AMILLA MALDIVES WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF SEAN DERRICK WALLES

Amilla Maldives has announced the appointment of Executive Chef Sean Derrick Walles, bringing almost two decades’ of distinguished culinary experience and a proven track record of creative menu innovation and sustainable sourcing to the award-winning natural luxury resort’s renowned kitchens.

A Gold and Silver medalist in the prestigious Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge (Maldives) and the FHA Culinary Challenge (Singapore) respectively, Chef Derrick will ensure the highest standards of quality and creativity across Amilla’s eclectic culinary experiences and seven dining venues – each offering thoughtfully crafted dietary lifestyle menus encompassing vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb/keto and paleo. He will also oversee the resort’s organic gardens and Homegrown@Amilla and Homemade@Amilla initiatives. Bringing enhanced creative flair to the resort’s menus, Chef Derrick’s signature dishes include le petit croissant, avocado, tomato salsa, smoked cod, poached egg and green hollandaise; Peruvian style fish ceviche; textures of tomato with aged balsamic and burrata foam; and watermelon sashimi.

Morgan Martinello, General Manager of Amilla Maldives commented, "We are excited to have secured the services of such an accomplished chef, and in particular one whose values are so strongly aligned with Amilla Maldives’ ethos. Beyond his technical expertise and gastronomic artistry, Chef Derrick brings a genuine passion for team development, creative sustainable cuisine, and crafting authentic, memorable and inclusive dining experiences for all dietary lifestyles.”

On his appointment, Chef Derrick said, “I’m delighted to be taking the helm of Amilla’s exceptional culinary offerings, and to have the opportunity to further showcase fresh ingredients from the resort’s own gardens. My passion lies in bringing my own creative twist to dishes and I look forward to further elevating the gastronomic delights the resort offers for a variety of dietary requirements.”

Having started his career at the Hilton Colombo, Chef Derrick has since consistently demonstrated excellence in leadership roles at leading luxury resorts from Portugal to Indonesia, including Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali; Patina Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Velaa Private Island in the Maldives; and Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal) and Zighy Bay (Oman). His culinary expertise has seen him awarded an array of accolades including two silver medals at FHA Culinary Challenge (Singapore, 2018) and four Gold Medals at the Chef Guild of Sri Lanka Saloon Culinary competitions (2011), alongside leading Alila Villas Uluwatu to secure a prestigious win at Exquisite’s Best Restaurants and Bars 2025.

Set within the idyllic Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Amilla Maldives welcomes families of all sizes with its 2-4-6-8-bedroom villas, each complemented with outdoor living spaces and private pools. The resort blends refined luxury with a welcoming atmosphere for guests of all ages and abilities, along with an exceptional range of experiences – from water sports, football camps, tennis, pickleball and private cinema nights, to dolphin cruises and immersive marine adventures. The Sultan’s Village Kids Club ensures younger guests can enjoy the resort with a secure open-air playground and a lively daily activities schedule of crafts, sports, and eco-workshops.

For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com. 

ENDS

About Amilla Maldives

Located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Amilla Maldives is an enchanting island resort for couples, families, and groups of friends to relax and play. Fringed by white sand beaches and one of the Maldives’ best house reefs, the island’s 67 Pool Villas and Residences each offer private pools and are thoughtfully designed with indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The Sultan’s Village kids club has plenty to entertain curious little ones, while activities such as kombucha-making, art, and painting classes ensure there is plenty to do for guests besides snorkelling and diving at world-class sites including Hanifaru Bay and the resort’s own famous Blue Hole. 

An EarthCheck gold-certified member of Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection, Amilla embodies a commitment to finding harmony between luxury and sustainability.

Amidst the idyllic backdrop of the Maldives, the resort effortlessly intertwines the allure of an island getaway, the richness of Maldivian culture and lush natural surrounds.

Amilla is deeply conscientious about its role in fostering a relationship with local communities. In this spirit, guests are proactively involved on the importance of sustainability and inclusivity initiatives.

Amilla’s thoughtfully crafted dietary lifestyle choice menus encompass vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb/keto and paleo.

Named ‘Responsible Hospitality Partner of the Year 2025’ by Forbes Travel Guide in recognition of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as well as environmental sustainability, Amilla is proud to be an IncluCare-certified resort.  

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Dara Soeharto (dara@frogandwolfpr.com), Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.