The Nautilus Maldives will welcome a remarkable guest this November as part of its celebrated Masters for Masters series. From 5 to 7 November 2025, the ultra-luxury resort will host Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin for an intimate three-day culinary residency that beautifully blends French technique and Southeast Asian soul.
Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus, expressed his excitement about the upcoming residency and the collaboration with Chef Darren Chin.
“We are honoured to welcome Chef Darren to The Nautilus. His pursuit of integrity, refinement, and storytelling through cuisine resonates deeply with our philosophy of free-spirited experiences and timeless hospitality. Together, we invite our guests to a rare and meaningful culinary encounter.”
Exclusive Dining Experience with Chef Darren Chin
During his residency, Chef Darren Chin will lead guests through a unique culinary journey inspired by the Indian Ocean and his Southeast Asian heritage. Specifically, the experience includes two elegant dinners at Zeytoun. The Nautilus’s signature overwater restaurant, where panoramic ocean views provide a peaceful setting for guests to enjoy his carefully crafted tasting menus.
Moreover, the resort will host a sunset cocktail soirée at the Naiboli Poolside Bar, offering a relaxed, barefoot-chic atmosphere. Guests can savor bespoke canapés made by Chef Darren while they enjoy curated music and the warm Maldivian evening breeze. Perfect for leisurely conversations.
At the heart of this event, Chef Darren’s Global Discovery menu takes center stage. This modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine balances French culinary techniques with regional flavors. Notably, the menu highlights:
- Locally and regionally sourced ingredients
- Bold spices, delicate herbs, and fermented elements
- Sustainably harvested seafood
Each dish expresses a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and innovation. Celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural roots while embracing creative freedom.
Chef Darren Chin described the collaboration’s deeper meaning
“This collaboration is about more than cuisine. It’s about creating space — for the ingredient, for emotion, for reflection. The Nautilus offers the perfect canvas for that kind of artistry — where each dish becomes a conversation between craft and place.”
Together, the combination of island settings: Zeytoun’s serene overwater dining and Naiboli’s inviting poolside vibe, provides the perfect backdrop for this exceptional gastronomic residency.
Chef Darren Chin’s Culinary Vision and Legacy
Chef Darren Chin blends tradition and modern creativity in his cuisine. After he graduated with highest honours from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, he returned to Malaysia and established DC Restaurant, which has become a cornerstone of contemporary Malaysian fine dining. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2023 and retained it in the 2025 guide.
In recognition of his contribution, the French Republic awarded Chef Darren the prestigious title of Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole in 2025.
He grounds his approach to cooking in five core principles: a spirit of exploration, commitment to sustainability, dedication to sourcing local ingredients, pursuit of harmony in flavors, and a strong connection to culinary origins. These values continue to shape his innovative and meaningful dishes.
Event Details
Dates: 5–7 November 2025
Location: The Nautilus Maldives
Events Include:
- Two fine dining dinners at Zeytoun
- One sunset cocktail soirée at Naiboli Poolside Bar
For more information or to reserve your place, visit The Nautilus Maldives website.
