Gourmet Week Under The Maldivian Sky
January at The Cocoon Collection became a stage for Italian haute cuisine, with Chef Andrea Berton and Chef Daniele Provezza presenting exclusive Gourmet Weeks across You&Me Maldives and Joy Island Maldives.
January Celebrated Haute Cuisine at the Cocoon Collection Resorts
The Cocoon Collection opened 2026 with a month‑long celebration of Italian culinary excellence across its Maldivian resorts, presenting a series of Gourmet Weeks curated by leading contemporary chefs.
The programme began with Chef Andrea Berton at You&Me Maldives, where guests enjoyed two signature dining experiences: roasted scallops with carrot, passion fruit, hazelnuts and pak choi at the Green Carpet, followed by a refined interpretation of saffron risotto with veal jus and aromatic gremolada at The Sand.
These events seamlessly complement the resort’s Premium All Inclusive Experience, a concept designed as a fluid, sensorial journey that blends taste, discovery and wellbeing throughout the guest’s stay.
From 15 to 27 January, the spotlight shifted to Chef Daniele Provezza of Dispensa Franciacorta, who presented four exclusive culinary moments across Joy Island Maldives and You&Me Maldives.
Highlights included a steamed bao bun with Bresciano corn and yellowfin tuna tartare, slow‑cooked jackfish with spiced mango chutney and Franciacorta sauce, marinated mahi mahi with Sebino olive mayonnaise, and a luxurious raviolo with egg yolk, potato, Franciacorta and Calvisius caviar.
“The Gourmet Weeks are a natural extension of our culinary vision,” says Giovanni De Ambrosis, Culinary Director of The Cocoon Collection. “They create meaningful encounters between chefs, territories and inspirations, offering guests authentic and memorable experiences.”
With its January programme, The Cocoon Collection reinforced its position as a leading destination for exceptional gastronomic journeys in the Maldives.
Maldives Moments: Team Travel Promoters explore Cocoon Collection
Rosanna and Laura share their tips and experiences from their recent Maldives Fam Trip with Cocoon Collection.
Rosanna and Laura share valuable insight into their time at The Cocoon Collection in Maldives:
From the moment we glimpsed those stark white islands scattered across turquoise seas, the Maldives felt like a dream made real. Arriving by seaplane — barefoot pilots, sweeping views, and that adventurous hum of propellers — set the tone for a journey that would be both serene and spirited.
Our itinerary took us across three distinct properties in the Cocoon Collection: Cocoon Maldives, You & Me Maldives, and Joy Island. Each offered its own rhythm, its own soul — and together, they revealed the diversity and depth of what the Maldives can be.
Cocoon Maldives
Cocoon Maldives is the image that springs to mind when you picture the Maldives: turquoise waters, endless white sand, and palm-covered walkways that frame the beach like a painting. It’s barefoot luxury at its most authentic — relaxed, refined, and quietly confident.
The vibe is beautifully balanced between calm and play. Couples will find tucked-away corners for romance, while families can enjoy the lively energy of the island’s social spaces. The Kiddies Cove is a standout — well-run, welcoming, and even offers babysitting.
Visually, the island is stunning. With 7.2 hectares of beach, there’s space to breathe. Egg chairs nestled in the palms at the island’s tip invite you to pause and take it all in. The staff know the island like the back of their hand, and the service is warm, intuitive, and never intrusive.
Signature experience? The Japanese Corner — a hands-on cooking experience that was as fun as it was delicious. We flipped, stirred, and tasted our way through a meal that felt both personal and celebratory.
Trade takeaway: Cocoon is the Maldives as you imagine it — traditional, timeless, and beautifully designed.
You & Me Maldives
You & Me is the quiet soul of the Cocoon Collection. The smallest of the three islands, it’s adult-only and wrapped in a slower, more intimate pace. Think sandy walkways, lush foliage, and rustic elegance — thatched roofs, wooden frames, and sand underfoot in the restaurants.
It’s ideal for couples celebrating something special, but also for solo travellers or groups of friends seeking connection and calm.
Standout for this property - The H2O underwater restaurant is a showstopper — a 5- or 7-course sensory feast beneath the sea.
Service here is polished yet relaxed. Staff are composed, friendly, and deeply attentive. You’re looked after from the moment you arrive, and the atmosphere is one of ease and grace.
Trade takeaway: For a romantic, rustic, and elegantly nurtured escape, You & Me is a perfect fit — especially for clients seeking something quieter and more refined.
Joy Island
Joy is exactly that — joyful. It’s vibrant, social, and full of energy, but never overwhelming. The island is cleverly designed with both lively and quiet zones, including a silent beach with no Wi-Fi or music for those craving stillness.
It’s a great fit for couples, families, and solo travellers alike. The décor is bright and playful in the overwater villas, while the beach villas are nestled in foliage with darker woods and a more grounded feel — a lovely contrast.
Signature moments? Snorkelling from the beach was unexpectedly brilliant, and the Palm Bar staff were a highlight — remembering orders, crafting new drinks, and bringing a sense of fun to every interaction.
Service here is chatty, relaxed, and full of personality. You feel looked after, but also part of the island’s rhythm.
Trade takeaway: Joy’s proximity to Malé makes it incredibly accessible, and its vibe — friendly, beautiful, and full of flavour — is a winner. And yes, the pizza really is that good.
Travel Promoters Tip
When selling the Maldives, ask your clients what truly matters to them. Is it the distance to/from Male and are they comfortable on a seaplane or speedboat? Is it the personalised service, the size of the island or the age demographic? Would they prefer an over water villa or the foliaged privacy of a beachfront suite?
Many properties offer similar activities, but what sets the Cocoon Collection apart is the service — warm, personal, and joyfully consistent across every island. The staff are radiant, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in each guest’s experience. That’s hard to replicate — and it’s what makes Cocoon a confident recommendation for any traveller.
