Centara Maldives resorts win over 25 awards at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2026
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has secured more than 25 medals and awards at the recently concluded Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge 2026, with team members from across its four resorts recognised for their achievements in culinary arts and hospitality. Representing Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, colleagues competed across a diverse range of disciplines, earning gold, silver and bronze medals, runner-up placements and a merit award. The achievements reflect the depth of talent across the Maldives portfolio and the collective commitment to professional excellence that underpins the hospitality standards of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives recorded a strong showing across ten competition entries, with its team recognised in desserts, hot cooking and Asian fusion. Itika Layal earned silver in Desserts, while Mahinsa Arushima Disanayake received silver in Hot Cooking – Lamb and bronze in Asian Fusion. Aishath Lauza secured silver in the Young Chef category, while Jeewaka Madushan Aruppalalage earned silver medals in Hot Cooking – Fish Fillet and Signature Prawns, alongside bronze in Hot Cooking – Seafood. Sehan Chathuranga received bronze medals in Asian Fusion and Hot Cooking – Beef, while Akalanka Garagoda Liyanage secured bronze in Hot Cooking – Poultry.
At Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, the culinary team received recognition across eight competition entries, spanning hot cooking, omelette preparation, team competition and the Young Chef category. Sabarisan Raju secured silver in Hot Cooking – Lamb and bronze in Hot Cooking – Fish Fillet, while Sathishkumar Thiruppathi earned silver in Perfect Omelette. The resort’s Team Challenge representatives, Saikumar Jawalker and Arup Bhakta, each received bronze medals. Further bronze medals were awarded to Karri Kishore and Don Senushi Gunasekara in the Young Chef category, and to Haris Wicaksono in Hot Cooking – Poultry.
At Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, recognition extended across culinary skills, beverage craftsmanship and the art of room presentation. Ni Putu Suci Ariani led the resort’s achievements with a gold medal in the Iced Mocktail category, followed by Suman Thapa, who secured bronze in the Cocktail Challenge. The culinary team also earned three bronze medals, with Alli Ahmed Makiya recognised in Hot Cooking – Seafood, Shashi Vardhan Reddy Sunku in Hot Cooking – Beef and Arisa Apicho in Hot Cooking – Poultry. Hakim Fadhile Royal Ndile received a Merit Award in Desserts, while Mohammad Amirul and MD Razan were named Second Runners-up in the Bed Making competition, recognising their precision and attention to detail in room presentation.
Representing Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, Vivek Alikkal Thekkethil Gopan secured bronze medals in both the Tea Challenge and Iced Mocktail categories. The two awards recognise his expertise in beverage preparation and presentation, reflecting the creativity and technical proficiency required across the resort’s food and beverage operations.
Commenting on the achievements, Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, said, “The achievements of our colleagues at this year’s competition are a testament to the skill, discipline and dedication they bring to their respective crafts. It is particularly rewarding to see our teams recognised across a diverse range of culinary disciplines, from established culinary specialisations to emerging talent. These accomplishments reflect our continued commitment to developing our people, strengthening their expertise and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved recognition.”
Reflecting on the significance of these achievements, Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, said, “The quality of a guest experience is ultimately shaped by the people who bring it to life, and these achievements reflect the depth of talent, dedication and professionalism across our teams. It is particularly encouraging to see our colleagues recognised across such varied disciplines, from culinary arts and beverage craftsmanship to the finer details of room presentation. Competitions such as Hotel Asia allow our teams to showcase their expertise, challenge themselves and celebrate their professional growth. Congratulations to all the winners on their achievements.”
The achievements at the Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge 2026 reinforce Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ continued focus on professional development, skills advancement and nurturing talent across its resorts. By encouraging colleagues to challenge themselves and showcase their capabilities on an industry platform, Centara continues to invest in the people who shape its hospitality offering across the Maldives.
