NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort Appoints Kristoffer Ace Reynes as Executive Chef

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort has appointed Kristoffer Ace Reynes as Executive Chef.

With a culinary journey shaped by continents crossed, cultures embraced, and some of the world’s most respected kitchens, Chef Kristoffer brings a quietly confident elegance to the dining experience at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort. His story is not one of a straight path, but of listening to instinct, stepping away from certainty in pursuit of passion and ultimately finding his voice in the kitchen.

Chef Kristoffer’s professional life began far from the heat of the stove. He started his career as a travel specialist. After four years in the corporate world, something within him called for more. Though travel exposed him to destinations and cultures, it was food that remained his constant pull, a connection rooted deeply in his upbringing.

Anchored in a strong French and Asian culinary foundation, Chef Kristoffer’s cooking tells a story of balance and intention. Classic techniques meet contemporary expression, resulting in dishes that feel both familiar and exciting. His extensive experience across fine dining, specialty restaurants, banqueting, and all-day dining allows him to create menus that are inventive yet consistent always crafted with the guest’s journey at heart.

Before arriving at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, Chef Kristoffer held senior leadership roles in some of the region’s most acclaimed luxury resorts, including The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives and Velassaru Maldives. There, he led large, multicultural teams and oversaw complex multi-outlet operations, refining not only his culinary vision but also his approach to leadership. Earlier chapters of his career at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche laid the foundation for his love of French-Western cuisine and high-volume luxury dining, where precision, creativity, and consistency are paramount.

In the kitchen, Chef Kristoffer is known as a leader who leads by example. His hands-on approach, commitment to mentorship, and calm authority inspire teams to grow, collaborate, and excel. He believes that exceptional cuisine is built on more than creativity alone, placing equal importance on food safety, sustainability, cost control, and operational excellence. With deep expertise in HACCP and international food safety standards, he ensures that every dish meets the highest benchmarks of quality and care.

At the heart of Chef Kristoffer’s philosophy lies a simple truth: great food begins with purpose. Whether crafting a signature dish, curating a destination dining experience, or refining menus to reduce waste and elevate flavour, Chef Kristoffer approaches every challenge with integrity and intention.

Today, at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, Chef Kristoffer invites guests to experience a cuisine shaped by global inspiration and grounded in thoughtful craftsmanship. Each plate is an expression of his journey, one that celebrates flavour, culture, and the joy of dining, served with intention and heart.