H2O by Chef Andrea Berton: Underwater Dining at You & Me Maldives

You & Me by Cocoon Maldives rebranded its signature underwater restaurant as “H2O by Chef Andrea Berton,” marking a collaboration between the resort and the Michelin-starred Italian chef.

The announcement highlighted a rare partnership in the hospitality industry, as underwater restaurants remain relatively uncommon worldwide. With this collaboration, Chef Andrea Berton took the helm of one of the Maldives’ unique underwater dining venues.

Speaking to MVHOTELS.travel, Chef Andrea Berton expressed excitement about turning his relationship with You & Me Maldives into a meaningful collaboration. The chef also described it as an honour to oversee the culinary direction of one of the few underwater restaurants in the world.

The partnership was confirmed by Alessandro Azzola, Managing Director of Cocoon Investment Pvt Ltd, who announced the agreement between the resort and the renowned chef.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that we announce we have signed an agreement with the renowned Chef Andrea Berton who will manage our H2O restaurant.”

The collaboration brought Berton’s culinary expertise to the flagship restaurant of You & Me by Cocoon Maldives.

Italian chef Andrea Berton has built a distinguished career in fine dining and has earned multiple Michelin stars over the years.

During the 1990s, Berton worked at Gualtiero Marchesi’s Via Bonvesin de la Riva in Milan, one of Italy’s most influential culinary institutions. He later continued his career at Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV restaurant in Monte Carlo, further strengthening his reputation in the world of gastronomy.

Berton earned his first Michelin star while serving as head chef at Taverna di Colloredo di Monte Albano. Later, his collaboration with Ristorante Trussardi alla Scala brought the restaurant two Michelin stars, awarded in 2008 and 2009.

His own restaurant, Ristorante Berton, also earned a Michelin star less than a year after opening.

H2O by Chef Andrea Berton is located at You & Me by Cocoon Maldives in Raa Atoll. The restaurant is one of the few underwater dining venues in the Maldives and the only one in the atoll.

Guests dining at H2O are surrounded by a 360-degree view of marine life, offering a unique perspective of the Maldives’ underwater environment while enjoying a curated menu.

The restaurant’s interior spaces were designed by the Italian design company Lago, known for its contemporary furniture and architectural concepts.

You & Me Maldives is an adults-only resort designed primarily for honeymooners, couples, and friends. The resort features a rustic-chic design concept and introduced one of the Maldives’ distinctive dining approaches by offering an entirely à la carte dining experience across its restaurants.

Located in a quieter part of the Maldives, the island retreat is designed as a place for relaxation and privacy. According to a press release from the resort at the time, You & Me Maldives gained attention in the market shortly after reopening due to its unique features and innovative dining experiences.