Six Senses Kanuhura appoints new culinary leadership team, relaunches Drift
Six Senses Kanuhura enters an exciting new chapter in its culinary journey with the appointment of Anne-Gaëlle Soobaya as Director of Food & Beverage, Kevin Fawkes as Executive Chef, and this coupled with a full renovation and relaunch of Drift, the resort’s secluded castaway island dining experience on Jehunuhura.
Together, the new leadership team brings a shared vision rooted in creativity, sustainability, and soulful hospitality, while Drift’s refreshed look invites guests to reconnect with nature through effortless island living and relaxed, flavour-forward cuisine.
At the helm of the resort’s food and beverage operations, Anne-Gaëlle Soobaya brings extensive international experience across luxury hospitality, with a career shaped by operational excellence, guest-centric innovation, and team development. Trained at Ferrandi Paris, she began her culinary journey in prestigious hotels such as Four Seasons Hotel George V and Mandarin Oriental, Paris, before transitioning from the kitchen into food and beverage operations. She now joins Six Senses Kanuhura following senior roles with Rosewood in the United States and Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. Known for her intuitive leadership style and strategic approach, she will guide the resort’s diverse dining portfolio while elevating experiences that feel personal, purposeful, and deeply connected to place.
Joining her is Executive Chef Kevin Fawkes, whose three-decade career spans Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and the UK. A multi-award-winning culinary leader, Chef Kevin has held senior roles with world-renowned brands including Soneva, where he was appointed Culinary Director of properties currently ranked 6 and 36 in the 50 Best Hotels in the World. His career also includes notable roles at Anantara, Dusit, Kempinski, Rosewood, Raffles, and Six Senses Zighy Bay, and he has honed his craft in iconic kitchens such as Noma in Copenhagen, The Savoy, and Le Gavroche in London.
A pioneer in conscious cuisine, he co-founded the artisan food movement at Six Senses Phuket in 2012 and helped establish Soneva’s handmade food program, initiatives that have influenced culinary trends across Asia.
At Six Senses Kanuhura, their culinary leadership will focus on elevating the Eat With Six Senses philosophy, showcasing seasonal ingredients, locally sourced produce, and fresh island flavours, while creating meaningful dining and educational guest experiences that celebrate simplicity, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place.
Drift: a castaway island reimagined
Complementing the resort’s renewed culinary vision is Drift, Six Senses Kanuhura’s private castaway island restaurant, located on the untouched island of Jehunuhura, just minutes away by pontoon boat. With no accommodation or facilities beyond the restaurant itself, Jehunuhura is dedicated entirely to the Drift experience, making Six Senses Kanuhura the only resort in the Maldives to offer an exclusive island devoted solely to a restaurant.
Recently reimagined, Drift invites guests to embrace barefoot island living with their feet in the sand, turquoise waters at their doorstep, and nothing else on the island but nature. With nothing else on the island but Drift itself, the experience remains deliberately unspoiled as the refreshed concept introduces new shaded canopies and secluded lounge areas tucked into the island’s jungle edge, offering intimate hideaways right at the beach for day-long relaxation.
The menu reflects the spirit of the setting: fresh, locally sourced ingredients, grilled seafood, island-style barbecue, and simple flavors prepared with care and respect for nature. Drift is designed as perfect “day well spent” hideaway, simply scenic, and effortlessly relaxed.
General Manager Alicia Graham emphasises: “Jehunuhura Island and the Drift Restaurant is a truly special place. There is something captivating in its simplicity, the quiet, the calm, and the profound sense of seclusion. This, combined with our produce-led menus, is what keeps our loyal guests returning time and again, while inspiring new guests to fall in love just as deeply. Six Senses Kanuhura is renowned for its phenomenal and genuinely humble hosts, and it is a true pleasure to welcome Anne and Chef Kevin to our team. With their leadership, creativity, and passion, we are excited for this new chapter for Kanuhura as we continue to create the magical moments our guests and hosts know and cherish.”
Together, the arrival of new culinary leadership and the reimagined Drift experience reinforce Six Senses Kanuhura’s commitment to thoughtful luxury, where exceptional food, natural beauty, and authentic connection come together in harmony.
