Pioneering resort brand Soneva has announced its latest collaboration with British chef Michael Wignall, who will be bringing his one-Michelin-starred restaurant The Angel at Hetton to Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. He will be serving his culinary creations for guests at the resort’s popular fine dining zipline restaurant, Flying Sauces, during an exclusive residency from February 8 to May 8, 2024.
Widely considered one of the most respected chefs in the UK, chef Michael’s professional career started at Broughton Park under Paul Heathcote. He earned his first Michelin star in 1993 and has since held stars in every kitchen he has headed, including two Michelin stars and five AA rosettes at Gidleigh Park in Chagford, Devon, and at The Latymer at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, Surrey. In 2018, he purchased The Angel at Hetton, set in the UK’s Yorkshire Dales National Park, where he gained a Michelin star within its first year of opening.
Chef Michael is renowned for producing incredibly complex and technically accomplished dishes, each characterised by an acute attention to detail. Dedicated to the pursuit of perfection in flavour, texture and appearance, he has travelled extensively from the Far East to the United States and across Europe to find new inspirations and ideas to pair with locally sourced produce. His menu at Flying Sauces will honour local Maldivian ingredients and freshly picked produce from Soneva Fushi’s organic gardens.
Launched in 2021, Flying Sauces is the first fine dining zipline experience in the world, complete with an open treetop kitchen 12 metres above the ground. After being securely strapped to safety harnesses, guests soar along a 200-metre zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform where stunning views of the island’s lush greens and sparkling turquoise ocean await. Once seated, guests can savour chef Michael’s memorable menu, paired with a selection of over 9,000 wines from Soneva Fushi’s extensive cellar.
Looking ahead to February 2024, couples and families alike can also explore a world of wonder and romance on the sparkling shores of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Setting the scene for unforgettable memories, Soneva’s February Collection features rare experiences, decadent dining and life-enriching wellness with Soneva Soul. Think Champagne breakfasts on a private sandbank, stargazing sessions with visiting astronomers, wine tasting with German winemakers Weingut Wittmann, yoga and meditation by the ocean, castaway family picnics and more, all alongside a memorable schedule of fun at The Den – Soneva’s sprawling playgrounds dedicated to families.
