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Soneva Jani opens newest restaurant, The Crab Shack

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Soneva Jani has unveiled the latest addition to its culinary offerings, the Crab Shack.

The 32 cover restaurant and 14 seat bar is located on Soneva Jani’s southwest beach, on the opposite side of the island to Cinema Paradiso, and is comprised of two levels. The ground floor is taken up by the restaurant, kitchen and bar area, with the first floor deck designed especially for guests to relax on tiered daybeds and enjoy the Maldivian sunsets while sipping on rosé wine or other beverages.

The Crab Shack is open for lunch and dinner with an á la carte menu. Upstairs serves only drinks and light snacks. While no local crabs will be on the menu (watch The Mangrove Network video from the Change-Maker Series), Sri Lankan mud crabs, Alaskan crabs and Kamchatka crabs (all Marine Stewardship Council certified) are the highlights. Each day the Crab Shack will only serve one type of crab on a rotating basis. The dishes that can be ordered include chili crab, crab curry (both Thai and Sri Lankan varieties of curry), garlic crab, black pepper crab, Szechuan spicy wok-fried crab, Vietnamese wok-fried crab with tamarind, ginger and black pepper.

The menu is also supplemented with Mediterranean dishes, including marinated sardines, mussels meunière, crab and seafood bouillabaisse (subject to availability), spicy seafood salad, and a ceviche of the day. There will also be a seafood platter that includes soft shell crabs, calamari, scallops and more. This platter can be ordered cold or warm (steamed, wok-fried or barbecued). A number of vegetable based side dishes will also be available, using organic greens from the resort’s gardens. Dishes include broccoli with caramelised garlic and marinated artichokes. When it comes to drinks there will be a focus on rosé and Sauvignon Blanc, while there will also be a selection of red wine.

Guests will get to dine barefoot, with toes in the sand, in line with Soneva’s ‘No News, No Shoes’ ethos. The Crab Shack is open-air, allowing for the cool sea breeze to flow through and uninterrupted views out across the lagoon, towards the sunset.

The design of the restaurant and bar uses reclaimed wood and driftwood timber to offer guests a rustic shack experience, while also giving a nod to how Maldivian’s traditionally built their homes before they had conventional building materials. Diners will sit around repurposed tree trunk logs that incorporate recycled glass plate supports and reclaimed barrels. There is a central communal table, while around this there are tables of four, which can all be rearranged depending on party numbers. The main support pillars are made out of entire tree trunks.

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.

Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.

Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.

Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.

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Domenico Carella and Fabrizio Margarita unite for innovative culinary experience at Patina Maldives

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Patina Maldives has announces an exclusive culinary pop-up, Ultra Milano by Domenico Carella, taking place from November 9th to November 13th, 2024. This exclusive experience will showcase the innovative culinary and mixology talents of Domenico Carella, a renowned figure in the food and beverage industry.

Carella has built an impressive career as a professional chef, bartender, and manager. With over a decade of experience, he has mastered the art of blending ingredients and flavours to create dishes that perfectly balance texture and taste. His culinary journey has taken him around the world, earning accolades such as Manager of the Year in Asia by “That’s Shanghai” in 2015.

At this event, Domenico Carella’s mixology will complement Fabrizio Margarita’s pizza artistry, reimagining dining with a sustainable flair at Veli Bar in Patina Maldives, Fari Islands.

Carella’s approach to food and beverage emphasises environmental respect and sustainability. His holistic vision ensures that all departments, from the kitchen to the bar, work harmoniously, aligning the procurement of raw materials to create a unified and sustainable operation.

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From champagne dinners to wagyu pop-ups: gourmet journey at One&Only Reethi Rah

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One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is set to welcome culinary enthusiasts to a unique journey of exclusive dining experiences this November and December. From refined Champagne and whisky dinners to indulgent Wagyu burger pop-ups at the resort’s lively Beach Club, guests will embark on a flavourful journey tailored to satisfy even the most refined palates.

Guests can immerse themselves in the sophisticated elegance of Drappier Champagne while overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean. Hosted by Michel Drappier, the 7th generation of the founding family, this evening offers insights into the 62-hectare vineyards where the iconic Drappier Champagne vintages are produced. The experience will be complemented by an exquisite pairing dinner and live acoustic music.

On the shores of One&Only Reethi Rah, guests are invited to explore the rich flavours of Glenmorangie Scotch Whisky paired with Australia’s famous Blackmore Wagyu. This evening will feature insights into Glenmorangie’s craft, led by the celebrated master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden, and include guidance from wine and spirits expert Kamal Malik on the art of pairing.

This flavourful afternoon will spotlight Wagyu burgers featuring Rhônes, a rare, 100% grass-fed breed from award-winning Blackmore Wagyu. Typically reserved for the world’s most exclusive restaurants, Rhônes beef—limited to just 50 cattle annually—is available in the Maldives only at One&Only Reethi Rah.

At Reethi Restaurant, diners can savour exquisite sakes alongside breathtaking ocean views. With selections ranging from refreshing Naraman to aromatic Eisen, guests will enjoy a spectrum of balanced notes and flavours in the company of Michael Campion, Managing Director of the renowned Four Fox Sake.

The season’s culinary pinnacle will be a series of pop-ups led by chef Mauro Colagreco, bringing the celebrated flavours and techniques of Mirazur, the three-Michelin-star restaurant, to the shores of One&Only Reethi Rah. Taking place from December 21-28, the events will highlight locally sourced ingredients in line with Chef Mauro’s Circular Gastronomy philosophy, which harmonises haute cuisine with a profound respect for nature and local communities.

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Marriott Bonvoy Maldives Resorts offer guests unique taste of mixology with Aidy Smith

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Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort are offering guests the opportunity to master the art of cocktails through exclusive classes led by renowned drinks expert and UK-based TV personality, Aidy Smith. Known internationally as the presenter of The Three Drinkers series on Amazon Prime, Smith brings his expertise to the Maldives, guiding participants through three unique masterclasses. From October 30 to November 7, guests can join hands-on sessions with Smith and enjoy custom-crafted cocktails, all set against the stunning Maldivian backdrop.

An award-winning mixologist, broadcaster, and columnist, Smith has developed a devoted following for his creative approach to cocktails and spirits. With The Three Drinkers streaming in over 100 countries, he has become a widely recognised face in the industry, celebrated for his engaging and approachable style. This cocktail masterclass series provides an ideal platform for Smith’s vibrant storytelling and unique expertise.

Reflecting on the event, Smith shared, “I’ve always viewed cocktails as a form of art, and what better place to share this than in one of the world’s most picturesque locations? It’s an honour to create a bespoke cocktail menu for the guests of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Watching mixology unfold is one thing; creating your own cocktail in such iconic settings is something else entirely.”

On October 30, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will host a “Cocktail Masterclass & Sunset Soirée” as part of its Au Soleil program. Held at Tabemasu, the event begins with a welcome drink, the “Strawberry Scarlet,” made with strawberries and basil from The Greenhouse, one of the largest hydroponic farms in the Maldives. Smith will lead guests in crafting three signature cocktails inspired by the Maldivian setting and the Au Soleil spirit. The two-hour experience includes the “Verdant Mist,” a cucumber-dill martini; the “Spicy Mango Margarita,” a bold twist on a classic favourite; and “The Paddington Bear,” a Rémy Martin creation popularised in The Three Drinkers. After the class, guests will join a Sunset Soirée at Riviera Beach, enjoying more of Smith’s creations paired with Au Soleil canapés and live DJ music. Those unable to attend can still enjoy Smith’s cocktail creations with a special menu available until January 2025.

On November 4, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa will host a “Mixology Masterclass with Aidy Smith” at Anchorage Beach, complemented by a DJ performance as the sun sets. The experience opens with a “Pineapple Express” welcome drink, garnished with local pandan, setting the tone for a two-hour mixology journey. Guests will learn to create three unique cocktails, including “Hydration is Key,” a margarita-style drink with fresh chili and cucumber from the resort’s Chef’s Garden; the “Ruby Passion,” a raspberry twist on the Passion Fruit Martini; and “The Paddington Bear.” A selection of bar bites and canapés will be served throughout the session.

On November 7, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host an exclusive one-hour “Mixology Masterclass with Aidy Smith” at The Whale Bar, its iconic overwater venue inspired by the whale shark, featuring panoramic sunset views. The experience begins with the St. Regis Champagne Sabering Ritual, where guests are welcomed with a glass of champagne. Smith will then guide participants through the creation of three cocktails, including the “Spicy Mango Jalapeño Margarita,” a tropical twist with a hint of heat, and the “Ruby Passion” with raspberry and passion fruit. The class concludes with Smith’s signature “The Paddington Bear,” a homage to cognac and marmalade.

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