Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is set to take guests on a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey this November with “Mediterranean Soul, Maldivian Heart”, a culinary series that celebrates the harmony of Mediterranean finesse and Maldivian soul. The event features Italian One-Michelin-Star Chef Pasquale Palamaro, known for his artistry at Indaco Restaurant in Amalfi, Italy.

“Cooking, to me, is a dialogue with nature, an art of transforming simplicity into beauty,” shares Chef Pasquale. “Bringing Indaco’s spirit to the Maldives is a chance to unite two coasts and two cultures through flavour and emotion.”

At RAAYA by Atmosphere, guests can expect a sensory farm-to-table experience on 18th and 19th November. The celebration begins with hands-on activities at Seb’s Farm, where visitors will explore the journey of local produce from harvest to plate. The evening unfolds with a curated five-course dinner highlighting the farm’s freshest ingredients. The next day, Chef Pasquale hosts an engaging masterclass followed by another five-course dining experience at The Village restaurant, where innovation meets authenticity.

Over at VARU by Atmosphere, the theme revolves around sustainability and Maldivian fishing traditions. On 27th November, diners can enjoy a special 4-Hands Dinner at Kaagé, the resort’s award-winning speciality restaurant, which has received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for five consecutive years. The celebration continues on 28th November with an interactive masterclass and a fine dining affair at NÜ, an overwater restaurant inspired by the Dhivehi word for “blue”, mirroring the serene hues of the Indian Ocean.

Renowned for transforming coastal ingredients into soulful, contemporary dishes, Chef Pasquale’s cooking philosophy echoes Atmosphere Core’s values of sustainability and innovation. “All our island resorts have long been recognised for their culinary offerings,” says Anupam Banerjee, Vice President – Food & Beverage, Atmosphere Core. “Through Chef Pasquale’s artistry and our island-inspired ethos, we are creating a beautiful dialogue between Mediterranean and Maldivian cuisines—one that celebrates sustainability, creativity, and connection.”

From eco-friendly farm experiences to masterclasses with a Michelin-starred chef, “Mediterranean Soul, Maldivian Heart” promises to be a true celebration of flavours and cultures, set against the idyllic backdrop of the Maldives.

About Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is a curated collection of distinctive properties inspired by local culture and natural surroundings. With over 17 exclusive resorts and hotels across some of the world’s most stunning destinations, each property offers guests a perfect balance of elegance, authenticity, and personalised experiences. Upcoming properties include locations in Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Coorg, Darjeeling, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kannur, Kufri, Kurseong, Mirik, and Shirdi in India, along with new developments in Piedmont (Italy), Banepa (Nepal), and Tangalle (Sri Lanka).

About Atmosphere Core

Atmosphere Core is a leading hospitality group across South Asia and beyond, known for its ethos of the Joy of Giving. Its diverse portfolio includes THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, offering guests meaningful, sustainable, and soulful travel experiences. The brand currently manages nine resorts in the Maldives and one heritage hotel in India.

Sushi meets South African tradition in a fun and innovative twist as Dumisani Lukhozi, sushi master at John Dory’s, recently guided Miss Soweto Top 20 finalists through a unique sushi-making experience using White Star pap instead of the traditional rice. The masterclass, a first-of-its-kind, highlighted the versatility of pap while celebrating local culinary heritage, blending familiar South African flavours with contemporary gastronomy.

One of the highlights from the session was a California roll made with pap. The roll included juicy steak strips and a flavourful chakalaka mix, rolled together and topped with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Once shaped, it was sliced into four pieces and served upside down on a sushi plate, accompanied by fresh ginger and wasabi.

Another innovative creation was the Bean Curd sushi, where bean curd pockets were filled with pap and topped with a mix of coleslaw and chopped fried chicken strips. This dish offered a delightful combination of textures and flavours, and was served on a sushi plate alongside ginger and wasabi, presenting a playful twist on traditional sushi.

The masterclass also showcased a Mini Poke Bowl designed around fried pap balls. The pap balls were first dusted in tempura flour, coated in batter and crumbs, and fried until golden brown. These formed the base of the bowl, which was layered with tender boerewors cubes, chakalaka, avocado, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. The result was a visually appealing and flavour-packed dish that fused South African ingredients with the sushi experience.

The Sushi Masterclasses hosted by John Dory’s are available nationwide and are designed for everyone, from casual diners to culinary enthusiasts. Occasionally, private group sessions are offered for corporate events or special occasions, and advanced booking is recommended as spots often fill quickly.

This initiative, led by Spur Corporation, not only demonstrates the adaptability of pap in modern cuisine but also encourages South Africans to explore fusion dishes at home. By integrating traditional ingredients into globally inspired recipes, the masterclasses create an enjoyable and educational culinary experience for participants.

About Spur Corporation:
Spur Corporation is a leading casual dining group with over 738 outlets across South Africa, Africa, India, and Mauritius, operating well-known brands including John Dory’s, RocoMamas, Spur Steak Ranches, Panarotti’s, The Hussar Grill, Doppio Zero, Casa Bella, Pizza e Vino, Nikos, and Modern Tailors.

Recipe contribution: John Dory’s sushi master Dumisani Lukhozi
Photo Credit: Thabo Nyembe for OnPoint PR

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has unveiled Ayana, its newest rooftop dining destination, offering guests a transcendent culinary journey set against the shimmering lakes and Aravalli Hills. True to its name, which means “the path,” Ayana guides diners through an immersive experience that begins with its serene poolside ambiance and culminates with indulgent desserts.

The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends contemporary Indian aesthetics with natural materials, oversized cushions, glowing lanterns, and curated world music, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene. The panoramic rooftop views add a magical dimension to every visit.

Ayana’s menu celebrates India’s royal culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from the Northwest Frontier and the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. Each dish is crafted with precision, honouring its origins while presenting a modern twist. The bar complements the menu with artisanal cocktails infused with Indian botanicals, spices, and local flavours, alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.

Designed for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, and exclusive events, Ayana offers a mix of communal seating, semi-private corners, and open decks. The restaurant is also deeply committed to sustainability, prioritizing locally sourced seasonal produce, plant-forward innovations, minimal food waste, energy-efficient kitchens, and elimination of single-use plastics.

Executive Chef Mohit Mishra commented on the launch:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Ayana. Our vision was to create more than just a restaurant, we wanted to craft a journey where each dish tells a story, each flavour evokes tradition, and every detail reflects India’s rich culinary heritage.”

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, added:

“Ayana is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a dining venue. From the sweeping rooftop views to the thoughtfully curated menu and serene yet vibrant ambiance, every element has been meticulously crafted to create lasting memories for both travellers and locals seeking a refined night out.”

Ayana promises to be a destination for culinary discovery, offering diners a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences atop one of Udaipur’s most scenic rooftops.