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.
In October, JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING — two of the Maldives’ foremost luxury destinations — hosted Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer for an exclusive series of wine experiences.
The events, held on 1 October at JOALI Maldives and on 3 October at JOALI BEING, offered guests a rare insight into the heritage and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking houses.
The evenings were led by Jean François Ott, General Manager of Domaines Ott and fourth-generation custodian of the family estate. Under his guidance, guests embarked on a curated journey through fine rosés and champagnes, uncovering the artistry, legacy, and innovation that define Domaines Ott’s distinguished wines.
Established nearly 130 years ago, Domaines Ott has become a benchmark of Provençal winemaking, producing exceptional rosés, whites, and reds from the Côtes de Provence and Bandol appellations. Guided by a philosophy rooted in respect for terroir and family heritage, the house continues to set the standard for wines of depth and character.
Today, Domaines Ott’s vineyards are certified organic, though the estate’s sustainable ethos long predates formal certification. The artisanal viticultural approach initiated by founder Marcel Ott has endured across four generations, safeguarding the land and inspiring the creation of wines that reflect authenticity, vitality, and timeless quality.
At the helm of Domaines Ott, Jean François Ott has upheld a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Under his leadership, the estate has achieved global recognition, including the title of European Winery of the Year 2022 by Wine Enthusiast. His philosophy evokes a deep connection to time and place: “Provence is a land of contrasts that offers itself to those who know how to listen and wait. Everything here invites us to reap the benefits of time — the ultimate luxury.”
The collaboration between JOALI and Domaines Ott reflected their shared values of artistry, sustainability, and transformative experience.
At JOALI Maldives, guests were treated to a four-course set menu paired with a curated selection of fine wines, blending gastronomy, design, and culture in an evening that embodied refined island luxury. At JOALI BEING, the celebration aligned with the resort’s philosophy of Well-Living, highlighting organic wines in harmony with nature and sustainability.
Guests savoured rare vintages alongside a five-course dining experience, with each glass revealing a story of heritage and innovation. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, the evenings offered a journey of discovery — where the art of winemaking met the spirit of island living.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will welcome internationally acclaimed winemaker Kai Schubert, co-founder of Schubert Wines in New Zealand, for an exclusive wine dinner at the resort’s iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Monday, 6 October 2025.
Renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir and an exceptional portfolio of wines, Schubert Wines has earned a place on prestigious wine lists worldwide. Schubert’s visit presents Maldivian wine enthusiasts and resort guests with a rare opportunity to engage with a distinguished vintner whilst enjoying an extraordinary culinary experience.
The evening will showcase a specially curated five-course gourmet menu, each dish thoughtfully paired with Schubert Wines to highlight their elegance and complexity. Guests will be guided through the pairings by Schubert himself, gaining personal insights into his winemaking philosophy and journey.
With the breathtaking underwater setting of Ithaa providing a remarkable backdrop, the dinner promises an unforgettable occasion that brings together fine cuisine, distinguished wines and one of the most unique dining environments in the Maldives.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island forms part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members booking directly through preferred Hilton channels enjoy instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows nearly any combination of Points and money to be used for bookings, exclusive member discounts unavailable elsewhere, and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, enabling digital check-in, room selection, and room access through Digital Key.
Dusit Thani Maldives has announced ‘A Journey Through the Vines,’ a two-night wine dinner series presented in collaboration with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept. The events will take place at the resort’s beachfront restaurant, Sea Grill.
On 25 October 2025, the programme will begin with the Old-World Wine Dinner. Guests will experience a curated multi-course menu paired with celebrated vintages from Europe’s renowned wine regions. The evening will highlight the enduring connection between Old World terroir and fine dining.
The second event, the Ilaria Felluga Wine Dinner, will be held on 27 October 2025. Hosted by Ilaria Felluga, sixth-generation leader of her family’s distinguished wineries and recognised by Forbes as an Italian Excellence Under 40, the evening will feature her family’s signature wines. Each vintage will be paired with a specially designed island-inspired menu that reflects both tradition and innovation.
Both dinners offer discerning travellers the opportunity to enjoy world-class wines alongside bespoke menus in the setting of Baa Atoll, complemented by the distinctive Thai-Maldivian hospitality of Dusit Thani Maldives.
Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, commented: “We are proud to offer our guests the opportunity to savour two distinct wine journeys in the idyllic setting of Baa Atoll. Partnering with Ilaria Felluga and Liquid Concept allows us to showcase exceptional vintages alongside inspired cuisine, creating memorable evenings that celebrate both heritage and innovation.”
Situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives combines Thai heritage with Maldivian warmth, offering a strong sense of place. The Journey Through the Vines series reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering immersive culinary experiences for luxury travellers in the Maldives.
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