This October, W Maldives will set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience, as three of Bali’s most celebrated chefs bring their fire-led creativity to the Indian Ocean. From 18–20 October 2025, Benjamin Cross, Stephen Moore, and Chris Smith will unite for a rare two-night, six-hands collaboration under the resort’s Flavours Unscripted series.
Held across two of W Maldives’ signature dining destinations, the event begins at FIRE, the beachfront smokehouse famed for its bold open-flame cuisine, and concludes at FISH, the resort’s overwater restaurant devoted to refined ocean-to-table dining. Across both nights, guests will be treated to evolving menus that highlight the trio’s distinctive approaches while reflecting the natural bounty of the Maldives.
Benjamin Cross, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Bali’s Mason and Bar Vera, brings a Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired philosophy honed in Spain and New York. Stephen Moore, Culinary Director and Co-Owner of Shelter, lends structure and soul to his dishes, influenced by experiences at El Celler de Can Roca and Aman Resorts. Rounding out the collaboration is Chris Smith of Red Gunpowder, whose Michelin-starred background in London and Paris informs his inventive fusion of French technique, Indian spice, and Balinese freshness.
The first dinner at FIRE on 18 October will celebrate flame and sharing, with highlights such as smoked duck with green chilli chutney, whole roast wagyu ribeye, and a playful smoked banana split. On 20 October, the focus shifts to seafood at FISH, where line-caught fish pilpil, lobster risoni in tom yum butter, and inventive takes on Maldivian waters’ harvest will redefine ocean-inspired dining.
“This collaboration brings together everything I love about food — craftsmanship, connection and creativity — in one of the most stunning places in the world,” shares Chef Benjamin Cross. W Maldives’ General Manager, Amila Handunwala, echoes the sentiment: “This is more than a dining experience — it’s a celebration of place, personality, and the unexpected.”
Beyond the menus, what sets this collaboration apart is its philosophy. Each chef is deeply rooted in sustainability and respect for ingredients, a value shared by W Maldives. From locally sourced seafood to seasonal vegetables, every dish will be designed to honour both land and ocean, ensuring a conscious and immersive experience.
Guests will also have the chance to interact with the chefs through live cooking sessions and storytelling moments, offering insight into the creative process behind each dish. These exchanges are designed to break down the barriers between chef and diner, turning the evening into a dialogue of flavours, memories, and cultural connections.
For W Maldives, this six-hands experience is part of a broader vision to position the resort as a culinary destinationwithin the Indian Ocean. Flavours Unscripted has become a platform where international talent meets Maldivian authenticity, redefining island dining as more than just a luxury, but as an evolving art form that sparks curiosity and adventure.
Ultimately, the two-night event is more than a gastronomic showcase — it is a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration, set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world. As the chefs bring Bali’s vibrant culinary energy to the Maldives, guests are invited to savour not just extraordinary dishes, but the extraordinary connections food can create.
