Coco Palm Resorts, Maldives is launching a new global ‘chef in residence’ programme for 2012 at its five-star Coco Palm Bodu Hithi.
Bringing a slice of the world’s culinary capitals to the Indian Ocean island resort, this new offering will see high-profile British, Italian and Australian chefs spend one week per year in resort serving up bespoke dishes in the á la carte Aqua restaurant, running master-classes and demonstrations and sharing recipes and tips with guest participants.
As the island resort goes kitchen confidential, the new programme is certain to tempt and tantalise even the most discerning of palettes with the line-up including:
Tom Aikens (19 – 26 March 2012) – one of the most exciting chefs in the UK, the Michelin-starred and critically-acclaimed Tom Aikens has been cooking since the age of 16, but it was only when he launched his own Tom Aikens Restaurant in London in April 2003 that he truly sealed his culinary reputation. Tom’s second restaurant Tom’s Kitchen opened in 2006 and since then, he has also launched Tom’s Terrace and a second Tom’s Kitchen site at Somerset House.
Igor Macchia (5-11January 2012) – masterful Michelin-starred Italian chef, Macchia is one of Italy’s most promising young chefs and owner of La Credenza Restaurant, Piedmont. He is well-known for his contemporary and eclectic take on Piedmont’s cuisine. Before opening La Credenza, Mr Macchia acquired extensive worldwide experience in Michelin starred establishments including London’s Le Gavroche, Restaurant du Lion d’or in Geneva and Restaurant Bruneau in Brussels.
Tony Bilson (5-11 December 2011) – kicking off the programme for the year ahead is leading Australian chef Tony Bilson. Regarded as a living national treasure Down Under, over three decades his individual and elegant restaurants have been milestones in the advance of Australian gastronomy. Bilson’s Restaurant and Number One Wine Bar & Bar are his two current Sydney establishments and he is also responsible for the in-house dining at Merrill Lynch.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the captivating Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is located just 40 minutes by speedboat from the capital Malé. Oozing barefoot, luxury chic with traditionally Maldivian flashes, the resort is situated on a stunning, lush private island where sandy paths snake between the mangroves and coconut palms along with over-water wooden walkways to connect all the resort’s fabulous offerings. There are just 100 ultra-hip villas, a diverse selection of contemporary restaurants and bars, a totally indulgent Coco Spa, first-class land and water-sport facilities as well as a portfolio of memorable ‘Uniquely Coco’ experiences.
Bringing a slice of the world’s culinary capitals to the Indian Ocean island resort, this new offering will see high-profile British, Italian and Australian chefs spend one week per year in resort serving up bespoke dishes in the á la carte Aqua restaurant, running master-classes and demonstrations and sharing recipes and tips with guest participants.
As the island resort goes kitchen confidential, the new programme is certain to tempt and tantalise even the most discerning of palettes with the line-up including:
Tom Aikens (19 – 26 March 2012) – one of the most exciting chefs in the UK, the Michelin-starred and critically-acclaimed Tom Aikens has been cooking since the age of 16, but it was only when he launched his own Tom Aikens Restaurant in London in April 2003 that he truly sealed his culinary reputation. Tom’s second restaurant Tom’s Kitchen opened in 2006 and since then, he has also launched Tom’s Terrace and a second Tom’s Kitchen site at Somerset House. 
Igor Macchia (5-11January 2012) – masterful Michelin-starred Italian chef, Macchia is one of Italy’s most promising young chefs and owner of La Credenza Restaurant, Piedmont. He is well-known for his contemporary and eclectic take on Piedmont’s cuisine. Before opening La Credenza, Mr Macchia acquired extensive worldwide experience in Michelin starred establishments including London’s Le Gavroche, Restaurant du Lion d’or in Geneva and Restaurant Bruneau in Brussels. 
Tony Bilson (5-11 December 2011) – kicking off the programme for the year ahead is leading Australian chef Tony Bilson. Regarded as a living national treasure Down Under, over three decades his individual and elegant restaurants have been milestones in the advance of Australian gastronomy. Bilson’s Restaurant and Number One Wine Bar & Bar are his two current Sydney establishments and he is also responsible for the in-house dining at Merrill Lynch.A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the captivating Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is located just 40 minutes by speedboat from the capital Malé. Oozing barefoot, luxury chic with traditionally Maldivian flashes, the resort is situated on a stunning, lush private island where sandy paths snake between the mangroves and coconut palms along with over-water wooden walkways to connect all the resort’s fabulous offerings. There are just 100 ultra-hip villas, a diverse selection of contemporary restaurants and bars, a totally indulgent Coco Spa, first-class land and water-sport facilities as well as a portfolio of memorable ‘Uniquely Coco’ experiences.
