COLOURS OF OBLU, part of Atmosphere Core, is set to bring an Italian culinary flair to its Maldives resorts with a special visit from renowned pizza chef Marco Piccini. Known for creating distinctive guest experiences that combine fun, relaxation, and indulgence, the brand will host the celebrated chef between 22 September and 3 October for a series of pop-up pizza dining events and exclusive culinary showcases.
Marco Piccini, CEO of Mako Pizza, is more than a master of traditional Italian pizza — he is a private chef specializing in live show cooking and catering for high-profile events. His style emphasizes the use of organic dough, extended fermentation techniques, and premium flours, turning each presentation into a blend of gastronomy, artistry, and storytelling. This upcoming collaboration will mark his first time working in the Maldives.
According to Atmosphere Core’s Vice President of Food & Beverage, Anupam Banerjee, the partnership reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to offering artisanal dining experiences that are as entertaining as they are flavorful. “What sets Chef Marco apart is his dedication to ingredient origins and quality, as well as his passion for sharing the history of his country’s national dish. He believes that truly great pizza starts with the dough,” Banerjee said.
During his tour of North Malé Atoll, Chef Marco will visit OBLU NATURE Helengeli, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, and the couples-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili. Each stop will feature unique dining experiences, including interactive sessions where guests can learn the art of crafting traditional pizzas from scratch. The visit will also offer an opportunity for the resorts’ culinary teams to train under Chef Marco’s guidance, mastering authentic Italian pizza-making techniques.
Raised in Sovigliana-Vinci, with family ties to Grosseto and Empoli, Chef Marco credits his mother, Mara, for inspiring his love for cooking. He honed his craft at the Enriques Institute in Castelfiorentino before gaining experience at acclaimed restaurants including Borgo Allegro, Castelfalfi Resort, and Milan’s Michelin-starred JOIA. In 2019, he collaborated with celebrated chef Fabrizio Marino to establish Pizza Del Popolo, San Miniato’s first vegetarian bakery-pizzeria, dedicated to organic, locally sourced ingredients and authentic regional flavors.
Reflecting on his upcoming trip, Chef Marco described pizza as a “passion from the soul” and more of an art form than a mere cooking process. Having hosted showcases across Europe, he sees the Maldives as an exceptional new destination for his culinary events. “I look forward to sharing my pizza-making knowledge with guests and local chefs, and in return, learning about their own specialties and the unique flavors of Maldivian cuisine,” he said.