LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

A new culinary chapter unfolds at Amilla Maldives as celebrated chef Sean Derrick Walles takes the helm

Tucked within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the award-winning Amilla Maldives Resort has appointed Executive Chef Sean Derrick Walles, marking an exciting evolution in the island’s acclaimed dining scene. With nearly two decades of international culinary experience, Chef Derrick brings a distinctive blend of creative flair, sustainable sourcing, and refined technique to Amilla’s kitchens.

A Gold and Silver medallist at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge (Maldives) and the FHA Culinary Challenge (Singapore), Walles is known for his inventive approach to modern gastronomy. His appointment will see him oversee Amilla’s seven dining venues and the resort’s celebrated Homegrown@Amilla and Homemade@Amilla initiatives—programs championing organic, locally inspired produce and artisanal ingredients.

Guests can look forward to an enhanced culinary journey with Walles’ signature creations such as le petit croissant with smoked cod and green hollandaise, Peruvian-style fish ceviche, textures of tomato with aged balsamic and burrata foam, and watermelon sashimi. Each dish reflects his passion for innovation, balance, and sustainability.

“We’re thrilled to welcome such an accomplished chef whose values align with our ethos,” says Morgan Martinello, General Manager of Amilla Maldives. “Chef Derrick’s artistry and passion for inclusive, sustainable cuisine will further elevate Amilla’s distinctive dining experiences.”

For Chef Derrick, the move to Amilla is both a homecoming and a new adventure.

“It’s a privilege to join a resort so deeply committed to culinary creativity and sustainability,” he shares. “I’m excited to bring my own twist to the menus while showcasing ingredients from Amilla’s gardens.”

His impressive résumé includes leadership roles at Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, Patina Maldives, Soneva Fushi, Velaa Private Island, and Six Senses resorts in Portugal and Oman. Along the way, he has collected a string of accolades, including multiple gold medals from the Chef Guild of Sri Lanka Saloon Culinary Competitions, and helped Alila Villas Uluwatu earn a coveted title at Exquisite’s Best Restaurants and Bars 2025.

Beyond its culinary excellence, Amilla Maldives continues to stand out as a model of sustainable luxury. An EarthCheck Gold-certified member of the Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection and recipient of Forbes Travel Guide’s “Responsible Hospitality Partner of the Year 2025”, the resort seamlessly blends indulgence with eco-conscious integrity.

With its 67 Pool Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, The Sultan’s Village Kids Club, and a host of activities—from water sports and tennis to kombucha-making workshops—Amilla offers a sanctuary for guests of all ages. Under Chef Walles’ stewardship, its dining program promises to mirror the resort’s essence: natural, inclusive, and endlessly inspiring.

For more information, visit www.amilla.com