• Venue: The Market

• Experience: A relaxed yet refined three-course à la carte lunch that offers a perfect introduction to Chef Zanetti's vibrant and balanced cuisine.

🍽️ An Intimate Four-Course Dinner at Olive

• Date: Saturday, 17 October

• Venue: Olive Restaurant

• Experience: The main event! The evening begins with a personal meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti himself before guests are seated for an unforgettable four-course dinner in the resort’s stunning Mediterranean restaurant.

🍽️ A Grand Five-Course Wine and Dine at Olive

• Date: Wednesday, 21 October

• Venue: Olive Restaurant

• Experience: The pinnacle of the collaboration. This exclusive five-course Wine and Dine event includes a personal introduction from the chef, with each course masterfully paired with fine wines.

Important to Know: The evening events at Olive are designed to be incredibly intimate and personal, limited to just 22 guests each. This ensures a front-row seat to Chef Zanetti’s culinary performance, all while enjoying panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.

Kandolhu Maldives: A Sanctuary for Food Lovers

Kandolhu Maldives is renowned for its gastronomy, which is fitting for a resort that offers five exceptional restaurants despite having only 30 villas. From the Mediterranean flavors at Olive to the Japanese artistry at Banzai, the resort is a culinary destination in its own right. This exclusive residency with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti, following a season of other high-profile culinary collaborations, further cements Kandolhu's reputation as a premier choice for discerning food lovers visiting the Maldives.

Plan Your Culinary Escape

This is a rare opportunity to witness the genius of a Swiss culinary maestro in a Maldivian paradise. Whether you are a dedicated gourmand or simply looking to elevate your luxury escape, Chef Fabrizio Zanetti's residency is an experience not to be missed. With spaces strictly limited to 22 guests, early reservations are essential.

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✨ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is Chef Fabrizio Zanetti?
Chef Fabrizio Zanetti is the Executive Chef of the legendary Suvretta House in St. Moritz, Switzerland. He is a celebrated culinary artist with an impressive 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the recipient of the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. He is known for his “hands-on” approach and his unique ability to blend classical French techniques with Swiss, German, and Asian influences.

Q2: When will Chef Fabrizio Zanetti be at Kandolhu Maldives?
Chef Zanetti will be at Kandolhu for a series of exclusive dining events taking place in October. The events are scheduled for Wednesday, 14 October (lunch), Saturday, 17 October (dinner), and Wednesday, 21 October (Wine and Dine dinner).

Q3: How can I book a table for one of Chef Zanetti’s events?
As the dinner events are incredibly intimate and limited to just 22 guests each, you are strongly encouraged to contact the resort directly or your travel advisor as soon as possible to secure your place.

Q4: What kind of cuisine does Chef Zanetti specialize in?
His culinary style is a sophisticated fusion, grounded in classical French and Swiss traditions, enriched by international influences from his global career, particularly from his time in Asia. His dishes are known for being fresh, well-balanced, and satisfying without being heavy.

Q5: What other dining options are available at Kandolhu Maldives?
Kandolhu is a true culinary paradise. It boasts five distinct gourmet restaurants: The Market (international), Olive (Mediterranean), Sea Grill (seafood), Banzai (Japanese), and Ata Roa (Latin American fusion). In addition, the resort offers romantic private dining experiences on the beach, on a moonlit jetty, or in your villa.

BOOK NOW

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