This October, W Maldives is set to host a dazzling two-night dining event as part of its Flavours Unscripted series, welcoming three of Bali’s most acclaimed chefs for an unforgettable culinary collaboration in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Taking place on 18 and 20 October 2025, the exclusive experience brings together Benjamin Cross (Mason, Bar Vera), Stephen Moore (Shelter, HUT Cafe & Bakery), and Chris Smith (Red Gunpowder, 7AM Bakers Club) for a six-hands dinner that promises to blend fire, flavour, and finesse in one of the world’s most stunning island settings.

Each chef brings a distinct culinary style grounded in open-fire cooking, global influences, and sustainable sourcing — all hallmarks of W Maldives’ signature Dare to Taste programme. Set across two of the resort’s celebrated restaurants, the event begins under the stars at FIRE, the beachfront smokehouse, and concludes overwater at FISH, with a refined seafood-driven menu.

Firing Up

At FIRE on 18 October, guests can expect bold, shared plates built around smoke and flame, including whole roast wagyu ribeye, smoked duck with green chilli chutney, and an indulgent smoked banana split. Two nights later, at FISH, the focus shifts to the sea with highlights such as line-caught fish pilpil, lobster risoni in tom yum butter, and other inventive seafood dishes inspired by the surrounding waters.

Cross, originally from Australia, is known for his Mediterranean-inspired, fire-led cuisine and is Culinary Director for Aqua Expeditions. Moore brings deep global experience from kitchens including El Celler de Can Roca and Aman properties, blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours with soulful precision. Smith, a veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens in London and Paris, fuses French technique with Indian spice and Balinese freshness.

“There’s so much synergy between Bali and the Maldives — from the respect for ingredients to the storytelling behind every dish,” says Cross. “It’s a rare opportunity to cook in such an inspiring place.”

Located in the North Ari Atoll and accessible via a 25-minute seaplane from Velana International Airport, W Maldives is a luxury playground with 77 private villas, each with a plunge pool and ocean access — the perfect backdrop for this bold culinary encounter.

(Images: W Maldives)