We caught up with Andrea Berton to talk about his newest project; managing the H2O underwater restaurant in the Maldives.
You & Me by Cocoon Maldives recently rebranded its H2O underwater restaurant to ‘H2O by chef Andrea Berton’. Andrea Berton is an Italian chef, who won 4 Michelin stars.
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Throughout his career, Chef Andrea worked with the likes of Gualtiero Marchesi and Alain Ducasse. His ‘Ristorante Berton’ in Milan earned a Michelin star in less than a year after its opening.
Winning 4 Michelin stars is an extraordinary feat. This is also the first time in the world a Michelin starred chef will manage an underwater restaurant. So, we caught up with Andrea Berton to talk about his latest project; managing the H2O underwater restaurant in the Maldives.
01. Chef, could describe your excitement to take over the underwater restaurant H2O?
Chef Andrea Berton: When I first received the proposal to manage H2O it made me feel extremely happy. I came here years ago and worked alongside the team and had a fantastic experience. We agreed to work on this project quite early on.
Image: IM Studio | Instagram: @immaldives
To have my close friendship with You & Me turn into a collaboration is an amazing achievement. Besides, there are only a few underwater restaurants in the world. So, I feel honoured to be able to present my food here.
02. What will be the new concept of H2O?
Chef Andrea Berton: All of my restaurants feature a distinct concept. The dishes served at H2O is different from what my restaurant in Italy serves. Here we source the local ingredients and take inspiration from the Maldivian culture.
It’s not the same food diners will find in Milan. We find the compromise between life in the Maldives and the magical atmosphere of the underwater restaurant. After all, we want our guests to enjoy the amazing experience.
03. What’s the philosophy behind the dishes served at H2O?
Chef Andrea Berton: My philosophy is to characterize the plate with minimal fresh ingredients. The flavours are curated from the best ingredients. Moreover, we want to focus on the best ingredients that you can find in the Maldives.
I also use the fishes found in our lagoon (the lagoon of You & Me Maldives) to create stocks, broth and soups to finalize the plate.
04. Tell me some of your signature dishes diners can find at H2O?
Chef Andrea Berton: One of my signature two dishes, the risotto will be available at the restaurant. For the last 5 years, I’ve also worked on creating a very unique broth.
This broth gives a nice texture to every plate. The broth also changes seasonally as it’s cold in the summer and hot in the winter. I believe these simple things will make the experience of guests better.
Image: IM Studio | Instagram: @immaldives
05. What is your opinion on Maldivian cuisine?
Chef Andrea Berton: I first tried Maldivian food at the buffet back in Cocoon Maldives when I came to the Maldives years ago. I can easily recognize the cultures and flavour of Maldivian cuisine. The combination between Italian food and Maldivian is also pretty interesting for me.
Located in the tranquil setting of Feydhoo Finolhu in North Malé Atoll, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers a serene retreat just minutes away from Velana International Airport by speedboat. Designed around an all-inclusive concept, this new resort promises a seamless and worry-free experience from the moment guests set foot on the island, with every aspect of their stay meticulously handled for a truly luxurious getaway.
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A Strong Focus on Maldivian Talent
As dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives prepares for its much-anticipated launch in July 2025, the resort introduces a powerhouse leadership team ready to redefine hospitality. Moreover, the resort places a strong emphasis on developing Maldivian talent, proudly highlighting experienced local professionals in senior roles. With a focus on fostering the next generation of hospitality experts, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives aims to showcase Maldivian skill on an international stage.
Jean-Louis Ripoche, the Area General Manager, expressed his excitement about the new team:
“Our team is built on passion, innovation, and a shared vision to push boundaries in luxury hospitality. We’re creating an experience that’s bold, effortless, and truly unforgettable. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this journey with such a dynamic team.”
This core group, affectionately called “The Mavericks” within the resort, is composed of visionary leaders determined to revolutionize hospitality in the Maldives, ensuring guests enjoy unparalleled, seamless experiences.
Meet the Mavericks: The Visionary Leaders Driving Change
Jean-Louis Ripoche – Area General Manager, Maldives
Leading the operations at both Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, Jean-Louis Ripoche brings a wealth of luxury hospitality expertise. Furthermore, his career includes prominent roles at Marriott Maldives, and his deep industry insight and innovative outlook are driving both resorts toward new standards of excellence. Ripoche aims to elevate the guest experience at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, crafting an energetic and modern approach to luxury, setting it apart in the Maldivian hospitality market.
Yogeswaran Veerasamy – General Manager, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives
At the helm of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is General Manager Yogeswaran Veerasamy, a hospitality veteran with close to 30 years of experience. Originally from Malaysia, Yogeswaran has successfully overseen the launch of nine luxury properties and led major refurbishment projects. His portfolio includes top-tier names such as The Raffles Resort Maldives, Conrad Manila, and Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort. His forward-thinking leadership is steering dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives to become a leading destination, offering guests an all-inclusive and extraordinary stay.
Ibrahim Rashvan – Executive Assistant Manager, Food & Beverage
With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Ibrahim Rashvan has worked with some of the industry’s top brands, including Marriott, Accor, and Six Senses. His career spans multiple countries, from the Maldives to Oman and the UAE, where he has developed a reputation for crafting personalized dining experiences. As the leader of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives’ food and beverage team, Rashvan is set to enhance the resort’s culinary offerings, ensuring guests are treated to memorable and exceptional meals.
Chef Mohamed Adil – Executive Chef
Chef Mohamed Adil is a trailblazer in Maldivian cuisine, known for being one of the first Maldivian chefs to head the culinary team of a pre-opening resort. With 14 years of experience across renowned brands like Four Seasons, Vakkaru Maldives, and Hilton Jeddah, Chef Adil has earned the Best Maldivian Chef title three times. Therefore, his dedication to showcasing Maldivian culinary traditions, paired with his innovative approach, guarantees an unforgettable dining experience at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives.
Mohamed Mauroof – Cluster Director of Human Resources
With 18 years of experience in HR and a deep connection to his Maldivian roots, Mohamed Mauroof has been integral to Dusit Thani Maldives since 2012. Having steadily advanced within the organization, he now leads human resources for both Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. Mauroof’s leadership plays a vital role in attracting top-tier talent while fostering a work environment that ensures employee satisfaction, ultimately enhancing the guest experience across both resorts.
Rifaa Ath Saeed – Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing
Rifaa Ath Saeed is a driving force behind the marketing and sales strategies at both Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. After rejoining Dusit Thani Maldives in 2024, she quickly took on the responsibility of overseeing both resorts. With over 18 years in hospitality sales and marketing, Rifaa has previously led successful campaigns at prestigious resorts like W Retreat & Spa Maldives and Kandima Maldives. Her expertise is crucial in positioning dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives as a standout destination in the Maldives, ensuring it thrives in an increasingly competitive market.
Babu Sathar – Cluster Director of Revenue
Babu Sathar is a skilled revenue management professional with more than ten years of experience at Dusit Hotels & Resorts. He oversees revenue optimization for both Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, using a data-driven approach to maximize profitability. His strong leadership and focus on both financial success and guest satisfaction make him a key player in the resorts’ continued growth and success.
Aruna Bandaranayake – Director of Engineering
Aruna Bandaranayake brings over a decade of engineering expertise to his role, having contributed to several significant Dusit projects such as Dusit Thani Maldives and Dusit Thani Nepal. He plays a critical role at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, overseeing the integration of cutting-edge architecture and sustainability practices. Aruna’s commitment to eco-friendly innovations ensures the resort aligns with modern standards of environmental responsibility and technological advancement.
A Vision for Excellence
Yogeswaran Veerasamy, the General Manager, emphasizes that success starts with the right people:
“At dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, we’ve brought together a dream team—each an expert in their field—to craft an experience that feels fresh, exciting, and seamless. Our goal is to set a new benchmark in hospitality where guests can truly experience more and worry less.”
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is set to transform the hospitality scene in the Maldives, with a visionary leadership team and groundbreaking ideas that promise to elevate luxury experiences. As the resort prepares for its much-awaited debut in July 2025, it will offer a remarkable all-inclusive getaway designed to captivate travelers seeking unparalleled relaxation and indulgence.
