As Veligandu Maldives Resort Island prepares for its grand reopening in November 2024, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the North Ari Atoll, Veligandu has long been a beloved destination for travelers, offering stunning natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and a legacy of outstanding hospitality. After a thoughtful renovation, the resort is ready to welcome guests back with enhanced offerings that honor its rich history while embracing modern luxury.
Chef Cristian Marino, the Culinary Consultant for Veligandu Maldives shares key insights into the resort’s revamped culinary offerings. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades across multiple continents, Cristian has brought his culinary expertise and creative vision to Veligandu Maldives crafting dining experiences that promise to be unforgettable. His career includes accolades such as ‘The Golden Q’ from Ospitalità Italiana and the ‘Silver Plate’ from the Accademia Italiana Della Cucina. Early in his career, Cristian traveled the world, honing his skills on Silversea Cruises, a six-star cruise line. Since then, his expertise has been sought after by prestigious hotels and restaurants worldwide, including roles as Executive Chef at Radisson Blu, InterContinental, Marriott, and Crown & Champa Resorts.
Dhonveli Restaurant, a beloved institution at Veligandu, has undergone a revitalization that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary culinary trends. While preserving its iconic status, the restaurant has embraced modern touches that align with the chef’s innovative approach. The buffet format has been elevated through themed nights, offering guests a global culinary adventure. This harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation ensures a diverse, satisfying, and delightful dining experience for all.
To enhance this journey, Chef has added a traditional tandoor oven from India and a custom-made pizza oven from Italy. The tandoor oven brings authentic Indian flavors to their buffet, while the pizza oven plays a central role during their Italian nights, offering guests a true taste of Italy. These ovens, along with their interactive live cooking stations, ensure that every dining experience is fresh, flavorful, and memorable.
Chef Cristian Marino says “One of the most memorable moments was testing our new pizza oven from Italy. The first crisp, airy pizza we pulled out brought me back to my childhood, learning the art of pizza-making from my father in Italy. That’s the connection I want our guests to feel at Dhonveli—like they’re experiencing a slice of Italy right here in the Maldives.”
“As we reopen the doors to Veligandu, I’m thrilled for guests to experience a resort that not only honors its rich history but also sets the stage for a future of unforgettable culinary adventures. As we embark on this new chapter, I am dedicated to ensuring that every culinary experience at Veligandu not only honors our rich heritage but also sets the stage for a future filled with innovation, excellence, and unforgettable memories”.
To further enhance the international breakfast experience, they have introduced a dedicated healthy corner with nutritious options like fresh fruit, smoothies, whole grain cereals, and other wholesome choices. Chef believes that a healthy start to the day can set the tone for the entire vacation, making it easy and enjoyable for guests to maintain their healthy routines while staying with us.
Dining at Veligandu is about more than just the food—it’s about creating unforgettable memories. We offer special dinner setups in breathtaking locations around the resort. Picture a private beach dinner with the waves gently lapping at the shore, or a serene evening under the stars in the lush tropical gardens. For an added touch of magic, they also offer full moonlit dinners, where guests can dine under the glow of the full moon, making the evening truly special. These experiences combine the natural beauty of the Maldives with exquisite cuisine, ensuring that every meal is as memorable as it is delicious.
Raalhu Restaurant is where they’ve pushed the boundaries of luxury dining. Specializing in the freshest seafood and premium meats, every dish is designed to tell a story. Whether it’s a perfectly seared steak or a delicate Maldivian lobster, the experience is all about connecting with the ingredients and the environment. Chef’s vision for Raalhu was to create a space where guests leave with memories of not just a meal, but a true culinary journey.
The fusion concept of Madivaru Restaurant & Teppanyaki Grill is inspired by the concept drawn from the historic Silk Road, a route that connected cultures and cuisines from the Mediterranean to Asia. At Madivaru, his goal was to bring that sense of exploration to the dining experience. The Teppanyaki Grill adds a dynamic, interactive element that’s both entertaining and delicious. It’s about discovering new flavors and enjoying the theater of cooking.
The Champagne Pavilion is indeed a special place, especially as the sun begins to set. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset aperitif, where guests can enjoy a glass of fine champagne paired with freshly shucked oysters, or perhaps some fresh tropical fruit. For those who prefer something different, they offer a selection of fine wines accompanied by artisanal cheeses or a small, elegant bite crafted by the chefs. It’s all about creating an atmosphere of relaxation and celebration, making the most of the beautiful Maldivian setting.
Chef Marino’s approach to cuisine seems deeply rooted in both leadership and health. As an experienced chef and an emerging author, he brings a unique perspective that blends leadership, creativity, and wellness. Through his books, including ‘The 10 Rules of the Chef in the Modern Era’ and ‘The Healthy Italian Chef’, he has distilled the principles that guide his work.
The 10 Rules focuses on inspiring leadership in the kitchen, fostering creativity, and maintaining high standards—principles that have shaped the culinary team at Veligandu. Meanwhile, The Healthy Italian Chef emphasizes a balanced, nutritious approach to dining. This philosophy is deeply reflected in his menus, where excellence and well-being go hand in hand, ensuring that every guest at Veligandu experiences this harmony in every bite.
