Michelin-Starred Chef Rico Birndt to Lead Exclusive Culinary Residency at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

21 July, 2026

For travelers who demand the very best in both gastronomy and luxury hospitality, October 2026 marks a date worth circling. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has announced that Michelin-starred Chef Rico Birndt will lead an exclusive culinary residency at the resort on October 24, 2026. This marks the first time the acclaimed German chef will bring his award-winning, eco-conscious culinary artistry to the Maldives—a journey that bridges 8,000 kilometers between the Bavarian Alps and the turquoise lagoons of the Shaviyani Atoll.

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Who Is Rico Birndt? From Munich to Lake Chiemsee

Rico Birndt is one of the most exciting names in contemporary German fine dining. He first rose to prominence as Executive Chef at Mural Farmhouse in Munich, where he earned a Michelin star within just seven months of opening—a remarkable achievement that signaled the arrival of a major talent.

In spring 2024, Birndt took the leap into independence, opening his own restaurant, June, on the shores of Lake Chiemsee in Übersee, Bavaria. Housed in a former boathouse, June offers an intimate dining experience with just eight- or twelve-course surprise menus. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star within months of opening—cementing Birndt's reputation as one of Germany's most gifted chefs.

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Two Stars, One Philosophy: Michelin Star + Green Michelin Star

What sets Rico Birndt apart is his rare distinction of holding both a Michelin Star (for culinary excellence) and a Green Michelin Star (for outstanding commitment to sustainability). He is among a select group of chefs worldwide who have achieved this double honor.

His culinary philosophy is rooted in deep respect for seasonal cycles and zero-waste gastronomy. In his kitchen, patience, fermentation, and meticulous craftsmanship are paramount. Herbs and vegetables grow directly on the restaurant's terrace, developing extraordinary depth and complexity through house-made miso, shoyu, and aging techniques. Vegetables are placed at the heart of the meal—not as accompaniments, but as the stars.

"True luxury is created through time, attention, and authenticity".

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Two Gardens, One Philosophy: A Meeting of Minds

At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, Birndt's philosophy finds a perfect counterpart in the resort's JW Garden—a signature sanctuary where fresh produce, edible flowers, and tropical herbs are harvested just steps from the kitchen. Currently, the garden cultivates 10 herbs, 25 vegetables, and 5 fruits, with plans to expand further.

This is more than a symbolic connection. Two gardens—one on the shores of Lake Chiemsee, one in the heart of the Shaviyani Atoll—share a common dedication to conscious luxury. The residency celebrates a shared commitment to responsible sourcing, creative gastronomy, and the belief that flavor begins not on the plate, but where ingredients grow.

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The Main Event: A Six-Course Dinner in the Treetops

The centerpiece of this culinary residency is an exclusive, one-night-only dining event at Kaashi Restaurant on October 24, 2026.

Kaashi is no ordinary restaurant. Set high above the island canopy, this breathtaking treetop venue offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Guests dine among the treetops, cooled by ocean breezes, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Chef Rico will personally orchestrate a special six-course set menu that marries the vibrant bounty of the Indian Ocean with his precise, ingredient-led alpine cuisine. Throughout the evening, he will engage in live culinary storytelling—personally guiding guests through the inspiration behind each creation while highlighting his eco-conscious sustainability practices and the mindful sourcing of every ingredient.

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The Ultimate Culinary Getaway: Marriott Bonvoy Moments

For those seeking an even deeper immersion, Marriott Bonvoy members can bid on an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments package:

• Two-Night Culinary Experience with Chef Rico Birndt

• Four-Night Stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

• Dates: October 21–26, 2026

The immersive journey includes:

• An interactive Garden to Table cooking class using fresh, estate-grown ingredients

• An intimate lunch where Chef Rico shares the stories and philosophy behind his signature dishes

• An exclusive 10-course wine-pairing dinner on October 23 at RIHA—the resort's intimate, open-air beachfront dining concept (RIHA means "curry" in Dhivehi)

• Two nights in a luxurious Overwater Pool Villa and two nights in a Beach Pool Villa

• Daily breakfast at Aailaa

• A rejuvenating 50-minute Aromatherapy Ritual at the Spa by JW

• Shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport

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A Taste of What Awaits

The menu will showcase the best of both worlds. Think freshly caught Maldivian lobster, trevally sashimi, grilled snapper, and creative dessert compositions—all elevated by fine fermentation notes and the precision of modern Michelin-starred cuisine. Each dish tells a story of origin, craftsmanship, and respect for nature.

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Why This Matters: The Rise of Conscious Luxury

This collaboration represents something larger than a single dining event. It signals a growing movement within luxury hospitality toward conscious, sustainable gastronomy.

In an era of fleeting food trends, both Chef Rico Birndt and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa stand for something more enduring: honest ingredients, sustainable enjoyment, and genuine hospitality. The residency is not about spectacle—it's about authentic flavor experiences that connect guests to the land (and sea) from which their food comes.

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Plan Your Journey

• Event Date: October 24, 2026

• Venue: Kaashi Treetop Restaurant, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

• Exclusive Package: Marriott Bonvoy Moments (October 21–26, 2026)

• Location: Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives

For those who believe that true luxury is measured not in extravagance but in time, attention, and authenticity, this is an experience not to be missed.

BOOK NOW

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