CHEF ALEXANDRE CIRIELLO IN THE MALDIVES FOR THE JRE

Amid the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, an exceptional culinary experience brought together our chef—a member of the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe—and local chefs in an idyllic setting provided by the Planhotel Group’s Diamond Athuruga & Tsudufushi hotels, in partnership with Martino Crespi Events.

From March 31 to April 15, our chef Alexandre Ciriello had the privilege of representing Belgian gastronomy at this international gathering and showcasing his passion for cooking.

On the agenda for this unforgettable culinary getaway: waterfront cooking workshops, demonstrations of innovative techniques during cooking shows, and, of course, tastings of exquisite dishes during two gala evenings showcasing local produce and the art of fusion cuisine.

But this trip is about more than just gastronomic feasts. It’s a total immersion in Maldivian culture, where every day is an exploration of local customs. From visits to vibrant, colorful markets to boat excursions to discover the infinite richness of marine life, not to mention moments of relaxation on fine sandy beaches, every moment reveals the richness and diversity of these fascinating islands.

What makes this experience even more captivating is seeing how the local residents contribute fully to the success of these events—sometimes at the expense of their personal lives—working on the island for months on end to welcome visitors from around the world. Logistics is a constant challenge, as sourcing fresh produce is less straightforward than in Europe, requiring unparalleled responsiveness and organization. Furthermore, fish from tropical waters are very different from those found in our cooler oceans, which requires the chef to be even more flexible and creative in order to provide unforgettable experiences for the many vacationers who come from all corners of the world. It is from this blend of exoticism, authenticity, and logistical challenges that our chef has drawn his inspiration, offering each guest a unique culinary experience that combines local flavors with innovative techniques. A trip to the Maldives is much more than just a getaway; it’s a true adventure for the senses and the mind.

For our chef, Alexandre Ciriello, this experience in the Maldives represents much more than just a trip. It is a boundless source of inspiration, an enriching exchange with passionate colleagues, and above all, a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of Belgian gastronomy toward new horizons.

We extend our warmest thanks to the Diamond Athuruga & Tsudufushi hotels of the Planhotel Group for their exceptional hospitality, to Martino Crespi Event, as well as to the Young Restaurateurs of Europe and JRE Belgium for this unforgettable collaboration.

Stay tuned to discover the new culinary creations inspired by this heavenly journey, coming soon to our restaurant.

The L’Horizon team.