Celebrating community and collaboration with Chef Aminath Shaanee, renowned for driving culinary excellence in the Maldives.
This International Women’s Day, Nova Maldives proudly reflects on the success of its meaningful Women’s Day activation, held in partnership with local chef, Aminath Shaanee – Maldives’ culinary powerhouse, educator at the Maldives National University, and mentor. This year’s programme aimed to honour and empower women in the hospitality industry, showcasing the remarkable achievements of a talented female chef while fostering mentorship and community connections.
The -two-day celebration featured engaging activities designed to inspire guests and highlight the vital contributions of women in the culinary arts. Attendees were warmly welcomed by Nova’s Soulmates at check-in, followed by an intimate and casual fireside chat at Wink, with a sharing session by the distinguished chef Aminath Shaanee, who discussed her career journey and insights on navigating challenges in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
Building on the growing trend of hands-on culinary experiences, immersive skill-based activities, and authentic local food journeys, Nova guests joined Aminath in an engaging masterclass designed to deepen their cultural connection through cooking. This interactive session focused on traditional techniques and regional ingredients, offering participants the opportunity to refine their skills in a collaborative setting. Attendees explored the art of preparing the Moringa Harmony Dish – a beautifully plated roasted job fish fillet accompanied by fragrant coconut rice, silky a silky moringa curry sauce, and a velvety moringa purée. From perfecting presentation to balancing spices in the signature dish, the experience encouraged creativity and experimentation in a dynamic and interactive environment. Chef Aminath conducted demonstrations to deepen participants’understanding in sensory engagement, while offering valuable guidance on ingredient selection and tried-and-tested cooking methods.
As part of the programme, Team Nova’s fellow ‘soulmates’ were invited to join Chef Aminath in a close-knitted group discussion. The activity further fostered a sense of community and empowerment, allowing team members to bond through the shared joy of celebrating the contributions of women in the culinary world.
Spotlight on Nova’s Guest Chef – Aminath Shaanee
Aminath Shaanee is a distinguished culinary educator with over 23 years of experience. As a Chef Educator at the Maldives National University, she has dedicated herself to mentoring aspiring chefs and has been recognised as Education Chef of the Year at the CGM Chef Awards in 2022. Her expertise in local ingredients and culinary techniques has greatly influenced the next generation of chefs in the Maldives.
A Commitment to Women Empowerment
Nova remains dedicated to supporting aspiring young professionals and talented women in hospitality. The focus on creating an inclusive environment in this bespoke experience allows creativity and innovation to thrive, instilling confidence in the next generation of women leaders in the culinary world.
“At Nova, we are dedicated to uplifting women in hospitality and providing a platform for their talents to shine,” said Abdulla Aboobakuru, Nova’s General Manager. “This year’s International Women’s Day celebration with Chef Aminath created an open space for sharing experiences and nurturing talent, ensuring that the stories of women in the industry can continue to resonate and inspire others.”
Join the Celebration
Travellers are warmly invited explore the joy of the culinary arts at Nova through various Maldivian and specialist cooking classes year-round, with opportunities for guests to engage in delicious workshops and educational experiences.
Rates at Nova start at £266/night in a Beach Villa and from £376/night in a Water Villa, based on two adults sharing on Full Board basis. Long-stay deals featuring attractive discounts of up to 55% are also available when booking directly.
