Vakkaru Maldives to Host Exclusive Dinner with Michelin Star Chef & famed Banfi Winery

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Michelin Star Chef at Vakkaru Maldives

18 October, 2022

Vakkaru Maldives is excited to bring a slice of Tuscany to the island paradise this January with an ultra-exclusive wine dinner on 22 January 2023, in collaboration with the famed Banfi winery, one Michelin star Chef Domenico Francone, and Di-vine Cellars Maldives

The one-night-only dinner at Isoletta beach, will see Chef Domenico create a five-course dinner showcasing the best of Italian flavours paired with a curated selection of wines from the Banfi portfolio.

Banfi was founded in 1978 by Italian-American brothers John and Harry Mariani. Over the past 40 years, Banfi has built a successful and notable history through four key pillars – pioneering, research, innovation, and sustainability – that have helped shape the company’s story and contributed to its success. The Banfi is arguably the most famous of the brand’s Italian wineries. Located just outside the hilltop village of Montalcino, in one of the world’s most famous wine-producing regions, Tuscany, it produces world-class Brunello’s, Rosso’s and Super Tuscans. Banfi also operates other estates throughout Tuscany and Piedmont, producing various red, white, and rose wines.

The centrepiece of their extensive vineyards in Tuscany is the stunning, walled and turreted 13th-century castle, Castello Poggio Alle Mura. It houses a hotel, a glass museum, the Enoteca, and two restaurants, including the one Michelin star, La Sala dei Grappoli -- Chef Domenico Francone’s domain.

Originally from Puglia, Chef Domenico Francone grew up in a family with a strong culinary tradition. After graduating from the IPSAR Antonio Turi in Matera, he gained experience in several prestigious Italian and international restaurants, including at German super chef Heinz Beck’s starred restaurant in London, Apsleys. On his return to Italy, he was offered the executive chef post of La Taverna, Castello Banfi’s other restaurant. He then headed the opening of La Sala dei Grappoli, serving a seasonal menu of traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist that won the restaurant its first Michelin Star in 2020.

La Taverna, Castello Banfi

Chef Domenico will bring his culinary expertise and authentic Tuscan flavours to Vakkaru and create an unforgettable dining experience for guests. “I am amazed by the natural beauty of Vakkaru island and all the wonderful experiences it offers. I look forward to enjoying them when I am on the island,” he says.

“I am thrilled to bring the authentic flavours of Tuscany to Vakkaru and to share my passion for Italian cuisine with the guests,” says Chef Domenico. “The combination of my signature dishes such as the ‘Tortelli like Eggplant Parmigiana’ and the ‘Tenderloin, artichoke, vegetables caponata and Brunello di Montalcino Jus’, and the exceptional wines from Banfi will create a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Speaking about the upcoming dinner, Iain McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives, says, “We are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience at Vakkaru and give them elevated culinary offerings. Thanks to Di-vine Cellars, this collaboration with Chef Domenico and Banfi allows us to do just that. We can’t wait for our guests to experience the authentic Italian taste and exceptional wines at Isoletta.”

Vakkaru Maldives: water villas with pool

About Vakkaru Maldives:
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its spectacular sea life, Vakkaru Maldives is a timeless sanctuary recently named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort in the World Travel Awards. An awe-inspiring 30-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island, shaded by coconut palms and blessed with calming ocean views and powder-soft white-sand beaches. Here 113 beautifully appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect their surroundings, while exceptional dining experiences and amenities await. Among our industry-leading offerings is overwater Merana Spa, complete with an Ayurveda practice and a regular host to residencies by the world's most inspiring wellness practitioners. Children and teens are generously catered for in the Parrotfish Club and Coconut Club respectively, while guests of all ages can play against world-famous pros through a best-in-class coaching partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis. Threading all those services and facilities together, our unique hospitality concept Vakkare places a sincere, proactive commitment to care at the core of all we do.

Stay a minimum of six nights at Vakkaru during Oliver Steeds’ residency. Prices start from US$1,185++ per night in an Overwater Villa, inclusive of breakfast and dinner, plus complimentary stay and meals for up to two children under 12 years old. For more information visit www.vakkarumaldives.com.

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Best Experience:  Couples, Families, Water Villas, Service, Beaches, Swimming with Mantas

Vakkaru Maldives is a brand new luxury resort located within the crystal clear waters of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll. Vakkaru is a lovely island combined with a real Maldivian atmosphere and offers many high-end options in a comfy ambiance.

Surrounded by lush, vegetation, beautiful beach and stunning lagoon, the 5-star resort offers an extensive selection of luxury accommodation, with 125 beach and overwater villas and suites catering for couples and families alike, all come with butler service. A great choice of indulgent dining choices allow guests to enjoy flavours from Europe to Asia in four restaurants and two bars, all offering a delicious culinary experience and an amazing, talented, professional team of friendly staff. With an array of energetic or relaxing indulgent activities in and around this Maldives resort, it’s an ideal place for both couples (romantic and idyllic with an adult-only area ) and as well families (kids club, family villas beach & overwater and nanny service). The island, with its pearl shores and ambundant marine life is just a 25-minute seaplane ride from Malé Airport.

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