Ruwan Nalindra has been appointed as Executive Chef at Vakkaru Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives has announced the appointment of Ruwan Nalindra as the resort’s new Executive Chef. With more than 25 years of global culinary experience across luxury hotels, private islands, and fine dining destinations, Chef Ruwan brings a distinctive blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and leadership to Vakkaru’s culinary vision. He oversees all culinary operations across the resort’s portfolio of restaurants and bars, including Amaany, Isoletta, Onu, Cabana, Lagoon Bar, and Anguru Teppanyaki, with an approach centred on precision, authenticity, and a deep respect for ingredients, shaping dining experiences that feel considered, unique and expressive. Under his direction, Vakkaru Maldives continues to refine its philosophy of understated luxury, wellness, and sustainability, ensuring every culinary moment is both distinctive and memorable.
Chef Ruwan joins Vakkaru Maldives following an accomplished international career with some of the world’s most respected luxury hospitality brands. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives, where he led multi-venue culinary operations through a successful rebranding from an independent property to the Six Senses portfolio. He has also held senior culinary leadership roles with Four Seasons Resorts in the Maldives and Seychelles, building deep expertise in ultra-luxury resort dining, private island operations, and VIP hospitality.
Throughout his career, Chef Ruwan has collaborated with renowned Michelin-starred chefs, including Jasper Kock and José Pizarro, and has cooked for high-profile royal families. These experiences have shaped his culinary style, where classical technique meets creativity, seasonality, and thoughtful execution. He is also widely respected for his ability to mentor and develop talent, having co-developed and implemented the Maldives’ first structured culinary apprentice program, supporting the growth of local professionals, many of whom are now leading kitchens across the country’s luxury hotel scene.
Since joining Vakkaru Maldives, Chef Ruwan has already made a meaningful impact across the resort’s culinary offerings. He has successfully enhanced the breakfast experience at Amaany, the resort’s tranquil, beachfront all-day dining restaurant, with elevated presentation, refined flavors, and a renewed focus on freshness and balance across its interactive, globally-inspired offerings with local influences. He has also begun refreshing the menus at Isoletta, the resort’s vibrant Italian restaurant, blending seasonal ingredients with inventive interpretations of classic dishes that reflect both craftsmanship and contemporary flair.
For further information about the resort, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact [email protected] to make a reservation.