Hong Kong-based celebrity chef and entrepreneur May Chow will partner with award-winning eco-luxury resort operator Soneva to present a creative Chinese culinary experience at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives during Chinese New Year from 9 to 21 February 2024. She will showcase the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese cuisine at Out of the Blue, Once upon A Table in Soneva Fusi and The Crab Shack in Soneva Jani, where she will be able to showcase the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese cuisine with exquisite cooking techniques and traditional local ingredients.
Born in Canada and based in Hong Kong, Chef Chow is the founder of Little Bao and Happy Paradise. Happy Paradise was named one of the 20 Best Restaurants in Macau and Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020 by Tatler Magazine, and was named one of the best places in the world by Time Magazine in 2018. In addition, Happy Paradise was named to the World's 50 Best Discovery list. The success of these two restaurants has catapulted her to fame in the global gastronomic scene, where she is recognized as one of the most dynamic and respected gastronomic figures.
In 2017, Chef May was named one of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants'S 50 Best Restaurants). She has been featured in several hit TV shows, including Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown, MasterChef Asia, MasterChef UK, and Top Chef, among others. She has also been a guest speaker at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Chef May has been reported by BBC, CNN, Vogue, Forbes, Food & Wine, The Food Network, Eater and other international **. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Eat Forum and S**e Hong Kong F&B, and is a courageous voice and supporter of LGBTQ equity, cultural diversity and women's empowerment.
Out of the Blue at Soneva Fusi Resort is a charming two-storey floating restaurant where Chef May serves her signature buns and dishes. She infuses Chinese flavors with fresh, local ingredients for a style that combines East and West. Guests can relax on a beachfront sun lounger or even experience the thrill of sliding directly into the Indian Ocean from a water slide. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options for guests to enjoy their day in the sun.
The Crab Shack at Soneva Jani Resort was owned by CNNNamed "the most romantic restaurant in the world" by com, it is the perfect place for guest chefs to show off their skills. The restaurant, which includes a 32-seat dining area and a 14-seat bar area, is located on the resort's southwest beach, opposite the island from Cinema Paradiso. Spread over two floors, the first floor is home to the restaurant, kitchen and bar area, while the second floor terrace offers multiple levels of sun loungers where guests can relax and enjoy a glass of wine, including rosé, while watching the Maldivian sunset.
About Soneva:
Founded in 1995, Soneva is an award-winning sustainable resort group. At Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, Soneva Secret 2024 and Soneva In Aqua in the Maldives, as well as Soneva Kiri in Thailand, true luxury is defined by indulgence and freedom of time and space. Guests are encouraged to learn about the philosophy of slow life and reconnect with nature through precious and unforgettable experiences that rejuvenate the body and mind.
Soneva is a pioneer in responsible tourism and is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through thoughtful, personalised services. Soneva has been carbon neutral since 2012 and has been a pioneer in the hospitality industry since 2016 with the launch of the Total Impact Assessment to monitor its social and environmental impact. Soneva's accommodation fees are inclusive of a 2% environmental tax, with proceeds going to the non-profit Soneva Foundation** to cover the direct and indirect carbon emissions generated by resort activities and passenger aircraft. **It also supports a wide range of global projects that contribute to environmental, social and economic development.