Drink
The Unique Culinary Concept of Anantara
Maldives Promotion House – World famed powdery sands, deserted pearl strung islands, and one of the greatest diving destinations on the planet, are charms which naturally catapult the Maldives to the top of most people’s holiday hot list. At Anantara Kihavah Villas guests are just as likely to be attracted by the unique gastronomic experiences – an unmissable highlight being the resort’s exclusive underwater wine cellar and restaurant.
Anantara is passionate about bringing story collecting travellers closer to the natural, cultural and historic allures of each destination, and nowhere is this more deliciously articulated than at Anantara Kihavah Villas’ one-of-a-kind dining experience. Here, diners are spoilt for choice with six restaurants and bars, each offering a distinctive setting, menu and ambiance that divulge a different view of the world’s most envied utopia, as well as a diverse culinary journey.
Highlighting the resort’s idyllic location in the dazzling Indian Ocean is the exclusive “Sea. Fire. Salt. Sky.” signature dining experience. This unique under-and overwater gastronomic concept features four remarkable venues, each offering a different type of cuisine that is as unique as the perspective.View and savour the Indian Ocean’s abundance of marine life by descending into a connoisseur journey at the underwater wine cellar and restaurant, “Sea”. Situated at the edge of a reef, the primary view windows are poised next to a channel which provides spectacular displays of fish and sea life all around.
Here guests are indulged with a rustic Mediterranean buffet lunch or exquisite degustation dinner menus of classic creations and tempted by the resident Wine Sommelier’s perfect accompaniments from a vast array of new and old world selections. Oenophiles will delight in the impressive underwater wine cellar with view windows, featuring one of the most balanced and diverse wine collections in the Maldives with 250 labels from 14 countries. Some 22 labels are available by the glass and regular tasting sessions offer guests a tantalising journey through the vineyards of the world.
At “Fire” diners’ visual and taste senses are astounded with dramatic Teppanyaki cooking displays as chefs prepare fresh local rock lobster, Wagyu beef or the catch of the day. The restaurant has a subtle Japanese expression and a live cooking station to showcase its sizzling theatrics. Inspired by the surroundings and cuisine, the roof of “Fire” has an iconic form, shaped to resemble the bone of a cuttlefish and an ancient Japanese Edo period helmet.
The Asian inspired “Salt” offers unique depth and complexity of flavours such as a Red Snapper infused with lemongrass, ginger and coarse black pepper, baked to perfection on a Himalayan salt brick. Here a simple request to “pass the salt” gets a new meaning as a Salt Sommelier helps diners to pair their food with the perfect seasoning.
“Sky” is a double storey lounge bar in Thai style with over scale rocking chairs, perfect for taking in the awe inspiring view of the Baa Atoll island archipelago or stargazing on the open rooftop deck. As a golden sunset unfolds an ambience of mellow music invites guests to unwind in the refreshing evening sea breeze with exotic cocktails and succulent cuisine presented on tempting skewers.
In addition to this tantalising quartet, “Plates” all-day dining restaurant serves a lavish breakfast selection and international and Maldivian cuisine. It comprises a main sand floored sala and an alfresco deck on the beach with the promise of spectacular sea views. By night, candlelit tables ensure the prefect romantic dinner for two.
An adjacent glass enclosed sala houses an open theatre kitchen where guests are invited to learn the art of cooking Maldivian dishes, a diverse and tantalising cuisine of fresh seafood and bold aromas. A giant flower shaped buffet in the centre of the cooking sala converts to a dining table seating up to 24 guests.
At 49 metres, “Manzaru” pool bar and restaurant boasts the longest swimming pool in the Maldives and Jhoola swing beds that hover over the water, facing a relaxing view to the Indian Ocean. Sunshine Butlers are always on hand with fruit skewers and cold face towels to cool sunbathers down. Casual lunches of crisp salads and traditional pastas are served poolside, or at a communal table set against an Islamic motif backdrop of a Thickri glass mirror feature wall on the restaurant’s lower level. An Olive Oil Sommelier helps guests select from the finest olive oils in the Mediterranean, served with freshly baked bread.
A dramatic slatted timber staircase connects the upper level which, by night, transforms into a leisurely Italian restaurant, offering regional specialties skilfully crafted from traditional ingredients.
As the day slowly drifts away with the setting sun, guests can indulge in the ultimate romantic dining with personalised “Dining by Design” experiences, where a specially devised menu is prepared by a personal chef, and served at a table for two in dreamy locations, from an isolated sandbank in the Indian Ocean to the deck of a private yacht – anywhere of the guests’ choosing.
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort welcomes an exceptional celebration of Vietnamese cocktail craftsmanship from September 17 – 19, as The Enigma Mansion brings its distinctive approach to modern mixology to the shores of the Maldives.
Recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Enigma Mansion has been redefining the cocktail experience since 2022, blending Vietnam’s rich regional flavours with contemporary techniques and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. The bar ranked No. 93 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, alongside recognition from Top 500 Bars and Tatler Vietnam.
Leading the experience is Bien Ngoc Vu, known as Will — Co-Founder and General Manager of The Enigma Mansion. An award-winning bartender, entrepreneur, and beverage innovator, Will was crowned World Class Vietnam Champion in 2021 and is a multiple-time national bartending champion. His approach to cocktail craft is rooted in creativity, regional ingredients, and advanced techniques, helping shape the evolving cocktail culture of Vietnam while establishing The Enigma Mansion as a destination for innovative beverage experiences.
Joining Will is Jason Le Quang Truong, Head Bartender at The Enigma Mansion and a Saigon-based bartender celebrated for his inventive approach to modern mixology. At the heart of the bar’s beverage program, Jason brings together regional ingredients, refined presentation, contemporary techniques, and thoughtful flavour development to create distinctive cocktails that reflect the character of Vietnam.
Guests are invited to join this exclusive three-day showcase, where each evening reveals a new dimension of Vietnamese cocktail artistry. At Nikkei Bar, golden hour comes alive with an exclusive sunset activation and uniquely crafted cocktails that spark connection. The next evening unfolds in JW Garden, where freshly picked ingredients from the resort garden transform into refined creations. The finale at Wahoo Bar offers an elegant beachfront setting, where tropical cocktails meet a breathtaking horizon for a serene close to the experience.
“We are delighted to welcome The Enigma Mansion to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. This collaboration reflects our commitment to curating exceptional beverage experiences that celebrate global craftsmanship,” said Arup Chakraborty, Director of Food & Beverage.“By bringing inventive cocktails to our signature venues, guests will experience not only creativity and innovation but also the artistry and passion that define world–class hospitality in the Maldives.”
This partnership invites guests to discover the artistry behind each pour through a distinctly contemporary lens. From the precision of modern techniques to the richness of regional ingredients, every cocktail becomes an expression of place, craftsmanship, and discovery.
For more information, please visit the resort’s official website.
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.
Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.
“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”
Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.
Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites guests to discover the island as a dining destination, where distinct culinary concepts, thoughtful cuisine and extraordinary settings come together. From Japanese precision, Italian craft and the coastal flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean to barefoot dining on a secluded sand cay and intimate meals in a private pool villa, each experience offers a different way to taste the island.
Across the resort, menus draw on local catch delivered by neighbouring fishermen, island-grown herbs, and fresh fruits and vegetables sourced weekly from a nearby producer, supporting local agriculture while reducing food miles. The resort’s multicultural culinary team also brings diverse perspectives to the table, with chefs and service teams trained to accommodate evolving dietary preferences and requirements, including vegan, keto, allergies and food intolerances.
Beyond the restaurants, The Shack, reached by a five-minute speedboat journey, offers picnics, sunset barbecues and bespoke twilight dinners on a secluded sand cay. Every Thursday, the Shack Flair Sundowner adds crafted cocktails and flair bartending against the colours of the Maldivian sunset.
“Our dining experiences are most memorable when the setting, menu and service come together seamlessly. We let the island inspire experiences that feel deeply personal, while reflecting how we care for our destination through supporting nearby producers, using more local ingredients and creating meaningful connections with place,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.
Private dining extends this philosophy further. Floating Breakfast and Floating Lunch with Champagne bring indulgence to the privacy of a villa, while beach and villa settings can be transformed for proposals, family celebrations, barbecues and chef-led tastings, with menus personalised around individual tastes and dietary needs.
“Our culinary approach is about creating a sense of place through every plate. By incorporating locally sourced produce alongside local seafood and island-grown ingredients, we support the community while reducing the distance ingredients travel. With our diverse culinary team and continued training, we can also thoughtfully adapt menus for vegan and keto preferences, allergies, intolerances and other dietary requirements without compromising flavour, quality or creativity,” said Frank Wackerhagen, Executive Chef.
“The expectations of today’s guests are constantly evolving, and our role is to evolve with them. Our chefs and service teams welcome guests from different cultures and backgrounds, each with their own preferences and dietary needs. Our teams are trained to understand these requirements and adapt each experience thoughtfully, ensuring guests never feel they are compromising on flavour, quality or choice,” said Danilo Paolella, Director of Food & Beverage.
Together, the resort’s restaurants, destination dining settings and private experiences give guests the freedom to dine differently throughout their stay, from breakfast overlooking the water and leisurely island lunches to sundowners and dinners beneath the Maldivian sky.
Selected experiences require advance reservation and are subject to weather, tide and operational conditions.
For more information or to discover the resort’s dining experiences, visit www.alilakothaifarumaldives.com.
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