Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru have kicked off a week-long celebration of Moroccan food and entertainment with a world-renowned chef and belly dancer.
The two Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts’ properties in North Male Atoll are hosting a week of Moroccan food, music and entertainment from November 5-10.
The resorts have welcomed Chef Aziz and world-famous belly dancer Maya for these celebrations.
The following activities will be held on November 7 at Angsana Ihuru and on November 8 at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru:
11am to 12pm: Belly dance class with Maya
3-4pm: Moroccan cooking class by Chef Aziz
6-10pm: Lavish dinner menu including Moroccan dishes
9-9.45pm: Belly dance performance by Maya
Chef Aziz, who hails from Casablanca, will share his secret recipes and tips during the Moroccan cooking class at , whilst Maya will present electrifying dance performances to the beat of Arabic music.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru opened its door in 1995 and is the first international chain resort in the Maldives. With just 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. The resort has a restaurant, bar, PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and a Banyan Tree Spa. It is also home to the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, the first of its kind to be funded and built on a private resort, where guests can learn about marine conservation and partake in the many sustainability activities on offer including coral planting, reef cleaning and daily stingray feeding sessions.
Angsana Ihuru is surrounded by one of the most vibrant and well preserved coral house reefs in the Maldives. The resort has 45 villas, a restaurant and a bar, a PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and an Angsana Spa.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru are located in North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes away by speedboat from the airport. The two resorts are just five minutes by boat away from each other.
For more information or reservations, contact reservations-vabbinfaru@banyantree.com or call/Viber/WhatsApp +960 7954905.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa has introduced “Sake”, a Japanese rice wine at its Asian Wok Restaurant.
This new addition will contribute a new flavour to the wide array of drinks already available — another must-try during your holiday at Meeru.
Meeru had recently rolled out a new menu at the popular overwater restaurant. The new menu includes amazing seafood and curry dishes that are bound to please.
The Asian Wok Restaurant offers guests Teppanyaki hot plates cuisine.
The Teppanyaki table at the Asian Wok Restaurant seats eight guests and overlooks Meeru’s lagoon for an exciting and unforgettable experience of Japanese cuisine in the Maldives. Your choice of dishes can be selected from the restaurant’s a la carte menu to be prepared fresh, in a theatrical display and to be served right from the teppan hot plate.
Located in the North Male Atoll and accessible by a 55-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, Meeru is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, offering its guests a variety of facilities and affordable to superior accommodation.
With five types of room categories to offer, Meeru counts more than 280 rooms, five restaurants, five bars, a renowned spa featuring treatment rooms both overwater and on land, and a wide range of sports and other recreation facilities.
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa has introduced an all-new a la carte menu for lunch and dinner at its Madivaru Restaurant.
“We believe that excellent dining is essential in hospitality. Therefore, we don’t only look for high-quality ingredients and innovative ideas, but also expert techniques and appealing presentation to ensure our guests always have memorable experiences,” an announcement by the resort read.
“Come and try our new dishes. They’ll surprise you!”
The Madivaru Restaurant is located on the west side of the island and features a delicious menu of appetisers, main courses and desserts.
Veligandu, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and a long stretch of white sandy beach, is the only resort on the island of Veligandu in North Ari Atoll. The resort, which is accessible by a scenic 20-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, has 91 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas, 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas and 11 Beach Villas.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa has introduced a special ‘Dine Around’ concept for long stays at the resort.
The ‘Dine Around’ concept is an additional benefit for guests staying at the resort for a minimum of five nights.
As part of the new concept, special Asian menus will be available to choose from at the resort’s Asian Wok Restaurant. Some delicious Western menus will also be served at the Hot Rock Restaurant.
The overwater Asian Wok Restaurant offers guests Teppanyaki hot plates cuisine.
The Teppanyaki table at the Asian Wok Restaurant seats eight guests and overlooks Meeru’s lagoon for an exciting and unforgettable experience of Japanese cuisine in the Maldives. Your choice of dishes can be selected from the restaurant’s a la carte menu to be prepared fresh, in a theatrical display and to be served right from the teppan hot plate.
The Hot Rock Restaurant offers seafood, steak, chicken or exotic game cooked at your table on volcanic “hot rocks”. The restaurant is situated on the Pavilion Bar Pool deck.
Located in the North Male Atoll and accessible by a 55-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, Meeru is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, offering its guests a variety of facilities and affordable to superior accommodation.
With five types of room categories to offer, Meeru counts more than 280 rooms, five restaurants, five bars, a renowned spa featuring treatment rooms both overwater and on land, and a wide range of sports and other recreation facilities.
This dining experience has a secret menu concept, where the diners won’t know which chef is cooking or what cuisine they will be enjoying until just before the meal. The kitchen is housed within the walls of a Bedouin tent, and whilst there is room for dining inside the tent in case of rain, the main experience is on the beach.
The chefs who will be featured include Soneva Jani’s specialty chefs, visiting chefs from Soneva Fushi and Soneva Kiri, as well as international visiting chefs.
A rough idea of the menu will be revealed on the day of the experience, but only once diners are seated at the tables on the sand will the chef emerge from the cooking tent to present the menu in all of its glory – outlining the concept, ingredients and their inspiration for the dishes.
Soneva Jani hopes that this ever-changing roster of chefs will highlight the culinary prowess of Soneva’s chefs and those visiting the resort. The lack of a menu paves the way for innovative and exciting dining, if a guest chooses Guess Who’s Cooking twice during their stay, they should be able to enjoy two distinct experiences.
Examples of the line-up of Soneva’s chefs include: Chef Kat (Thai cuisine), Chef Sun (Asian cuisine), and Chef Ansari (Indian thali) – all from Soneva Jani, as well as Chef Sobah (Maldivian cuisine) from Soneva Fushi and Chef Benz (Thai cuisine) from Soneva Kiri.
The price per person is dependent on the particular menu of the day, starting at USD 175++ for Soneva’s chefs and USD 350++ for a degustation menu by a visiting international chef.
Guess Who’s Cooking is only available two to three nights a week, seating just 16 diners. Dinner is from 7.30-10pm, a sunset cocktail experience is available from 6.30-7.30pm. There will also be the occasional lunch pop-up from 12.30-3pm.
Guests with dietary restrictions, food allergies, or those who prefer not to eat certain food items should let their Mr./Ms. Friday know when booking secret/no menu dining experiences well in advance. This will ensure that the chef knows what or what not to cook.
Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.
Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.
Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.
Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.
Veligandu Island Resort and Spa has enhanced its All-Inclusive Plus package.
The All-Inclusive Plus package now includes one a la carte lunch or dinner every fifth night of stay.
“This option has been created for our guests to indulge in culinary experience with great value. All there is left to do is to enjoy your meals, relax and create unforgettable memories,” an announcement by the resort read.
This recent addition adds more value to the recently-enhanced All-Inclusive Plus package offered by the resort.
Veligandu, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and a long stretch of white sandy beach, is the only resort on the island of Veligandu in North Ari Atoll. The resort, which is accessible by a scenic 20-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, has 91 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas, 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas and 11 Beach Villas.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa has enhanced and improved its dining scene.
In the resort’s buffet restaurants, Farivalhu and Maalan, a more sumptuous live salad station awaits guests, offering a variety of traditional and exotic flavours to explore.
Meeru has also introduced ‘Wine by the Glass’ at Uthuru Bar, where a glass of wine or champagne is paired with tapas consisting of cheese and olives. This is the perfect way to enjoy the breeze on the Uthuru bar deck.
The resort has also introduced a ‘Wine Trail’ where guests are taken on a journey around the island, introducing them to the different bars whilst indulging their palate with flavours of some distinct wines and accompanying hors-d’oeuvres.
Meeru has also enhanced its beverage concept for its a la carte restaurant, Asian Wok, by adding more varieties from South East Asia such as wines, beer and spirits.
Located in the North Male Atoll and accessible by a 55-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, Meeru is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, offering its guests a variety of facilities and affordable to superior accommodation.
With five types of room categories to offer, Meeru counts more than 280 rooms, five restaurants, five bars, a renowned spa featuring treatment rooms both overwater and on land, and a wide range of sports and other recreation facilities.
Hilton’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, takes guests on an unforgettable culinary journey at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, which opened its doors on July 1.
In line with the brand’s rich legacy of culinary innovation and excellence, the all-pool villa resort has been designed to appeal to luxury leisure seekers with a refined palate and an appreciation for international cuisine, featuring 11 speciality dining venues serving the freshest produce in extraordinary settings — the diversity of which is a first for the Maldives.
“Dining is undoubtedly one of the most integral parts of hospitality. The Waldorf Astoria brand has been redefining the standards of culinary excellence for generations, and our latest opening only elevates this further. Taste is personal to every individual, so our strategy was to create an unparalleled variety of dining concepts to suit all, ensuring every guest remembers their unique dining experience long after they depart the island,” Adam Crocini, Vice President, Food & Beverage, Luxury & Lifestyle Group, Hilton, said.
Terra
Located on the highest point on the island, Terra provides a picturesque dining-in-the-sky experience in private dining nests for two or four, crafted from natural bamboo. The finest ingredients are transformed into impeccably curated flavours for diners to enjoy as they take in the sublime views of the island.
The Ledge
Created by Chef Dave Pynt, culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Michelin-starred Burnt Ends restaurant, The Ledge uses specialty barbecue techniques such as smoking and slow roasting using a custom-built, four-ton, dual-cavity oven and elevation grills fired by sustainable Jarrah wood, to serve up unique flavours against the stunning Maldivian backdrop. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch of poolside favourites — including the signature lobster roll — during the day, and it’s the place to go for the finest cut of succulent, wood-fired meats and wine in the evening.
Dave Pynt elaborates, “The food we serve and our approach fit perfectly with the stunning beaches of the Maldives. Guests dining at The Ledge can expect simple but perfectly executed barbecue food featuring amazing local seafood and a well-curated meat selection.”
The Rock
Nestled amongst boulders, The Rock is a rustic wine cellar and dining experience set in a carved-out space. Guests can indulge in exquisite food and wine pairings or opt for an elevated dining experience with a menu that pays homage to the renowned wine regions around the world.
Yasmeen
Named after jasmine flowers, which represent the unity of an Arabic village, Yasmeen’s traditional aesthetic matches its culinary offering. Inviting guests to savour authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, hot pitas and puffed breads are baked in ovens that are based on centuries-old designs. Charcoal-roasted meats and hot and cold mezzes are served in al fresco settings filled with a carefully sourced selection of one-of-a-kind decorative artefacts and antiques, creating the perfect blend of sensorial experiences that will not be forgotten.
Li Long
Guests seeking an authentic contemporary Chinese fine-dining experience will find themselves immersed in the Shanghainese era once they pass through the moon gate at Li Long. After marvelling at the restaurant’s two-metre-high, bespoke feature bell with an intricate oriental design, guests can enjoy Peking duck that has been prepared in the Maldives’ first wood-fired oven and carved tableside by a Chinese master chef — all while taking in the breath-taking ocean views, as the restaurant perches overwater. A private dining room is also available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
Glow
Set in a greenhouse-like structure shaded by greenery, Glow celebrates the concept of interactive garden-to-table dining by serving healthy and holistic cuisine made from the freshest ingredients harvested from the edible garden surrounding the restaurant’s main dining area. The garden, which features 20 types of herbs and fruit plants, including coriander, curry leaves and lemongrass, is the first thing guests see when they walk into the restaurant, providing an immersive prelude to the dining experience.
Amber
A champagne bar with an unrivalled view of the magnificent Maldivian sunset, Amber is the idyllic setting for perfectly chilled champagne, modern cocktails and gourmet canapés.
Nava
A beach club that spans the Mirror pool, Lagoon pool and sandy white beach, Nava also offers refreshing cocktails, light meals and pizza from a wood-fired oven for savouring by the poolside or the beach.
Tangled
The island’s favourite lunch spot, Tangled, offers unique tastes of Asian delights, including innovative, flavourful noodle creations and handcrafted dim sum, complemented with a selection of infused tea, beer and sake.
Peacock Alley
A serene lounge overlooking the water with live entertainment, Peacock Alley serves a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, tapas and cigars, making it the ideal meeting place for a pre- or post-dinner rendezvous. In keeping with the Waldorf Astoria legacy, the speciality here is afternoon tea, enjoyed in comfort on the lounge’s dual-tone furnishings.
Tasting Table
At Tasting Table, guests can start their day with a gourmet breakfast while enjoying tranquil views of the sunrise over the horizon. When day turns into night, the sunset views transform the restaurant into a beachside dining venue offering international favourites.
Culinary Director at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Chef Vijayakant ‘Vijay’ Shanmugam, Director of Culinary, leads the gastronomic vision for the resort. With nearly 20 years of experience in prestigious restaurants and hotels, Chef Vijay is renowned for creating new dishes and flavours inspired by local ingredients, traditional culture and the native landscape.
Under Chef Vijay’s direction, the resort focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients to create innovative, modern dishes that pay homage to the iconic destination. The resort grows its own fruit, vegetables and herbs in its on-island nurseries and partners with the community of local fisherman to ensure a consistent supply of the freshest catch of the day — so guests can delight in an unparalleled epicurean experience.
“I believe hospitality and in particular food and beverage operations have an important part to play in the sustainability of our environment and planet,” said chef Vijay.
“Here at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, we have plenty of opportunities to adopt sustainable alternatives and solutions, such as locally sourced, organic produce, Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood and bottled still and sparkling water, which we produce at the resort — we are extremely fortunate to be able to extend these options to our guests.”
Spanning three interconnected islands in the South Male Atoll, and a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic resort paradise surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian landscape and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean.
Aside from the excellent restaurants and bars, the resort also boasts 122 spacious villas, the Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park and a world-class spa.
Despite being nestled amongst lush exotic scenery in the middle of the Indian Ocean, guests of OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo in the Maldives are treated to some of the best culinary products from around the world.
The latest addition to OZEN’s extensive beverage menu is a selection of Guy Charbaut Champagne from one of France’s finest wine-making regions, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. This region is known worldwide for producing superior quality Terroir Champagne.
From mid-January, all guests of the five-star luxury OZEN will be able to enjoy Guy Charbaut Champagne Selection Brut and Guy Charbaut Rose Brut – Premier Cru, as part of the generous inclusions within the resort’s luxury all-inclusive Indulgence Plan.
“As part of our ‘Joy of Giving’ ethos, we have chosen to introduce a wonderful new Champagne brand to our already impressive selection of wines available at OZEN: Guy Charbaut,” Venkata Giri, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“We want our loyal guests to enjoy only the best Champagne while staying with us – that is the OZEN difference. We will not cut corners when it comes to providing the very best for our guests, who expect and deserve to enjoy top-quality food & beverages.”
The Champagne Selection Brut features notes of mandarin leaves, pine bark and when aired unveils intensely spices and peppered notes. The sensation of freshness and roundness prevails on the palate, perfect as an aperitif.
The Rose Brut – Premier Cru airs intense red fruit notes of raspberry and strawberry, alongside touches of pink grapefruit and blood orange. It pairs remarkably well with fresh and tangy desserts.
The Guy Charbaut vineyard was established by the Charbaut family in 1936, and now into its third generation of winemakers, continues to produce some of the world’s finest-quality Champagne.
The vineyard, consisting of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay varieties, covers over twenty hectares. The major part extends through the Premiers Crus villages of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil and Avenay, with the rest lying in the villages of Viviers-sur-Artaut and Landreville. The exceptional quality of these terroirs favours the production of varietal wines which reveal their unique character. With a steadfast commitment to producing quality Champagne, the Charbaut family produces only a limited quantity of Champagne per year, which is in high demand by wine lovers.
In addition to providing some of the world’s finest Champagne, guests at OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo can enjoy a variety of exclusive foods from Italy, Spain, Germany and France; all of which come from regions that are well-known for producing the highest-quality products.
The OZEN product sourcing team tend to favour small, family-run businesses that have a personal history with their products. Superior quality, authenticity, and sustainability are common to all companies.
Amidst the exotic turquoise hues of South Male Atoll lies the tranquil island of Maadhoo, home to the flagship luxury all-inclusive resort of the popular Indian Ocean hospitality brand Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.
Having opened its shores to the world in 2016, OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo offers the discerning traveller a uniquely exclusive holiday plan, the Atmosphere Indulgence where guests will experience the ultimate hassle-free beach holiday in the Maldives.
The contemporary design style of the resort’s 90 standalone luxury villas and overall ambience of OZEN complements the naturally blessed surroundings of Maadhoo island.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offers guest-centric resort experiences through unique resort plans, offering guests a range of all-encompassing experiences, with varieties of dining options as well as a number of complimentary amenities and activities that ensure a relaxed, hassle-free holiday experience at each resort, all the while staying true to the brand’s core philosophy: ‘The Joy of Giving’.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts had recently opened its fifth property, the five-star VARU by Atmosphere in Maldives.
The opening of VARU by Atmosphere is the start of an ambitious expansion plan of the Indian Ocean hospitality group. With several new properties being added to the existing four-property portfolio, this opening enhances the groups growth within the ‘By Atmosphere’ white-label sub-brand – along with the group’s other sub-brands of OZEN, OBLU and OBLU Select.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ first property, Atmosphere Kanifushi, opened its doors in December 2013. The group opened its second property, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, in November 2015; followed by their flagship ‘Lifestyle Luxury’ sub-brand, OZEN by Atmosphere, in July 2016; OBLU Select at Sangeli in July 2018; and VARU by Atmosphere in October 2019.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has announced plans to host a series of exclusive culinary experiences with world-renowned French Chef Bernard Leprince.
From December 20-26, Chef Bernard will be hosting seven exclusive dinners at one of the most exquisite outlets of the resort, FireDOOR.
Chef Bernard, a giant amongst French haute cuisine, has over 40 years’ experience, working in some of the world’s top kitchens, including Fouquet’s on the Champs-Elysées in Paris and in the kitchens of the King of Morocco. He has been awarded France’s Legion of Honour for his services to the industry and regarded a stalwart of traditional French cooking.
FireDOOR, the resort’s speciality restaurant where Chef Bernard will host his culinary experiences, sets the stage for special celebrations. Guests can enjoy a hive of activity at the show kitchen featuring an impressive Josper grill to fire up appetites. The custom-built oven enables chefs to smoke, slow roast, hot roast as well as bake and grill directly on coals, bringing a unique and exciting dining barbecue experience to the Maldives.
Located in North Male Atoll and a 15-minute speedboat ride away from the main Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu features a collection of 120 villas, including idyllic beachfront pool villas, breathtaking overwater villas and palatial two-bedroom villas. Sixty-five of the 120 villas come with their own private pools and the five two-bedroom suites feature extensive private terraces.
Designed by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort showcases sophisticated architecture, state-of-the-art interior, high ceiling of palm fringed roof, and contemporary exterior with Maldives’ traditional influence of wood and rattan, inventive rustic appeal and inviting peaceful atmosphere. Neutral tones, natural fundamentals and spacious social settings balance the unrivalled beauty of the cobalt sea and tranquility.
Grand Park Kodhipparu offers three restaurants and a pool bar, including the overwater Edge restaurant, which offers a wide selection of international culinary creations, Breeze poolside restaurant and bar, which serves lunch and light bites throughout the day followed by inventive cocktails and fine wines in the night, and the FireDOOR speciality restaurant, which offers grilled meats and fish coupled with the finest wines.
Recreational facilities at the resort include an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, sunrise yoga deck, wellness centre with spa and salon treatments, water sports and dive centre, children’s activity centre, and specialty shops.
Kandima Maldives has rolled out a new menu at its Azure restaurant, offering health-conscious guests a variety of guilt-free dishes to choose from.
The new health-inspired Mediterranean menu at Azure is gluten-free, lactose-free, alcohol-free and pork-free. It offers the same great, flavourful taste, but just gets fresher and healthier.
Located on the beach with indoor and outdoor seating, Azure is a chic beach house that offers casual dining by day and elegant signature dining on the beach by night. With an extensive garden area this restaurant is perfect to host outdoor gala dinner events for larger groups or for family and friends’ get-togethers.
Located on a lush tropical island in Dhaalu atoll, Kandima offers a choice of 266 stylishly designed studios and villas, with 11 different categories to choose from, all of which have a private terrace and endless tropical views to enjoy.
The four-star plus resort, which opened just over a year ago, has first class infrastructure, boasting the largest pool in the Maldives, tennis courts, an art studio, a marine biology school, a kids club, a game room, a library, a gym, a yoga studio and a spa. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied and the array of activities and events on offer is endless, including a huge choice of water sports, diving or snorkelling near the house reef, yoga, Zumba, bicycles, beach volleyball, petanque, arts and crafts lessons, and much more.
The island also offers one of the largest selection of F&B outlets in the country, with an incredible choice of 10 restaurants and bars, all featuring unique and individual menus offering flavours of the world from Chinese and Japanese to authentic Maldivian and Mediterranean. So be it tropical or traditional, Kandima has something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives has announced plans to host special culinary experiences for the upcoming Valentine’s Day.
This February, Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives offers a tempting island escape to celebrate Valentine’s Day with enticing dining offers, setting more than hearts aflutter.
With a culinary heritage that dates back to the 1940s, the resort’s main focus for this Valentine’s Day is a unique Mövenpick experience with innovative menus available in a variety of restaurants that encapsulate their passion for gastronomy and innovation.
From here to eternity, all you need is love
Fill the love for appetite. What could be more romantic than roses, bubbles and a stunning beachside romantic dinner under the stars?
Guests can enjoy an exquisite dinner on the beach followed by a romantic bed decoration and an in-villa champagne breakfast the following day.
The ‘All You Need Love’ package also includes a private sunset cruise with champagne and canapes.
Bodumas, an evening to dine and wine
The sublime dining ambiance of Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives’ signature restaurant, the Bodumas, is the ultimate spot for a romantic evening. Guests can listen to the sound of waves lapping the shore whilst enjoying a five-course set menu carefully crafted by the resort’s chefs for this special day.
The package also includes a bottle of wine, a rose for the lady, and a box of chocolates — all complemented by live music.
Surf & Turf, beachside dining
Celebrate romance with a delectable beachside BBQ dinner featuring the freshest seafood and most tender meats. A dreamy set-up for two brightens the starry night. Surf & Turf comes with a free bottle of Bottega Rose.
Dessert overload at ONU Marche
Pudding, pastries and sweets are the centre stage of the Valentine’s buffet dinner at Onu Mache. Guests will get to indulge in delightful treats and satisfy the cravings from 6pm to 10pm.
Morning after Champagne breakfast
Guests will get the chance to soak up a leisurely morning in bed with a private in-villa breakfast and toast to Valentine’s day itself with a hearty breakfast and a bottle of champagne.
Chocolate indulgence
Mövenpick Coffee and Wine Lounge is not only the venue for the heavenly Chocolate Hour, offered daily from 4-5pm. During the Valentine’s Day celebrations, guests can also grab choco, macaron or bite-size cakes to go.
Nestled on a private island in Noonu atoll, situated in the northern part of the Maldives, Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives promised serene seclusion and tropical tranquility when it opened in November 2018. As Mövenpick Hotels & Resort’s inaugural property in the Maldives, it brought a fresh perspective to the country’s hospitality scene.
The resort is designed in a contemporary style with emphasis on comfortable accommodation and a private yet stimulating resort experience. Every modern convenience is incorporated amidst desert-island luxury, reflecting Mövenpick’s renowned commitment to genuine comforts, delivered exceptionally well.
Everywhere around Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives boats superior indulgence — from 105 spacious villas each complemented with its private pool, well-appointed Little Birds’ Kids Club, stunning Sun Spa, superb gastronomic experiences and luxurious guests amenities to unparalleled under- and over-water adventures.
For reservations, please email: Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@movenpick.com, contact the direct reservations line: +960 400 9010, +960 400 9009, or mobile/WhatsApp: +960 7300880, +960 7300881, +960 7300882.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru has appointed Michael Ali Yusuf as their new Executive Chef.
Michael brings with him 10 years’ culinary experience working with luxury brands in West Africa and Seychelles such as George Hotel by Mantis Collection, Hilton Labriz Seychelles and recently, The Legend Hotel Lagos Curio Collection by Hilton.
Michael has a strong background in Italian Cuisine and the culinary team of both islands are excited to welcome the new changes and additional flavours that he will bring in.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru are located in North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes away by speedboat from the airport. The two resorts are just 2 minutes by boat away from each other therefore guests of each resort can enjoy the facilities of both including two of the most vibrant and well-preserved house reefs in the North Male Atoll.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru opened its door in 1995 and is the first international chain resort in the Maldives. With just 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. The resort has a restaurant, bar, PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and a Banyan Tree Spa.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is also home to the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, the first of its kind to be funded and built on a private resort, where guests can learn about marine conservation and partake in the many sustainability activities on offer including coral planting, reef cleaning and daily stingray feeding sessions.
Angsana Ihuru is surrounded by one of the most vibrant and well preserved coral house reefs in the Maldives. The resort has 45 villas, a restaurant and a bar, a PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and an Angsana Spa.
As a new year gets underway, a new chapter begins for the Gili Lankanfushi story that highlights healthy dining curated by Executive Chef Harinath ‘Hari’ Govindaraj.
Having the vision to present guests with healthy diet options fueled by a light and fresh meal, Chef Hari has introduced the “Hari’s Super Foods” menu at the resort’s Overwater Bar during lunchtime.
Inspired by the popular Buddha Bowl for vegetarians and the growing interest in a plant-based diet, Chef Hari aims to provide healthier and lighter meal options for guests. Hari’s Super Foods menu offers a selection of five different healthy bowls: Exotic, Local, Spicy & Spices, Roasted Veggies, and Greens.
Each bowl presents few ingredients from our organic garden, a variety of bread, grains, nuts, seeds and unique dressing to compliment the dish, along with an option to top the dish with a protein item such as poached eggs, seared tuna belly, and seared beef fillet for meat lovers.
Epicureans who are adventurous with food may consider the existing Gili Vegan Experience. A refreshing bespoke experience in our organic garden, and an opportunity to get up close and personal with Chef Hari to learn more about the plant-based diet and its endless possibilities using different ingredients.
The vegan experience is not only interactive dining with the chef, but also an opportunity to taste different combination of ingredients you may not have discovered before as well as to understand that the vegan experience is for everyone, not just vegans and vegetarians.
Discover endless dining options from popular themed nights to bespoke destination dining experiences; the Gili culinary team is ready with their health and wellness menus.
The Maldives’ much-loved eco-resort Gili Lankanfushi reopened in December, following an inspired renovation of the resort.
Located in the languid waters of the North Male Atoll, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport, Gili Lankanfushi is the ultimate place to get away from the world.
The 45 refurbished villas offer open-air living spaces, roof terraces and private decks with direct access to the lagoon below, and there is the addition of new private pools to the enhanced Residence and Villa suites for extra seclusion.
The vast 1,700m2 Private Reserve – the largest overwater villa in the world – is located 500m from the main island and offers four vast bedrooms in addition to a private open-air cinema, spoiling spa, air-conditioned gymnasium, infinity pool and two-storey waterslide, directly into the lagoon.
Honouring its laid-back philosophy and rustic chic aesthetic, the island remains an intimate and sustainable paradise for the barefoot luxury traveller, with a new design concept and wellness programmes to further enrich the soulful guest experience.
Catering to the ever-growing number of Vegans worldwide, Mirihi Island Resort has introduced a new vegan cooking class offering, allowing guests to uncover the art of Maldivian vegan cuisine under the basking sun or twinkling stars of the night sky.
Set on the tropical island’s waterfront, foodies can book an individual or group interactive cooking class, which will be led by the resort’s world-class chefs.
Aprons and utensils at the ready, budding chefs will try their hand at cooking and preparing a vast array of delicious vegan courses with a Maldivian twist. Mouth-watering delicacies will include Banbukeo Riha, Baraboa Satani and Dhonkeyo Kajoo.
After whipping up the scrumptious dishes, guests will have the opportunity to sample their own creations in a romantic and gastronomic feast for two.
The cooking classes and expert guidance of the hotel’s chefs will see guests return home with easy-to-make, treasured recipes which they can enjoy for years to come.
The cultural culinary offering can be booked for lunch or dinner and is Mirihi Island’s latest initiative to help guests engage with and learn about the local culture and cuisine.
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Mirihi is an intimate resort with only 37 rooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. Guests will immediately feel at ease in the safe and beautiful environment. With sand covered floors throughout much of the hotel, guests can relax upon arrival where they will be encouraged to abandon their shoes and enjoy their stay barefoot with the powder-soft sand between their toes.
Travellers looking to socialise and meet like-minded people can book sunset sailing trips, whale shark safaris, diving trips, visits to local islands, sessions tasting the most comprehensive selection of fine rum in the whole of the Indian Ocean, and can enjoy complimentary weekly beach cinemas, board games, table tennis, football and more.
Alternatively, guests can enjoy some time away from it all in their private water or beach villa, on a secluded beach or while enjoying a pampering spa treatment.
For more information and bookings, please contact Mirihi Island Resort at info@mirihi.com
Maldives is not only home to a myriad of magical tropical islands fringed by white sandy beaches, swaying tropical palms and surrounded by crystal clear waters teeming with marine life – it also offers some of the most delicious cuisines in the region.
With 99 per cent sea and isolated from the rest of the world for a long time, it’s no surprising that the traditional Maldivian cuisine was based on three main ingredients and their derivatives: coconut, fish, and starches containing grains and vegetables.
Over time, with the influence of foreigners from ancient trade and travel, Maldivians got access to spices from neighbouring India and the Middle East. This has led to the creation of a distinctive blend of Maldivian cuisine with its own unique flavours
Chief amongst the variety of local dishes that show this unique combination of basic ingredients readily available from the island and exotic spices imported from abroad is Mas riha (Maldivian fish curry).
Typically consumed with rice or Roshi (Maldivian flatbread), Mas riha is one of the most common types of curries in the Maldives. Creamy and decadent, this delicious dish is typically made with coconut milk, fresh chilies, cinnamon, a mix of spices and chunks of diced tuna.
Locals savour this dish, almost every day for lunch and dinner. And now, it’s caught the attention of the world, with the Maldivian fish curry securing a spot on a list compiled by CNN to celebrate the evolution of curries around the world!
Fish curry is still one of the popular dishes consumed in the local islands. Several resorts also offer this time-tested, Maldivian delicacy.
So, next time you are in the Maldives, do try a bowl of freshly-cooked Mas riha with Roshi. If you happen to be in Male for a quick visit, we recommend The Sea House Maldives cafe, located on the northeastern end of the capital city, for an authentic meal featuring this popular local dish.
Or, once you’re back home and if you find yourself craving a creamy bowl of Mas riha, this recipe from local food blog Lonumedhu will be of great help.
Meeru Island Resort has introduced the Meeru Wine Trail, in an effort to elevate your holiday experience.
This new and exciting experience takes you on a sensory journey, as you sample various excellent wines at some of Meeru’s top locations.
Compromising of a fine selection of premium wines and tapas, the Meeru Wine Trail takes guests to four different venues, where the wines are introduced, served alongside some tapas. At every venue, two wines and a tapa are offered, perfect for pairing with the amazing views all around.
Only the finest wines, with an overall international critic score of above 80 per cent are offered to guests.
The Wine Trail takes place three times a week from 5.30-7pm. Anyone signing up for the Wine Trail can expect a world-class gastronomic experience and an evening of ultimate indulgence.
At USD 118 per person, the Wine Trail provides great value as guests have a chance to sample some of the finest wines in the world. With a minimum guest requirement of four, the Wine Trail is the perfect activity for a double date!
Guests can reserve by speaking to Guest Service or at Dhoni Bar, Asian Wok, Hot Rock or Uthuru Bar.
The new Wine Trail experience is part of a series of all-around enhancements to the resort’s dining scene. These improvements include new menus and dining experiences.
Located in the North Male Atoll and accessible by a 55-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, Meeru is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, offering its guests a variety of facilities and affordable to superior accommodation.
With five types of room categories to offer, Meeru counts more than 280 rooms, five restaurants, five bars, a renowned spa featuring treatment rooms both overwater and on land, and a wide range of sports and other recreation facilities.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has announced plans to host a 10-night long exclusive culinary experience with Michelin-starred Chef Jef Schuur.
From February 10-19, Chef Jef will present an exciting degustation menu at one of the most exquisite outlets of the resort, FireDOOR.
FireDOOR, the resort’s speciality restaurant where Chef Jef will host his culinary experiences, sets the stage for special celebrations. Guests can enjoy a hive of activity at the show kitchen featuring an impressive Josper grill to fire up appetites. The custom-built oven enables chefs to smoke, slow roast, hot roast as well as bake and grill directly on coals, bringing a unique and exciting dining barbecue experience to the Maldives.
During his culinary residence at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, Chef Jef will also be sharing his passion of produce and culinary experiences with the resort’s guests in celebration of Valentines Day; a unique, specially-curated menu will be served under the stars for couples to enjoy with beautifully paired Champagne.
“Our belief is to create extraordinary experiences for our valued guests and innovate continuously to provide something new. With this collaboration, we will add more character to our finest restaurant on the island, where the diners will get a taste of Chef Jef’s signature dishes, which he describes as artistic and unique inspired by tradition with refined flavours,” Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
An hour and a half from Amsterdam, 20 minutes by boat from Den Helder — between the land and the sea — lies Texel, an island in the Frisian archipelago that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is where Chef Jef, hand in hand with his wife Nadine Mögling, chose to open a Michelin-starred restaurant and several beautiful modern suites in what was once a presbytery.
With the changing tides, Chef Jef cooks with local products in a no-nonsense and unique style. He is always looking for harmonious contrast in taste and texture.
Nadine, a sommelier, is an expert in European wines and uses her extensive knowledge of organic and natural wines to create subtle and unique pairings to complement the cuisine’s harmonious contrasts of tastes and textures.
Located in North Male Atoll and a 25-minute speedboat ride away from the main Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu features a collection of 120 villas, including idyllic beachfront pool villas, breathtaking overwater villas and palatial two-bedroom villas. Sixty-five of the 120 villas come with their own private pools and the five two-bedroom suites feature extensive private terraces.
Designed by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort showcases sophisticated architecture, state-of-the-art interior, high ceiling of palm fringed roof, and contemporary exterior with Maldives’ traditional influence of wood and rattan, inventive rustic appeal and inviting peaceful atmosphere. Neutral tones, natural fundamentals and spacious social settings balance the unrivalled beauty of the cobalt sea and tranquility.
Grand Park Kodhipparu offers three restaurants and a pool bar, including the overwater Edge restaurant, which offers a wide selection of international culinary creations, Breeze poolside restaurant and bar, which serves lunch and light bites throughout the day followed by inventive cocktails and fine wines in the night, and the FireDOOR speciality restaurant, which offers grilled meats and fish coupled with the finest wines.
Recreational facilities at the resort include an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, sunrise yoga deck, wellness centre with spa and salon treatments, water sports and dive centre, children’s activity centre, and specialty shops.
Casual wine lovers and fanatics will not want to miss their chance to further broaden their knowledge of grapes and vintages with Jancis Robinson, the highly-acclaimed and influential wine writer, critic and expert.
Soneva has announced that Robinson will be hosting a number of events at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in Maldives from March 28 to April 3. These events will include wine tastings, wine pairing dinners and organic wine discussions.
On September 4, she will also be hosting an exclusive wine tasting event in London for Soneva enthusiasts.
At Soneva Fushi, guests can take part in a biodynamic wine tasting at Out of the Blue on March 29, and on March 30, she will host a wine dinner and Talker’s Table at Down to Earth.
While at Soneva Jani, on April 2, she will host a wine dinner and Talker’s Table at So Imaginative.
Later in the year, on September 4, Soneva will be inviting Soneva repeaters who are small wine makers to an event where they can present their wines to her and a small group of other Soneva enthusiasts. The event will be a casual evening of gourmet canapés and fine wine, to be held in London.
In 2018, Robinson was voted the world’s most influential wine critic in polls in the United States, France and internationally, even though she prefers the term wine writer.
Robinson began her storied career in December 1975 as the assistant editor of the British magazine Wine & Spirit. Today, she writes daily for JancisRobinson.com, voted the first ever Wine Website of the Year in the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards 2010. Wine aficionados can read her stories and reviews each week in the Financial Times.
She is founder editor of The Oxford Wine Companion, co-author of The World Atlas of Wine with Hugh Johnson (8th edition just out), and the co-author of Wine Grapes – A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours. The 24-Hour Wine Expert, published in 2017, is a practical and accessible guide to the essentials of wine that anyone with an interest in wine should read.
Now, she travels the world conducting wine events and as a wine judge.
In 1984, Jancis was the first person outside of the wine industry to pass the Master of Wine exams. In 2003, she was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen, on whose cellar she currently advises.
In just one week in April 2016, she was presented with three international awards: France’s Officier du Mérite Agricole, the German VDP’s highest honour and her fourth James Beard Award in the US.
She recently launched, with young British designer Richard Brendon, one ideal wine glass designed to make the most of all wines and champagnes.
Soneva’s cellars are the ideal backdrop for these wine events, boasting some of the most interesting collections for island resorts, including artisanal vintages as well as biodynamic and organic wines. Soneva Fushi alone has more than 200 premium magnums of wine, all of which are available by the glass.
Soneva’s newest Tastemakers video series has an episode dedicated to the resorts’ Sommeliers and their mission to pair wines with moments, occasions and locations.
Soneva currently runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, and luxury yacht, Soneva in Aqua. The world-leading luxury resort operator also operates Soneva Kiri resort in Thailand.
In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Eight new one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats, perched above the turquoise depths of the Indian Ocean, are scheduled to open to guests by May. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.
Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options.
In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.
Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.
Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.
Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.
Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.
Dusit Thani Maldives has introduced a pop-up restaurant on the beach, revitalising the tastebuds of foodies visiting the luxury Thai-inspired resort in the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The La Parrillada pop-up restaurant serves a tantalising spread South American cuisine, including Argentinean-style kebabs, Peruvian Ceviche, Chicken and rice soup, and more exotic fare.
Open twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays from 7pm onwards, the pop-up restaurant’s four-course menu focuses on the freshest catch of the day, the finest imported meats, and the tastiest seasonal vegetables to offer something for carnivores and vegetarians alike – all made following traditional recipes.
Highlights include avocado, mango and tomato infused with Peruvian ají panca and ají amarillo finished with fresh jungle lime and coriander; a choice of Grilled prawn, scallops and lobster, or beef, lamb or chicken, presented on a hanging kebab and served with arroz con frijoles negros (rice with black beans); and grilled seasonal root vegetables, fried plantain and a trio of sauces (Chimichurri, yellow Peruvian sauce, spicy-sweet mango tango).
The set menu starts at USD 65 USD++ per person. A separate drinks menu, which offers a curated selection of fine wines and unique cocktails, starts from only USD 8++ per glass.
“South America has a rich culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations, and at La Parrillada our chefs take diners on a unique voyage to explore the incredible tastes and diversity of the continent’s food. The unique setting on the white sandy beach is fabulous and allows diners to have a hugely enjoyable dinner with family, friends or loved ones,” Thomas Weber, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa atoll — the Maldives’ first ever UNESCO biosphere reserve — Dusit Thani Maldives blends gracious Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of the Maldives. This luxury island resort comprises 94 villas encircled by white sandy beaches, a stunning 360 degree house reef and a turquoise lagoon. With a unique combination of beach and lagoon accommodation, Dusit Thani Maldives provides an unmatched luxurious escape for all travellers.
The resort offers a 360 degree vibrant house reef compliment with a turquoise lagoon, a 750-square metre infinity swimming pool with a lush Banyan tree in the centre, five restaurants and bars with breathtaking views and a Kids Club that is committed to making children’s dreams come true.
The award-winning Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Maldives encompasses six deluxe treatment pods, which sit elevated amongst the island’s palm trees. For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, the spa has also developed two stunning ground level treatment rooms. Manicure and pedicure-dedicated area, private outdoor pool, steam and sauna are exclusively available for spa guests.
