The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives Welcomes Two-Michelin-Starred Chef Pascal Steffen of Roots for Exclusive October Residency

The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives is set to welcome Swiss Michelin-starred chef Pascal Steffen of acclaimed Basel restaurant Roots for an exclusive chef residency from 1–7 October 2026, bringing his distinctive approach to ingredient-led cooking to the natural abundance of the Maldivian islands.

At Roots, Steffen places vegetables and seasonal produce at the heart of his cuisine, allowing the character and quality of each ingredient to dictate his approach. Carefully selected fish and meat complement the produce, while techniques including fermentation and preservation add depth and complexity. His cooking is rooted in seasonality, provenance and a considered respect for nature, resulting in dishes that are refined, expressive and deeply connected to their ingredients.

During the week-long residency, Steffen will work alongside The Halcyon’s culinary team to create a series of exclusive dishes and menus shaped by the Maldivian landscape. Freshly caught seafood, herbs and vegetables from the resort’s own Traveller’s Garden, alongside carefully sourced local ingredients, will form the basis of the collaboration. Rather than replicate the experience of Roots, Steffen will draw on the character of his surroundings, exploring the produce, traditions and flavours unique to the islands.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience the collaboration through two exclusive dinners, each limited to 16 guests, as well as an intimate, hands-on cooking class offering insight into Steffen’s techniques, philosophy and approach to produce. Together, the experiences will explore the meeting point between his Swiss culinary heritage and the ingredients and traditions of the Maldives. The partnership will extend beyond the week-long residency, with a selection of Steffen’s creations remaining on The Halcyon’s menus following his departure.

Steffen arrives in the Maldives following a year of significant recognition. Roots holds two Michelin stars and 18 GaultMillau points, while Steffen was recently named GaultMillau Green Chef of the Year, recognising his commitment to sustainability and responsible culinary practices.

“At The Halcyon, we believe the most extraordinary culinary moments are those that reveal the spirit of a destination through its ingredients and traditions. Welcoming Chef Pascal Steffen allows us to unite his visionary, ingredient-led philosophy with the richness of the Maldives’ land and sea. Together, we will craft experiences that transcend dining – moments of discovery and connection that immerse our guests in the essence of place, leaving a lasting imprint far beyond the table,” says Adriana Borcean, General Manager, The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives.

Steffen comments: “We’re excited to discover an entirely new world of ingredients that will broaden our culinary perspective in such an extraordinary setting. Encounters like these inspire us just as much as they inspire our guests.”

The Chef Pascal Steffen residency is available exclusively to guests of The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives from 1–7 October 2026, subject to availability. Guests wishing to experience the residency are invited to plan their stay around the programme and contact The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives for further details and reservations.