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.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton at CROSSROADS Maldives is raising the bar with spiritueux sans alcohol . The destination has introduced Sober Spirits, a range of premium alcohol-free distilled spirits, at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and key dining venues across The Marina. This innovative initiative promises indulgence without the compromise, catering to those who love the craft of spirits and cocktails but prefer to skip the buzz. Offering a sophisticated twist with alcohol-free indulgence, Sober Spirits brings everyone to the table for an unforgettable festive celebration this year at CROSSROADS Maldives.
Crafted with precision and passion, Sober Spirits Gin 0.0% and Rum 0.0% bring the depth, complexity, and aromatic experience of classic spirits to the table. It calls to be enjoyed neat, paired with mixers, or stirred into inventive mocktails and prove that indulgence does not require compromise. Adding to the lineup is the globally celebrated Lyre’s Amaretti Non-Alcoholic, bringing a nutty and sweet sophistication to the sober sipping experience.
“At CROSSROADS Maldives, we celebrate diversity—not just in cultures, but in choices. The introduction of Sober Spirits across our resort and restaurants is our way of embracing inclusivity, ensuring that every guest, whether they drink alcohol or not, can raise a glass and savour the moment,” adds Ahmed Jalaludeen- Food & Beverage Manager at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton.
The magic behind Sober Spirits lies in its meticulous crafting process. Born in the heart of France, these spirits undergo an initial distillation before the alcohol is gently removed using state-of-the-art techniques. The result? A flavour profile so authentic, it is hard to believe it is alcohol-free.
Guests at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and dining hotspots of the Marina – Kinkao, Jiao Wu, and Kebab & Kurry will now have the chance to experience this first-of-its -kind offering. Raise a glass to a zero-proof Mojito, savour the herbaceous notes of a G&T, or enjoy the pure simplicity of Sober Spirits on the rocks for a truly extraordinary moment. With the arrival of Sober Spirits, CROSSROADS Maldives is not just leading the conversation on alcohol-free luxury—it is redefining it.
Dusit Thani Maldives is enhancing its culinary offerings with the launch of SALA, a plant-based restaurant that showcases nutrient-rich dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and produce grown in the resort’s organic gardens.
SALA is led by Executive Chef Jan Van de Voorde, whose career spans Michelin-starred establishments in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as boutique health retreats in Ibiza. The restaurant offers a refined ‘plant-powered’ dining experience inspired by Chef Jan’s passion for organic, healthy cuisine and his expertise in blending European and Asian flavours with a focus on holistic well-being.
Chef Jan credits his time in Ibiza from 2020 to 2022 as the inspiration for SALA. During that period, he embraced plant-based cuisine and experienced its transformative impact on his health. According to Chef Jan, this way of cooking and eating revitalised his mind and body, leaving him feeling stronger, healthier, and more energised. He is now bringing this philosophy to Dusit Thani Maldives, offering guests flavourful dishes designed to nourish both the body and soul.
Aligned with Dusit’s Tree of Life sustainability program, which prioritises environmental preservation and community well-being, SALA adopts a ‘seed-to-plate’ approach. This philosophy underscores the resort’s commitment to achieving harmony between luxury and sustainability.
The menu at SALA features standout dishes such as Grilled King Oyster Mushroom served with pea puree and Creamy Mushroom Soup enhanced with white truffle oil. For a refreshing dessert, the Coconut Sorbet—crafted with locally sourced coconuts and seasonal berries—provides a health-conscious indulgence. Complementing the food are innovative beverages like the Kombucha Mojito and the Pineapple & Ginger Kefir, offering guests wellness-focused refreshment with probiotic and nutrient-rich ingredients.
Jean-Louis Ripoche, General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, emphasised the significance of SALA as part of the resort’s commitment to promoting sustainable, healthy living while delivering a world-class dining experience. Ripoche expressed confidence that the restaurant’s thoughtful menu and picturesque location would resonate with health-conscious travellers seeking transformative culinary experiences.
Located on the second floor of a Thai-style pavilion overlooking the turquoise waters of Baa Atoll, SALA combines Dusit’s renowned hospitality with an idyllic setting, creating the perfect environment for mindful dining, whether during a relaxed afternoon or an enchanting evening.
In celebration of SALA’s opening, Dusit Thani Maldives is offering the ‘Plant and Pamper Retreat’, a curated wellness experience that blends gastronomy, relaxation, and mindful living.
Available for direct bookings until March 31, 2025, with stays extending to October 31, 2025, the retreat includes daily breakfast at The Market Restaurant, lunch and dinner at SALA, a private yoga session, a 60-minute massage for two, and additional exclusive benefits.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
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