The award-winning resort welcomes Chef Dave Pynt’s return to The Ledge and unveils world-exclusive sake experiences at Zuma Maldives
his October, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will set the stage for a month of extraordinary culinary encounters. Michelin-starred Chef Dave Pynt returns to The Ledge, the barbecue concept he created exclusively for the resort, while Zuma Maldives partners with a Sake Samurai to unveil rare sake experiences that celebrate Japan’s centuries-old brewing artistry.
“Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has always been more than a destination, it is a canvas for exceptional experiences,” said T.J. Joulak, general manager of the resort. “This October, our guests will have the rare privilege of engaging directly with visionaries such as Chef Pynt and a Sake Samurai, whose artistry transforms dining into cultural discovery. Together, they will create moments that are as unforgettable as our island itself.”
Chef Dave Pynt Returns to The Ledge
From October 13-19, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Dave Pynt, the creative force behind Michelin-starred Burnt Ends in Singapore, will helm the kitchen at The Ledge. Conceived in partnership with Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi in 2019, The Ledge showcases Chef Pynt’s mastery of wood fire, smoke, and slow roasting through a custom-built, four-ton dual-cavity oven and elevation grills powered by sustainable Jarrah wood.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldivian horizon, guests will enjoy leisurely poolside lunches by day and refined wood-fired specialties by night. The residency will feature two signature events:
- The Ledge Team Takeover with Chef Dave (October 15) – A convivial evening of multi-course plates blending Chef Pynt’s signature flavors with creative dishes from The Ledge team, complemented by curated pairings.
- The Ledge x Dom Pérignon – Fire & Finesse by the Beach (October 18) – A barefoot celebration at Mirror Pool Beach featuring Dom Pérignon pours and a bespoke wood-fired menu of refined snacks, new creations, and elevated signatures, served in true Waldorf Astoria style.
A Celebration of Sake Culture at Zuma Maldives
From October 1–7, Zuma Maldives, the resort’s contemporary Japanese dining destination, will spotlight the artistry of sake through a partnership with a Sake Samurai, a rare honor granted by the Japan Sake Brewers Association to just a handful of global ambassadors each year.
Guests will discover five exceptional sakes, including the iconic Zankyo Super 7, polished to an extraordinary seven percent, and the almost mythical Zuma ONE 1%, with only nine bottles in existence worldwide. Events include:
- Enkai Night Brunch (October 1) – A lively Tokyo-inspired izakaya evening with robata delicacies, sushi, and interactive sake tastings.
- Ginza Night (October 4) – An elegant, seated dinner with robatayaki, premium sake pairings, and immersive storytelling from the brewer.
- Osaka Night (October 7) – A cultural celebration of sake featuring Takoyaki, sushi, and robata, alongside personalized calligraphy bottles and interactive tastings.
