OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO Hosts Culinary Event

In late February, OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO hosted an exclusive three-day culinary event that brought together top culinary experts from Europe. This event not only delighted guests with unique and immersive dining experiences but also provided hands-on training for the resort’s staff, emphasizing the connection between culinary innovation and skill development. As part of SENTIDO’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience at the resort, this event follows the extensive renovation of the resort in 2023. The collaboration between DERTOUR and SENTIDO continues to elevate OBLU Nature Helengeli, transforming it into a luxurious island retreat where culinary excellence meets personalized service.

A World-Class Culinary Journey: Expert Dishes and Signature Cocktails

Moreover, Anupam Banerjee, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, shared the inspiration for these invaluable collaborations:

“At Atmosphere Core, we focus on crafting a food and beverage experience that cultivates an immersive journey, elevating guest satisfaction while honouring local heritage and sustainability”.

In addition, Corporate F&B Manager Chef Frank Funke took charge of the island’s kitchen, working closely with Executive Chef Ajay Sahoo to create a special menu for the event. Meanwhile, world-class mixologist Manuel Perez, ranked among the top three globally, sourced fresh ingredients from the island to craft signature cocktails that perfectly complemented the gourmet dishes.

A standout feature of the event was the four-course degustation menu, carefully crafted by island F&B Manager Bishnu Bhattarai and his team. Guests indulged in dishes that seamlessly blended Maldivian flavors with international culinary techniques. For instance, Chef Frank’s starters included “Hiki Mas,” a Maldivian-style diced tuna with coconut-lime dressing, followed by a Caesar salad reimagined with charred coconut, crispy curry leaves, parmesan crisps, and tinapa (smoked fish) flakes. The main course featured a succulent Angus beef fillet with Maldivian black pepper sauce, along with a modern take on fish and chips served with breadfruit purée and turmeric pesto. The meal concluded with a decadent dark chocolate Maldivian Bounty Tart, served with coconut ganache, vanilla cream, and crushed cocoa nibs.

Adding to the experience, Manuel Perez’s expertly crafted cocktails brought a refreshing touch to the dining experience. Using locally sourced ingredients, Perez created unique drinks such as Coconut-Lime Spritzer and Black Tea & Date Infusion, carefully pairing each one with the courses served throughout the evening. These carefully chosen pairings further enhanced the immersive culinary journey.

A Lasting Impact: Training, Collaboration, and Gratitude

OLBU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO Hosts Exclusive Culinary Event

Looking back on the event, General Manager Alain Trefois reflected on the success of the collaboration, expressing his gratitude for the expertise shared during the three-day celebration:

“With a full schedule of activities set out over the three days including functions for both our guests and associates, this visionary duo entertained all with events ranging from mixology classes to a unique culinary journey through pairing Maldivian inspired food and drink. By partnering with both these acclaimed mentors, our F&B associates at Helengeli have not just learnt new skills, they’ve raised the quality standard for entertaining guests through the power of cuisine. From everyone on the island, we are indebted to Mr. Frank & Mr. Manuel for taking the time to travel and knowledge-share with our team, whilst also adding a magical culinary experience for our guests”.

Chef Frank Funke also echoed these sentiments, adding:

“It was a unique experience, and I am very grateful to the entire team for helping to make this event so unforgettable”.

This summer, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with yourself. In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st, the resort hosts an immersive five-day yoga retreat from June 20th to 24th, guided by the highly experienced and respected yoga instructor Emilia Métaireau. With its serene surroundings, the retreat provides a peaceful sanctuary for wellness seekers to refresh their mind, body, and spirit while embracing the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement.

A Mid-Summer Reset in Paradise

Held at an ideal time for a mid-summer reset, this retreat invites participants to rediscover their inner balance in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Surrounded by the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and unspoiled beauty, guests step away from their routines and focus on restoring their energy and clarity. Moreover, Emilia, whose teachings span over a decade and more than 2,500 hours of global experience, brings a grounded and expansive presence to the experience. She blends breathwork, ancient wisdom, and conscious movement, guiding each guest toward a deeper connection with themselves.

A Thoughtful and Immersive Daily Practice

The retreat begins each day with rejuvenating sunrise yoga, allowing guests to wake up and center themselves before embracing the day ahead. In the evenings, the focus shifts to calming rituals designed to soothe the body and still the mind. To enhance this immersive experience further, guided meditations and energy healing practices integrate seamlessly into the program, creating a journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to help participants not only practice yoga but also experience the deeper emotional and mental benefits that come with it.

Exploring the Five Koshas: A Journey Inward

A key focus of the retreat is the ancient yogic philosophy of the five koshas—five interconnected layers of being that shape our experiences of life, health, and spirituality. These layers include the physical body (Annamaya Kosha), the energy body (Pranamaya Kosha), the mental body (Manomaya Kosha), the intellectual body (Vijnanamaya Kosha), and the bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha). Throughout the retreat, guests explore these layers through mindful movement, meditation, and yoga, with each practice designed to bring them closer to a state of peace, clarity, and self-awareness.

Luxurious Spa Treatments to Complement Your Journey

Adding to the holistic experience, guests indulge in treatments at the resort’s luxurious AVI Spa, a sanctuary perched over the water and designed to promote deep relaxation and wellness. Named after the local word for “sunshine,” AVI Spa offers a variety of signature treatments and therapies that nurture the body and soul, perfectly complementing the retreat’s focus on mindfulness and rejuvenation.

An Idyllic Setting for Renewal and Rejuvenation

Furthermore, the stunning location of the resort enhances the retreat experience. Situated at the southern tip of Raa Atoll, bordering a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a juvenile manta ray aggregation site, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, it provides exclusive benefits to guests, including indulgent amenities and luxurious accommodations. The resort features overwater villas, an adults-only area, an exquisite spa, and a variety of dining options, ensuring that each guest enjoys a complete experience of luxury and wellness.

OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO Hosts Exclusive Culinary Event

A World-Class Culinary Journey: Expert Dishes and Signature Cocktails

A Lasting Impact: Training, Collaboration, and Gratitude

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