Chef Nino Di Costanzo
The visitors to Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru are in for a treat, as the renowned two-Michelin-starred Chef Nino Di Costanzo of Dani Maison restaurant from the island of Ischia in Italy, is cooking up a feast right here on this Maldivian island at Landaa’s iconic Blu Beach Club in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Guests can savour Chef Nino’s inimitable gastronomy during two week-long residencies at Blu – the first from November 11 to 17, 2024, followed by another from February 13 to 19, 2025. Blu’s chefs will then serve a meticulously curated menu conceived by Chef Nino year-round to just two tables of four per evening.
Chef Nino’s vision for the new cross-cultural exchange weaves Mediterranean kitchen essences with Landaa garden produce; the chefs of Daní Maison and Blu Beach Club; and – in the words of the chef himself – sees “two beautiful nature-led islands coming together via a meeting of diverse culinary traditions grounded in soil, sea and surroundings.” Chef Nino’s collaboration extends to sharing skills and expertise with the Blu Beach Club culinary team, with four members of the Blu team already having spent time training at Chef Nino’s Danì Maison restaurant.
Chef Nino Di Costanzo with the team
Chef Nino’s 2-Michelin starred restaurant Danì Maison is one of Forbes “top ten restaurants not to be missed in the world”. At Danì Maison he showcases a modern, creative interpretation of authentic Campanian cuisine in the surrounds of his family home. Since opening in May 2016, the restaurant has garnered two Michelin stars, four Hats by Espresso and three Forks by Gambero Rosso.
Chef Nino’s rigorous process of sourcing products at Blu, has him draw from Landaa’s abundant herb and vegetable garden in service to a Mediterranean kitchen. “The only way to move forward with anything that is different or out of the box is for the learning to come from both sides and for it to be collaborative,” he adds. Armando Kraenzlin, Landaa Giraavaru’s Regional Vice President and General Manager said, “We are thrilled to partner with one of the world’s greatest chefs at Blu. Collaborating with Chef Nino here at Landaa will not only offer an inspirational culinary experience to guests but expose our onsite team to unique career-advancing insights.”
Chef Nino’s childhood took place among Ischia’s bucolic vineyards and olive groves. Immersed in fine food from a young age through his family’s fishing and farming heritage, his dazzling career has led from directorships at global restaurants within the IT Group to his highly acclaimed Danì Maison in Ischia.
Here’s what he had to say in response to our queries.
The Luxury Chronicle – Is this your first time here at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru? If yes, did you already plan the menu before arriving here?
Chef Nino – Yes, this will be my first time cooking here. I visited in July to meet the managers and the entire team. Naturally, we’ve already planned the menu—over the summer, both the kitchen and service teams from here trained at my restaurant in Ischia, Daní Maison, to get familiar with our style.
Will you be including any of your popular dishes from the Dani Maison menu, for the diners at Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru?
Yes, some of my signature dishes will definitely be featured. I see it as a gesture of respect for guests who choose to experience my creations. Of course, we will also consider the local ingredients available, as that is equally important in honouring the surroundings.
Which are the local land produce of this island that excite you for their flavours and texture. And be included in the culinary preparations?
I’m very excited to explore and create with the local ingredients here; it’s an inspiring challenge for me. Discovering new flavors and textures is always thrilling, and I look forward to experimenting with them in our preparations.
Do you keep vegetarians and vegans in mind when you plan your menu?
Absolutely—it’s essential to consider the tastes and dietary preferences of all our guests. Nature provides an incredible variety of produce, so it’s not difficult to create dishes that can satisfy everyone.
