Fresh off launching Australia’s first direct charter flights from Melbourne to the Maldives, Luxury Escapes has announced an exclusive culinary getaway with celebrity chef and television personality Miguel Maestre at Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, giving Australians a new reason to visit the Indian Ocean destination beyond its iconic overwater villas and arguably the best snorkeling in the world.
For one week only departing 28 September, 30 guests will join Miguel for a FIFO (Fly-In-Feast-Often) five-night culinary escape celebrating the flavours of Spain and the Maldives. The exclusive experience combines direct flights aboard Luxury Escapes’ nonstop charter service with chef-hosted dining experiences, beachfront feasts and behind-the-scenes culinary moments.
The centrepiece of the week will be an intimate live paella experience at Finolhu’s iconic Crab Shack, where Miguel will prepare his signature seafood paella using locally sourced Maldivian tuna and prawns, bringing his trademark Mediterranean flair to one of the destination’s most spectacular beachfront settings.
Guests will also discover the resort’s award-winning dining experiences, from fresh Japanese cuisine at Kanusan to authentic Maldivian dishes prepared by local chefs, alongside exclusive events including a hidden speakeasy cocktail evening, Finolhu’s famous White Party and a traditional Maldivian beach celebration.
Miguel Maestre said the experience is an opportunity to showcase a side of the Maldives many travellers underestimate until they get there.
“Everyone knows the Maldives for its crystal-clear water and incredible beaches, but the food deserves just as much attention. The seafood is exceptional, the local ingredients are amazing and I can’t wait to bring a little bit of Spain to the Maldives with a paella cooked right on the beach.”
Luxury Escapes Co-Founder and CEO Adam Schwab said demand for the Maldives had surged since the launch of the company’s direct charter flights.
“Bookings to the Maldives have more than doubled in the first half of 2026, and this can be directly attributed to the new flights that make it so easy and more affordable to get there.”
“While the Maldives has long been synonymous with luxury, this partnership with Miguel and Finolhu showcases its world-class food and warm hospitality. It’s exactly the kind of exclusive, money-can’t-buy experience our customers are hungry for.”
Luxury Escapes’ Maldives Foodie Experience Hosted by Miguel Maestre Highlights:
- Fly direct from Melbourne to Malé aboard Luxury Escapes’ exclusive nonstop charter flights.
- All-inclusive 5-night stay at Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort (including unlimited premium alcoholic beverages).
- Join Miguel Maestre for an exclusive and private live beachfront paella experience at the iconic Crab Shack.
- Discover Finolhu’s hidden Speakeasy Bar at a welcome cocktail reception.
- Enjoy a wine degustation dinner with in-house Chief Sommelier.
- Dance beneath the stars at Finolhu’s iconic White Party with live DJ entertainment.
- Experience Beach Rendezvous: A Maldivian Journey, a celebration of authentic local cuisine, traditional Bodu Beru drumming and beachfront fire show.
- Beach Bites Under the Stars, with an outdoor cinema experience on Finolhu’s unique two-kilometre-long sandbank.
Maldives Foodie Experience Hosted by Miguel Maestre is priced from $13,998 AUD* for two people, including return Economy flights from Melbourne to Malé, internal seaplane transfers, luxury accommodation in an overwater villa, premium alcohol beverages, mini bar replenished daily, early check-in, late checkout, select dining experiences and exclusive access to culinary experiences hosted by Miguel Maestre. More information at www.luxuryescapes.com
