While the Maldives has long captivated travellers with its turquoise lagoons, overwater villas and barefoot luxury, one part of its story has remained largely untold: its cuisine.

Across the islands, visitors often dine on flavours from around the world, rarely discovering the ingredients, traditions and recipes that have shaped Maldivian life for generations. At JA Manafaru, the secluded luxury resort in the northern Haa Alifu Atoll, that narrative is beginning to change with the launch of Kuri, an intimate treetop dining experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage in one of its most extraordinary settings.

Meaning “treetop” in Dhivehi, Kuri offers a dining experience unlike any other in the Maldives. Hidden within the branches of a living banyan tree, it welcomes just two guests as standard, or up to four for private celebrations, for an evening where the island itself becomes both the setting and the inspiration. Rather than looking out across the ocean, diners are invited to journey into the heart of the island, discovering a side of the Maldives that few visitors ever experience.

Rather than chasing global dining trends, Kuri begins with a simple question: what does the Maldives truly taste like? The answer unfolds through a five-course tasting menu built around a genuine zero-kilometre philosophy, where reef fish, coconut, pandan, screwpine and other native ingredients are sourced from the surrounding atoll, many travelling only metres from where they are grown, caught or harvested. Each course honours traditional Maldivian flavours while presenting them through a refined contemporary lens.

The menu itself tells the story of the Maldives through food. Guests begin with Muru Muru, delicate crispy tuna crackers inspired by the islands’ rich fishing heritage, before progressing through vibrant cured snapper, comforting pandan rice congee with grilled coconut and tuna floss, and the signature Ihi Musamma – a beautifully balanced Maldivian lobster curry served with coconut crepe and locally inspired accompaniments. The experience concludes with young coconut, screwpine ice cream and candied Maldivian nuts, a dessert that captures the tropical flavours of the island in every bite.

Bringing this story to life is Executive Chef Moosa Nazeeh, whose menu is deeply rooted in the flavours of his homeland. Instead of recreating international fine dining in paradise, he shines a spotlight on recipes, ingredients and techniques that have been passed through generations, inviting guests to experience a side of the Maldives that is rarely found within the country’s luxury resorts.

Every detail surrounding the meal has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the same philosophy. Carefully built around a living banyan tree, the timber platform sits beneath a natural canopy illuminated by lanterns after sunset, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and entirely immersed in nature. Even the ceramics tell part of the story, with every plate, bowl and cup handcrafted at JA Manafaru’s own on-island clay studio and finished with a delicate watercolour illustration of the very banyan tree that shelters the dining table above.

And while the experience celebrates craftsmanship and culinary artistry, Kuri never takes itself too seriously. After dessert, guests swap the staircase for a gently curving slide back down to the sand, bringing the evening to an unexpected and joy-filled close that leaves almost everyone smiling long after dinner has ended.

Already recognised for creating experiences that connect guests with the culture and natural beauty of the northern Maldives, JA Manafaru continues to look beyond traditional luxury. Kuri is the latest expression of that philosophy, proving that some of the most memorable moments in the Maldives aren’t found over the water, but beneath the shade of an ancient banyan tree, where every meal tells the story of the island itself.

When: Available for dinner daily

Offer Inclusions: An intimate five-course treetop dining experience celebrating authentic Maldivian cuisine through a thoughtfully curated 0km tasting menu, set within the canopy of a living banyan tree.

Price: USD 175++ per person

Terms & Conditions:

• Advance reservation is required
• Subject to availability
• Maximum of four guests per seating
• For reservations and more information, please email at manafaru@jaresorts.com

Paradise just got a little cooler and a lot more delicious.

Adding another playful touch to its signature Island Couture experience, SO/ Maldives has introduced its newest guest activation: the Scooper Ice Cream Trolley, now taking centre stage beside the pool at the vibrant Lazuli Beach Club.

Perfectly positioned beside the pool, the stylish trolley invites guests to take a break from the Maldivian sunshine and indulge in 10 delicious ice cream flavours, each offering its own little reason to stay poolside just a few minutes longer.

Set against the turquoise backdrop of Lazuli Beach Club, the activation brings a playful, nostalgic element to the resort’s contemporary approach to luxury. Guests can simply step away from their sun lounger and enjoy a cool treat without ever having to leave the poolside mood.

The experience is designed to be effortless and spontaneous a little moment of indulgence that perfectly complements the carefree energy of SO/ Maldives.

Whether enjoyed after a refreshing swim, shared between friends or captured in that perfect poolside photograph, the Ice Cream Trolley adds another delicious layer to the Lazuli Beach Club experience. And with the ocean sparkling just beyond the pool, cocktails in hand and ice cream within reach, there really is nowhere else to be.

Come for the pool. Stay for the ice cream.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.

Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome four-Michelin-star Chef Daniel Galmiche to the island for an exclusive guest chef residency on 5th and 6th September 2026.

With a career spanning five decades, Chef Daniel Galmiche is one of the most respected French chefs working in the UK today. One of only a handful of chefs in British culinary history to have earned four individual Michelin Stars across four different restaurants, he is recognised for his thoughtful approach to cooking, blending classical French techniques with influences from his travels and a deep respect for seasonal ingredients.

Known for creating cuisine that is elegant yet approachable, Chef Daniel believes that great food begins with understanding where ingredients come from and the stories behind them.

At Milaidhoo, dining is an important part of the island experience. It is a way to discover the destination, connect with local traditions and create meaningful memories. Chef Daniel’s passion for nature, sustainability and authentic produce reflects the same values that inspire our culinary journey at Milaidhoo.

“I am very much looking forward to visiting Milaidhoo Maldives and discovering the wonderful ingredients, traditions and flavours of the islands. Cooking is about connection, with nature, with local communities and with the people who gather around the table. I hope to bring a little of my French heritage while celebrating the beautiful flavours of the Maldives,” said Chef Daniel Galmiche.

The experience begins on 5th September with a journey to the nearby local island of Kendhoo, where Chef Daniel will meet local fishermen and select the fish that will inspire his culinary experience. Back at Milaidhoo, he will visit the Chef’s Garden, selecting home-grown herbs and ingredients for a special cooking workshop. The workshop will give guests an opportunity to see Chef Daniel bring his French fine-dining techniques to Maldivian ingredients while also discovering the flavours and traditions behind Ba’theli, Milaidhoo’s signature Maldivian restaurant specialising in Maldivian cuisine.

The day will continue with a complimentary cocktail reception for in-house guests at 17.30 at the Compass Pool Bar. This relaxed gathering offers the opportunity to meet Chef Daniel, hear stories from his culinary journey and enjoy conversations over a drink.

On 6th September, Chef Daniel will host an intimate five-course dinner for only 15 guests at Milaidhoo. The menu will showcase his signature contemporary French fine-dining style, with one of the five courses taking inspiration from the ingredients and culinary traditions of the Maldives, interpreted through Chef Daniel’s distinctive French culinary approach. The signature dinner is priced at USD 265++ per person.

Born in the Franche-Comté region of France, Chef Daniel’s love for cooking began on his grandparents’ organic farm, surrounded by seasonal produce and a strong connection to nature. His journey has taken him through some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, including the legendary Le Gavroche in London, before leading Michelin-starred restaurants of his own.

A familiar face to food lovers through his appearances on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning, Chef Daniel is also the author of four cookbooks and continues to share his passion for sustainable and thoughtful cooking around the world.

Milaidhoo Maldives is where every meal tells a story. Reserve your stay from the resort’s official website and experience this exclusive guest chef residency with Chef Daniel Galmiche.