AMILLA MALDIVES RESORT & RESIDENCES APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

French national, Mickaël Farina, brings international culinary skills and Gallic flair to Baa Atoll

1 April 2020: Pioneering resort, Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, has announced the appointment of new Executive Chef, Mickaël Farina. With extensive experience working in internationally acclaimed restaurants, Farina is set to elevate the resort's renowned dining scene with his gastronomic skills and Gallic flair. Guests at the breathtaking Baa Atoll resort have long been accustomed to culinary excellence, and this prestigious appointment underlines Amilla's ongoing pursuit of excellence in all aspects of its luxury hospitality offering.

Having travelled to nearly 50 countries - and dined in over 130 Michelin-starred restaurants across 30 countries - Farina's gastronomic knowledge is truly international. Born in 1990 in Provence, in the South of France, Farina's passion for cuisine developed at a young age, with his determination to become a chef already evident at a mere 11 years of age. Aged 18, Farina left France to pursue his culinary dream; by the age of 20 he became one of the youngest Sous Chefs in Sydney, working under two Michelin-star French chefs in Perth, and secured his first head chef role, at The Landing restaurant in Wanaka, New Zealand, at just 23 years old.

A passionate and energetic chef, Farina's career highlights to date include working under Michelin-starred chef Rafael Costa e Silva at Lasai Restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; publishing his own Maldives-inspired cookbook, HIHsaaKURUN; and being a San Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 semifinalist.

“The day I was informed about the opening for an Executive Chef at Amilla Maldives, my heart skipped a beat,” says Farina. “We have big long term plans for Amilla: I'm excited about developing our in-house production concept, Homemade, and our plant-based Wellness Your Way programme; as well as introducing new concepts to the Maldives scene alongside proven Amilla favourites like sushi and Teppanyaki.”

 -ENDS-

About Amilla Fushi

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International (Velana International Airport), Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy. Amilla's innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses. With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids' Club The Sultan's Village, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

About The Small Maldives Island Co

The Small Maldives Island Co's main focus is on Resort Management in the Maldives for Coastline Hotels and Resorts.

Amilla Fushi is owned by Coastline Hotels and Resorts – part of the Coastline Group of companies, one of the Maldives' largest private companies, established in 1994. The Coastline Group is engaged in logistics; oil importing, storage and distribution; pilling and construction; building material supplies; hotel resort development; condominium development; airport ownership, development and operation; and luxury yacht and boat manufacturing. It is the largest importer and distributor of Fuel Related Products such as Marine Gasoil and Mo Gas to resorts in the Maldives, servicing 65 per cent of the country's resorts through its company Asian Gasoil. In addition to building W Maldives and Huvafen Fushi, Coastline's recent developments within the tourism sector include Mudhdhoo Island, subsequently acquired by Dusit Thani Hotels; Baa Atoll's Dharavandhoo Airport; and the newly opened Raa Ifhuru Airport.

For further press information please contact:

Sarah Harvey (sarah@bacall.net) or Nat Frogley (nat@bacall.net) at Bacall PR Ltd or Tel: +44 (0) 207 630 2880.