Milaidhoo Maldives, 10 August 2026 – Milaidhoo Maldives is delighted to welcome four-Michelin-star Chef Daniel Galmiche to the island for an exclusive guest chef residency on 5 and 6 September 2026.

With a career spanning five decades, Chef Daniel Galmiche is one of the most respected French chefs working in the UK today. One of only a handful of chefs in British culinary history to have earned four individual Michelin Stars across four different restaurants, he is recognised for his thoughtful approach to cooking, blending classical French techniques with influences from his travels and a deep respect for seasonal ingredients.

Known for creating cuisine that is elegant yet approachable, Chef Daniel believes that great food begins with understanding where ingredients come from and the stories behind them.

At Milaidhoo, dining is an important part of the island experience. It is a way to discover the destination, connect with local traditions and create meaningful memories. Chef Daniel's passion for nature, sustainability and authentic produce reflects the same values that inspire the culinary journey at Milaidhoo.

"I am very much looking forward to visiting Milaidhoo Maldives and discovering the wonderful ingredients, traditions and flavours of the islands. Cooking is about connection, with nature, with local communities and with the people who gather around the table. I hope to bring a little of my French heritage while celebrating the beautiful flavours of the Maldives," said Chef Daniel Galmiche.

The experience begins on 5 September with a journey to the nearby local island of Kendhoo, where Chef Daniel will meet local fishermen and select the fish that will inspire his culinary experience. Back at Milaidhoo, he will visit the Chef's Garden, selecting home-grown herbs and ingredients for a special cooking workshop.

The workshop will give guests an opportunity to see Chef Daniel bring his French fine-dining techniques to Maldivian ingredients while discovering the flavours and traditions behind Ba'theli, Milaidhoo's signature Maldivian restaurant specialising in Maldivian cuisine.

The day will continue with a complimentary cocktail reception for in-house guests at 5:30 p.m. at the Compass Pool Bar. The relaxed gathering will offer guests the opportunity to meet Chef Daniel, hear stories from his culinary journey and enjoy conversations over a drink.

On 6 September, Chef Daniel will host an intimate five-course dinner for only 15 guests at Milaidhoo. The menu will showcase his signature contemporary French fine-dining style, with one of the five courses taking inspiration from the ingredients and culinary traditions of the Maldives, interpreted through Chef Daniel's distinctive French culinary approach.

The signature dinner is priced at USD 265++ per person.

Born in the Franche-Comté region of France, Chef Daniel's love for cooking began on his grandparents' organic farm, surrounded by seasonal produce and a strong connection to nature. His journey has taken him through some of the world's most celebrated kitchens, including the legendary Le Gavroche in London, before leading Michelin-starred restaurants of his own.

A familiar face to food lovers through his appearances on BBC's Saturday Kitchen and ITV's James Martin's Saturday Morning, Chef Daniel is also the author of four cookbooks and continues to share his passion for sustainable and thoughtful cooking around the world.

At Milaidhoo Maldives, every meal tells a story. The exclusive guest chef residency offers guests an opportunity to experience the meeting of contemporary French culinary artistry and the authentic flavours of the Maldives in an intimate island setting.

HOW

Milaidhoo can easily be reached by a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll, followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride to the private island resort.

ABOUT MILAIDHOO MALDIVES

Milaidhoo is a pristine island paradise proudly rooted in local island traditions. This boutique luxury resort features 50 contemporary Maldivian-style pool villas, custom-made for comfort and designed by a renowned Maldivian architect. Each guest is assigned an Island Host to help create meaningful experiences and cater to the guest's every need. Activities include overwater spa treatments, sunrise yoga classes and snorkelling excursions to view the incredible house reef.

Dining is a highlight, with Milaidhoo being home to three world-class restaurants, including Ba'theli. This unique Maldivian restaurant reflects the islands' heritage and is built in the shape of three traditional boats on pillars over a lagoon. Its innovative dishes are steeped in Maldivian tradition, with each dish inspired by favourites of the ancient maritime Spice Route.

Milaidhoo is the authentic Maldives, a resort of reinvented luxury where guests feel they belong, experiencing barefoot informality within the tropical island's natural, lush setting. As an adults-focused resort, Milaidhoo offers a tranquil, child-free environment where guests can enjoy experiences ranging from sunset dolphin cruises to sailing to a deserted sandbank for a private beach picnic.

ABOUT VERSA HOSPITALITY

Versa Hospitality is the evolution of a five-decade legacy, transforming naturally beautiful places into exceptional destinations people dream of. The group has crafted places guests cannot wait to visit and created feelings they want to return to.

As the parent company of the lifestyle-led brand Niva, which unites six Maldivian and Seychelles properties, Versa also oversees four acclaimed standalone Maldives resorts: Baros, Milaidhoo, Huvafen Fushi and Kandolhu.

Guided by instinct, heritage and care, Versa creates destinations defined by character, connection and the memories they inspire. Its philosophy is simple: reveal the true character of every place, nurture its spirit and craft experiences that leave a lasting mark on people and the world around them.