Set amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is a showcase of culinary excellence under the expert hands of Executive Chef Ricardo Pina. With a career spanning 30 years and experience in numerous countries, Chef Pina’s journey to the Maldives is a testament to his dedication, passion and innovative spirit towards the culinary arts.
Chef Riccardo Pinna’s culinary journey began in Sardinia, Italy, where he honed his skills at a local culinary school. His passion for food and desire to explore new cultures and flavors has led him to travel the world and work in 14 countries. From the bustling kitchens of London to the serene landscapes of Australia to the vibrant culinary scenes of Spain and Dubai, Chef Pinna’s global experiences have profoundly shaped his culinary style.
“Each country I have worked in has contributed to my development as a chef,” he reflects. “I have been fortunate to learn from the best of the many chefs I have met along the way, which has helped shape my approach to cooking.”
Unlike many chefs who are influenced by a single chef, Chef Pina draws inspiration from the many different chefs he has encountered throughout his career. This collective inspiration fuels his creativity and passion, allowing him to incorporate a wide range of culinary techniques and flavors into his repertoire.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is renowned for its diverse and authentic dining experiences. Under the direction of Chef Pina, the resort features multiple dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary journey. Authenticity is key, and chefs of various nationalities ensure that dishes reflect true cultural flavours. From the rich spices of the Indian restaurant to the delicate flavours of Thai cuisine and hearty dishes in the Italian restaurant, guests can savour cuisines from around the world.
A highlight event is a special Maldivian evening where local chefs prepare traditional dishes using ingredients from the islands and Male, served at a spectacular beach buffet. It is this authenticity and commitment to variety that sets Sheraton Maldives apart in a competitive market.
One of Chef Pina’s notable initiatives at the resort is the introduction of the Carbon Free Menu, which has been well received by guests. Driven by sustainability efforts, the menu features produce from the resort’s organic Chef Garden and includes the innovative 100 Meter Salad, made entirely from island-sourced ingredients.
“The main challenge was the limited variety of ingredients,” explains Chef Pina, “but it inspired us to cook creatively with what we had on hand. While it would have been difficult to create a full à la carte menu, the tasting menu allowed us to showcase fresh and sustainable ingredients.”
Sustainability is not just a trend, it’s a core principle of modern gastronomy, and Chef Pinna incorporates it into every aspect of her kitchen operations. The resort’s Green Globe certification, use of fresh ingredients from the garden, and efficient waste management program are testament to this commitment. The resort also has a biogas plant that converts restaurant waste into biogas, further supporting its sustainability efforts.
A typical day for Chef Pina is anything but ordinary. He oversees seven restaurants and the staff dining area, preparing 1,200 meals a day for the resort’s staff of 350. His day not only involves managing kitchen operations, but also interacting with guests, gathering feedback, and continually striving to improve the dining experience.
“Working in the Maldives is unique compared to city hotels,” he says. “The logistics are different and you have to be creative and adaptable. Here, staff become a family, living and working together as a close-knit community.”
For Chef Pina, every day at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is a new culinary adventure. With such a diverse range of guests, no two days are the same, making each experience at the resort always exciting and enriching.
As for the future, Chef Pina and his team are constantly updating the menu and exploring new dining experiences to delight their guests. “While we don’t have any major changes planned at this time, we are always looking for ways to enhance the dining experience for our guests,” he says.
With Chef Riccardo Pinna at the helm, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to set high standards in culinary excellence, offering guests a truly unforgettable dining experience in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.
