Home>Blog>The St. Regis Maldives brings Michelin-starred talent together for Luxury Dining Series 2026
22 June 2026
The St. Regis Maldives brings Michelin-starred talent together for Luxury Dining Series 2026
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has unveiled an ambitious culinary programme as part of Marriott International’s 2026 Luxury Dining Series, bringing together Michelin-starred chefs, master mixologists, sommeliers and culinary specialists from across Asia for a four-day gastronomic showcase.
Held under the theme Across the Table, the programme will take place from 27 to 30 August and feature seven culinary talents, led by two-Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Stroobant of Saint Pierre, alongside chefs from The St. Regis properties in Bangkok, Mumbai, Singapore and Osaka.
For culinary professionals in the Maldives, the event represents one of the most comprehensive chef collaborations scheduled in the region this year, spanning French, Cantonese, Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisines, as well as beverage pairings, wellness-inspired gastronomy and interactive culinary education.
Four days of culinary collaboration
The programme opens on 27 August with The Art of Gathering, beginning with a curated wine tasting experience led by beverage expert Thomas Ling.
The evening continues with a takeover at The Whale Bar by Brian Gonzalez of The St. Regis Bangkok, known for developing award-winning cocktail programmes and bringing European influences to contemporary mixology.
Dinner at Orientale will showcase a four-course menu created by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing of Yan Ting at The St. Regis Singapore and Chef Abdelahad Ahmed. The experience combines Cantonese culinary traditions with Japanese and contemporary Pan-Asian influences, complemented by a curated sake pairing programme.
On 28 August, the focus shifts towards wellness and mindful gastronomy. Two-Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Stroobant, who is also a certified yoga instructor, will lead a guided breathing and mindfulness session exploring the connection between wellbeing, food and intentional living.
Later that day, guests will participate in a four-hands cooking class at ALBA, where Chef Stroobant will collaborate with Executive Sous Chef Ahmet Özuçucu of The St. Regis Maldives. Limited to ten participants, the session offers an opportunity to observe contemporary culinary techniques and creative processes at close range.
The evening concludes at Cargo with a family-style Maldivian and Indian dining experience presented by Master Chef Taj Mohammed Sha of Sahib Room at The St. Regis Mumbai. Known for his expertise in regional Indian cuisine and heritage recipes, Chef Taj will present a menu focused on authenticity and cultural storytelling, accompanied by cocktail pairings from Brian Gonzalez.
Omakase, French gastronomy and Michelin excellence
On 29 August, guests will experience a curated omakase lunch at T•Pan led by Chef Takato Kitano of The St. Regis Osaka.
Chef Kitano began his career in teppanyaki kitchens before refining his style through European influences and mentorship under Michelin-recognised chefs. His omakase menu is expected to highlight seasonal ingredients, precision and ingredient-driven Japanese cuisine.
The culinary series reaches its centrepiece that evening when Chef Emmanuel Stroobant presents an exclusive four-course menu at ALBA.
Widely regarded as one of Asia’s leading culinary figures, Stroobant has spent more than two decades developing a style that combines classical French techniques with Asian influences. His cuisine is known for its balance, elegance and emotional storytelling, making this one of the most anticipated dining events of the series.
A celebration of culinary artistry
The programme concludes on 30 August with a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast at ALBA, providing guests with a final opportunity to reflect on the experiences, flavours and collaborations that defined the event.
Beyond the scheduled dining experiences, Marriott Bonvoy members will also have access to exclusive stay-and-dine packages, including private dinners, wine pairings, chef interactions and a curated dine-around experience across The Whale Bar, Decanter, T•Pan and Orientale.
For chefs and hospitality professionals, Across the Table demonstrates the growing importance of collaborative gastronomy within luxury hospitality. By bringing together Michelin-starred talent, regional culinary specialists, mixologists and sommeliers, the programme highlights how modern dining experiences increasingly combine food, beverage, storytelling, wellness and cultural exchange.
Commenting on the initiative, General Manager Özgür Cengiz said the series is designed to create meaningful connections through food and hospitality.
“Through this year’s Luxury Dining Series, we are honoured to welcome internationally acclaimed chefs and culinary talents to the Maldives, offering our guests a truly unforgettable journey shaped by Michelin-starred dining, wellness, and the art of gathering,” he said.
