Nestled on a picturesque island surrounded by mesmerizing azure waters, the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings. Taking their food game to new heights, the resort is set to welcome a lineup of British Michelin-Starred chefs, and it all begins this August with the talented Chef Gary Foulkes.

Chef Gary Foulkes is known for his prowess in crafting simple yet flavorful dishes. During his tenure at the resort, he will utilize locally sourced seasonal produce from the Maldives, allowing nature to dictate the menu.

When asked about his culinary philosophy, Chef Gary remarked, “Seasonal cooking is something I am passionate about wherever I am in the world. I look forward to seeing the Maldives and what nature’s bounty offers. I will base my menu around this, with a few surprises along the way.”

His journey into the culinary world was serendipitous. Unlike many chefs who inherited family recipes, Chef Gary stumbled upon his love for food during a school placement in a hotel kitchen. This unexpected encounter ignited a passion that led him to work under the guidance of renowned culinary greats such as John Campbell, William Drabble, Gary Rhodes, and Philip Howard, who significantly influenced his cooking style.

In April 2016, Chef Gary took the helm as the Executive Head Chef at the Angler restaurant, where he accomplished the remarkable feat of earning a Michelin star within just five months. His unique and clean cooking style garnered a new reputation for the restaurant. His culinary creations draw inspiration from his travels, the people he’s encountered, and the experiences that have shaped him. A three-year journey across the globe alongside his wife in a Volkswagen Campervan fueled his passion for food, taking them through Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, Indonesia, Central America, and South America. The ever-changing menu at Angler reflects these diverse experiences and showcases the influence of Asian flavors, incorporating ingredients such as wasabi, shiso, and black garlic.

At the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, Chef Gary will collaborate with the resort’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Francis Purification. Excited about the culinary collaboration, Chef Francis expressed, “We are thrilled to have such an amazing lineup in our kitchen. It will be a great experience for our chefs, and there’s no better way to learn than to cook with the best in the industry.”

The culinary extravaganza doesn’t end with Chef Gary’s arrival. Four other British culinary greats will follow suit, appearing at the resort throughout the rest of 2023. Singapore-based Michelin-starred chefs Steve Lancaster of Poise, and Lewis Barker of Sommer, will be gracing the resort with their gastronomic expertise in September and October, respectively.

To kickstart this gastronomic journey, Chef Gary will showcase his talents on the 2nd and 3rd of August with an exclusive dinner limited to just eight seats in the wine cellar at Anantara Veli’s Japanese restaurant, Origami.

With such a stellar lineup of Michelin-Starred British chefs on the horizon, the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort promises an unparalleled culinary experience that will undoubtedly tantalize the taste buds of its guests throughout the year.