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.
Celebration
Sirru Fen Fushi to host Eid al-Adha celebration from 27–29 May
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced its “Eid in Harmony” programme for Eid al-Adha, scheduled from 27 to 29 May 2026, offering guests a series of curated experiences centred on dining, cultural elements and leisure activities.
The programme is designed to provide a structured yet relaxed approach to the celebration, with a focus on shared experiences and engagement with the island environment. According to the resort, the initiative aims to bring together cultural traditions and hospitality offerings within a resort setting.
A central feature of the programme will be the Eid al-Adha Feast, a dining experience presenting a selection of dishes prepared for the occasion. The event will be set in a themed environment reflecting elements associated with Eid.
The resort will also introduce an “Eid Gift with Purpose” initiative, positioned as a gesture aligned with the values of giving and reflection associated with the occasion.
In addition, guests will have the option to participate in a Guest Archery Competition, offering a recreational activity designed to complement the island setting and provide an alternative form of engagement during the celebration period.
Alongside the programme, the resort has launched an “Eid Island Escape” offer, which includes a range of inclusions for guests staying during the period. These include a 30-minute jet lag recovery massage, daily breakfast at Raha Market, dinner on a dine-around basis across selected restaurants, and a one-time floating breakfast experience.
In a statement, the resort’s management said the programme is intended to reflect the values of togetherness and reflection associated with Eid al-Adha, while offering guests opportunities to spend time with family and participate in shared experiences.
Through the three-day programme, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort is presenting Eid al-Adha as a combination of dining, leisure and cultural activities within a resort environment.
Featured
Reethi Faru Resort awarded Green Globe certification
Reethi Faru Resort has received Green Globe certification, recognising its compliance with international standards for sustainable tourism.
The certification reflects the resort’s stated commitment to responsible hospitality, with a focus on environmental management, social responsibility and operational practices across the property.
Green Globe certification is awarded following an assessment based on established sustainability criteria and verified through independent third-party audits. The standard reviews performance in areas including environmental management, energy efficiency, resource conservation, community engagement and sustainable operations.
With the certification, Reethi Faru Resort joins a group of hospitality operators worldwide that have met Green Globe’s sustainability requirements and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improvement in tourism practices.
In a statement, the management of Reethi Faru Resort said the recognition reflects the resort’s continued focus on preserving the natural environment of the Maldives while maintaining the guest experience. The management added that sustainability forms part of the resort’s daily operations.
The Green Globe standard includes more than 40 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators, providing a framework for assessing sustainability performance in the hospitality sector.
Featured
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort marks loyalty week with member and staff recognition
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is marking IHG Global Loyalty Week 2026, a group-wide initiative recognising IHG One Rewards members and the employees who contribute to guest experiences across the brand.
The observance will take place from 11 to 17 May 2026 and is aligned with IHG’s wider theme of “bringing loyalty to life”, focusing on guest recognition and service-led engagement.
As the Maldives’ first all-Club InterContinental resort, InterContinental Maldives is using the occasion to highlight its emphasis on personalised service and guest recognition. During the week, the resort will present a series of experiences and gestures intended to acknowledge IHG One Rewards members through tailored hospitality touches.
A central feature of the programme will be “Member Moments”, which are designed to reflect guest preferences, milestones and individual travel experiences. These will include personalised welcome arrangements, selected in-room amenities, culinary offerings and family-focused gestures.
The resort will also use the week to recognise its employees, whose service contributes to guest loyalty and repeat visits. Under its “Inspire Incredible” service culture, InterContinental Maldives will hold staff appreciation activities and internal recognition initiatives during the week.
Commenting on the occasion, General Manager Reinhold Johann said the initiative highlights the importance of making guests feel recognised and welcomed, while also acknowledging the role of employees in delivering those experiences.
Through IHG One Rewards, members have access to benefits and travel privileges across more than 6,800 hotels worldwide. At InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, these benefits are integrated into the resort’s all-Club InterContinental offering, which combines personalised service with resort-based experiences in Raa Atoll.
Through its participation in IHG Global Loyalty Week 2026, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is positioning guest recognition and service culture as key elements of its hospitality approach.
-
Action1 week agoDhawa Ihuru to celebrate marine heritage with Rannamaari Dive Fest this May
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives marks Mental Health Awareness Month with wellness series
-
News1 week agoAtmosphere Kanifushi celebrates one year of Essens Spa
-
Action6 days agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’
-
Cooking6 days agoOBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience
-
News5 days agoSun Siyam celebrates Mother’s Day across its Maldives resort collection
-
Awards1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards
-
Action5 days agoHoliday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers Dive Free programme


