From November 5 to 7, 2025, The Nautilus Maldives will welcome Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin for an extraordinary culinary residency as part of its Masters for Masters series. The celebrated chef, a prominent figure in Southeast Asia’s culinary scene, will craft two exclusive dinners at Zeytoun, the resort’s overwater dining venue, and host a sunset cocktail soirée at Naiboli Poolside Bar. Blending classical French techniques with the vibrant soul of Southeast Asian flavors, this event will offer guests a memorable journey of taste set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Chef Darren Chin, honored as a Chevalier of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole by the French Republic in 2025, brings a wealth of expertise to the Maldives. A Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate with highest honors, he founded the acclaimed DC Restaurant in Malaysia, earning a Michelin star in 2023 and retaining it in 2025. His culinary approach rests on five core principles: exploration, sustainability, local sourcing, harmony, and a deep connection to cultural origins. These values shape his innovative dishes, which celebrate Malaysia’s multicultural heritage while embracing creative expression.
During the residency, guests will experience Chef Darren’s Global Discovery menu, a curated selection of dishes that reimagine Southeast Asian gastronomy. Featuring bold spices, delicate herbs, fermented flavors, and responsibly sourced seafood, each course will weave together tradition and modernity. The menu reflects Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape, offering a narrative that balances heritage with inventive flair, designed to resonate with diners seeking both flavor and meaning.
The events will unfold across two distinct settings on the island. Zeytoun’s overwater restaurant, with its sweeping ocean views, will provide an intimate backdrop for the two dinners, fostering a serene atmosphere for culinary exploration. At Naiboli Poolside Bar, the Nautilus Rising soirée will feature Chef Darren’s signature canapés, paired with curated music and the relaxed elegance of a barefoot-chic evening, encouraging leisurely conversations amid warm tropical breezes.
Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that Chef Darren’s commitment to integrity and storytelling aligns with the resort’s ethos of timeless hospitality and free-spirited experiences. Chef Darren himself described the residency as an opportunity to create a dialogue through food, where each dish reflects the interplay of craft and place, elevated by the unique setting of The Nautilus. Guests are invited to book their stay by contacting hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or visiting the resort’s website for more details.