Featured
Jumeirah Vittaveli launches world’s most expensive Indian menu
Jumeirah Vittaveli has celebrated the second anniversary of its Swarna Indian restaurant, with the launch of the most expensive Indian menu in the world.
The Gold at Swarna 15-course menu, which is priced at USD 2,000, is a signature experience combining the essence of opulence with the name of the restaurant, which translates to gold in Sanskrit. Diners can discover an evening of royal treatment and edible gold will be an essential ingredient of each dish.

Khad Ka Khargosh, a dish on the Gold at Swarna menu. PHOTO/ JUMEIRAH
The experience begins at the guest’s villa where they will be collected by a darban (gold buggy royal escort). Guests then arrive at a luxurious cabana where they have the chance to wear traditional Indian attire. Chef de Cuisine Bharat Kapoor then explains how he chose the combination of flavours for each dish which includes Blood Orange Soup with gold coated Himalayan Pink Salt and Rose Gold coated Lamb Patty served over Bread from the inverted grill touched with gold.

Kanak Galouti, a dish on the Gold at Swarna menu. PHOTO/ JUMEIRAH
Passionate about Indian cuisine, Chef Bharat calls himself a spicewala or spice traveller. He takes pride in selecting ingredients on trips to India and only uses spices available in India.
“Authenticity is key,” Chef Bharat Kapoor was quoted in an announcement, as saying.
“You can’t get truly Indian flavours if you use international ingredients.”

Sunahare Moti, a dish on the Gold at Swarna menu. PHOTO/ JUMEIRAH
Since Swarna opened two years ago, it has won the Best Indian Cuisine in Asia award at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
“Swarna continues to amaze our guests in terms of the ambiance and the progressive approach to food and beverage experiences. The new menu Gold at Swarna is a celebration of its continued success and takes the restaurant to another level,” General Manager Amit Majumder said.

Swarnaparat Kekda, a dish on the Gold at Swarna menu. PHOTO/ JUMEIRAH
Swarna takes guests on a culinary journey through India in a Maharaja style garden. Menus alternate between the 10-course journey menu, picking up flavours from every corner of the country and taking your palate on a voyage through the land of spices, and the signature 15-course Swarna Thali, an innovative new take on the Indian classic, in the form of an indulgent menu incorporating a host of rich flavours.
Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from capital, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.
In addition to the recently launched Royal Residence, which was recently recognised as Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa at the World Travel Awards, Jumeirah Vittaveli comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples. Highlights are the free-standing Ocean Suites, located only a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by complimentary boat service.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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