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Unforgettable taste of paradise: Waldorf Astoria Maldives’ 11 speciality dining venues offer feast for senses

Published

6 years ago

November 23, 2019

Hilton’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, takes guests on an unforgettable culinary journey at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, which opened its doors on July 1.

In line with the brand’s rich legacy of culinary innovation and excellence, the all-pool villa resort has been designed to appeal to luxury leisure seekers with a refined palate and an appreciation for international cuisine, featuring 11 speciality dining venues serving the freshest produce in extraordinary settings — the diversity of which is a first for the Maldives.

“Dining is undoubtedly one of the most integral parts of hospitality. The Waldorf Astoria brand has been redefining the standards of culinary excellence for generations, and our latest opening only elevates this further. Taste is personal to every individual, so our strategy was to create an unparalleled variety of dining concepts to suit all, ensuring every guest remembers their unique dining experience long after they depart the island,” Adam Crocini, Vice President, Food & Beverage, Luxury & Lifestyle Group, Hilton, said.

Terra

Located on the highest point on the island, Terra provides a picturesque dining-in-the-sky experience in private dining nests for two or four, crafted from natural bamboo. The finest ingredients are transformed into impeccably curated flavours for diners to enjoy as they take in the sublime views of the island.

The Ledge

Created by Chef Dave Pynt, culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Michelin-starred Burnt Ends restaurant, The Ledge uses specialty barbecue techniques such as smoking and slow roasting using a custom-built, four-ton, dual-cavity oven and elevation grills fired by sustainable Jarrah wood, to serve up unique flavours against the stunning Maldivian backdrop. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch of poolside favourites — including the signature lobster roll — during the day, and it’s the place to go for the finest cut of succulent, wood-fired meats and wine in the evening.

Dave Pynt elaborates, “The food we serve and our approach fit perfectly with the stunning beaches of the Maldives. Guests dining at The Ledge can expect simple but perfectly executed barbecue food featuring amazing local seafood and a well-curated meat selection.”

The Rock

Nestled amongst boulders, The Rock is a rustic wine cellar and dining experience set in a carved-out space. Guests can indulge in exquisite food and wine pairings or opt for an elevated dining experience with a menu that pays homage to the renowned wine regions around the world.

Yasmeen

Named after jasmine flowers, which represent the unity of an Arabic village, Yasmeen’s traditional aesthetic matches its culinary offering. Inviting guests to savour authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, hot pitas and puffed breads are baked in ovens that are based on centuries-old designs. Charcoal-roasted meats and hot and cold mezzes are served in al fresco settings filled with a carefully sourced selection of one-of-a-kind decorative artefacts and antiques, creating the perfect blend of sensorial experiences that will not be forgotten.

Li Long

Guests seeking an authentic contemporary Chinese fine-dining experience will find themselves immersed in the Shanghainese era once they pass through the moon gate at Li Long. After marvelling at the restaurant’s two-metre-high, bespoke feature bell with an intricate oriental design, guests can enjoy Peking duck that has been prepared in the Maldives’ first wood-fired oven and carved tableside by a Chinese master chef — all while taking in the breath-taking ocean views, as the restaurant perches overwater. A private dining room is also available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.

Glow

Set in a greenhouse-like structure shaded by greenery, Glow celebrates the concept of interactive garden-to-table dining by serving healthy and holistic cuisine made from the freshest ingredients harvested from the edible garden surrounding the restaurant’s main dining area. The garden, which features 20 types of herbs and fruit plants, including coriander, curry leaves and lemongrass, is the first thing guests see when they walk into the restaurant, providing an immersive prelude to the dining experience.

Amber

A champagne bar with an unrivalled view of the magnificent Maldivian sunset, Amber is the idyllic setting for perfectly chilled champagne, modern cocktails and gourmet canapés.

Nava

A beach club that spans the Mirror pool, Lagoon pool and sandy white beach, Nava also offers refreshing cocktails, light meals and pizza from a wood-fired oven for savouring by the poolside or the beach.

Tangled

The island’s favourite lunch spot, Tangled, offers unique tastes of Asian delights, including innovative, flavourful noodle creations and handcrafted dim sum, complemented with a selection of infused tea, beer and sake.

Peacock Alley

A serene lounge overlooking the water with live entertainment, Peacock Alley serves a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, tapas and cigars, making it the ideal meeting place for a pre- or post-dinner rendezvous. In keeping with the Waldorf Astoria legacy, the speciality here is afternoon tea, enjoyed in comfort on the lounge’s dual-tone furnishings.

Tasting Table

At Tasting Table, guests can start their day with a gourmet breakfast while enjoying tranquil views of the sunrise over the horizon. When day turns into night, the sunset views transform the restaurant into a beachside dining venue offering international favourites.

Culinary Director at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Chef Vijayakant ‘Vijay’ Shanmugam, Director of Culinary, leads the gastronomic vision for the resort. With nearly 20 years of experience in prestigious restaurants and hotels, Chef Vijay is renowned for creating new dishes and flavours inspired by local ingredients, traditional culture and the native landscape.

Under Chef Vijay’s direction, the resort focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients to create innovative, modern dishes that pay homage to the iconic destination. The resort grows its own fruit, vegetables and herbs in its on-island nurseries and partners with the community of local fisherman to ensure a consistent supply of the freshest catch of the day — so guests can delight in an unparalleled epicurean experience.

“I believe hospitality and in particular food and beverage operations have an important part to play in the sustainability of our environment and planet,” said chef Vijay.

“Here at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, we have plenty of opportunities to adopt sustainable alternatives and solutions, such as locally sourced, organic produce, Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood and bottled still and sparkling water, which we produce at the resort — we are extremely fortunate to be able to extend these options to our guests.”

Spanning three interconnected islands in the South Male Atoll, and a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic resort paradise surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian landscape and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean.

Aside from the excellent restaurants and bars, the resort also boasts 122 spacious villas, the Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park and a world-class spa.

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From wellness to culture: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts embodies new era of Maldivian travel

Published

6 days ago

October 23, 2025

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The Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s premier island destinations, achieving global acclaim while maintaining steady growth in visitor arrivals. The country was recently named Best Beach Destination at the World Tourism Awards 2025 in Brussels and ranked among the Top Ten Countries for Food in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives recorded over 1.7 million tourist arrivals as of 21 October 2025 — a 10% year-on-year increase. The destination is on course to meet its ambitious target of 2.3 million arrivals by year-end, with the final quarter expected to bring the highest influx of visitors as the nation enters its peak travel season.

Sustained demand from key markets including India, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, alongside rising interest from the Middle East and Europe, continues to fuel this growth. The trend reflects a broader global shift towards experience-led travel, where visitors seek meaningful, immersive stays rather than conventional leisure holidays.

As arrival numbers climb, the focus within the Maldives tourism industry is evolving from volume to value. Hospitality brands are responding by offering experiences that highlight authenticity, sustainability, and cultural engagement. Among them, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts — which operates four properties across the Maldives — is redefining the concept of island travel through wellness, cuisine, and culture.

The brand’s approach extends beyond accommodation, curating distinctive experiences that deepen the guest journey. From spa rituals rooted in Asian wellness traditions at Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa to private beachfront dinners celebrating the region’s rich culinary heritage, each stay is designed to be both restorative and enriching. Guests who book directly also receive exclusive credits and tailored experiences, reinforcing the Maldives’ growing appeal as a destination for conscious and immersive travel.

This direction mirrors the Maldives’ evolving tourism strategy, which prioritises authenticity and quality over volume. As the nation edges closer to another record-breaking year, its success lies not only in the number of arrivals but in its ability to offer enduring, high-calibre experiences — a vision shared by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as it continues to shape the future of island hospitality across the region.

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Centara Maldives unveils bespoke National Day escapes for UAE holidaymakers

Published

6 days ago

October 23, 2025

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As one of the most notable occasions in the GCC calendar, UAE National Day presents the perfect opportunity to plan a dream island getaway at one of Centara Hotels & Resorts’ Maldivian destinations. Travellers can discover their own piece of paradise across four distinctive properties: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Each resort offers a seamless blend of elegance, comfort, island activities, and rejuvenating spa experiences — the ideal way to celebrate the spirit of the occasion with a tropical touch.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Located a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives provides an elegant island retreat ideal for celebrating special moments with family and friends. The resort features a range of overwater villas and beachfront residences, each complete with a private pool, jacuzzi, or both — offering guests an opportunity to truly unwind and disconnect from the outside world.

Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort offers an array of experiences, from exciting water sports and excursions to restorative wellness treatments at the tranquil SPA Cenvaree Retreat. Dining choices include international buffets at The Gallery, modern Mediterranean flavours at Bluefin, and light bites at Coco Drift’s swim-up bar. Guests can also toast to the occasion with a refreshing drink at Sunset Social.

In celebration of UAE National Day, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives invites guests to reconnect with loved ones through an exclusive stay package. Guests booking before 15 December for stays until 20 December can enjoy four nights for the price of three or seven nights for the price of five, with complimentary round-trip transfers included.

Additional benefits include:

Upgrade to the Half Board Plus meal plan when booking a Room with Breakfast
Club access
Complimentary sparkling beverage at Sunset Social on the first evening
One complimentary couples’ treatment at SPA Cenvaree Retreat
A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

Nestled in the scenic North Malé Atoll, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers a vibrant, underwater world-themed escape perfect for families. The resort combines play and relaxation through its lazy river, splash zones, and water playgrounds, alongside the acclaimed SPA Cenvaree, a Candy Spa for children, and a lively kids’ club. Accommodation includes oceanfront and overwater villas, complemented by diverse dining experiences.

Families can enjoy the ultimate island holiday where children stay, play, and dine for free on all stays before 15 December. Perfect for the UAE National Day long weekend, the offer includes:

Special room rates
Complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers
Free stays and meals for up to two children aged 11 and under
A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

For couples and solo travellers seeking tranquillity, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation and connection. Guests can wake to panoramic sea views from oceanfront or overwater villas with direct lagoon access. The resort features world-class dining, a yoga pavilion, award-winning SPA Cenvaree, and water sports including windsurfing, parasailing, and snorkelling.

To mark UAE National Day, guests can take advantage of 30% off all villas (and 45% off for CentaraThe1 members), along with 50% off transfers for stays of two to four nights. The package also includes:

Sparkling beverage and fresh fruit upon arrival in overwater villas
A three-course poolside dinner under the stars for Half Board Plus guests and above
Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
20% discount on food and beverages
10% off water sports and excursions
Complimentary snorkelling and kayaking equipment

Bookings and stays are valid until 10 January 2026.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection

Set amidst breathtaking ocean views and a UNESCO-protected marine reserve, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection caters to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Home to an award-winning house reef and several renowned dive sites, guests can spend their days exploring coral reefs or discovering a historic shipwreck, followed by spa treatments and gourmet dining.

Guests can enjoy 45% off flexible rates for CentaraThe1 members and 30% off for non-members, along with 30% off seaplane transfers for stays of two to six nights until 10 January 2026.

The offer includes:

Handmade chocolates and tropical fruit upon arrival in overwater or pool villas
A complimentary picnic lunch for families or a private beach dinner for couples (Half Board Plus and above)
Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
Complimentary stays and meals for children aged six and under
20% discount on à la carte dining and floating breakfasts (Club Pool Villas only)
10% discount on water sports and excursions
Complimentary snorkelling gear and kayak use

For more information or reservations, guests can visit Centara Hotels & Resorts and explore exclusive UAE National Day offers available across all Maldivian properties.

Featured

Holistic journeys at One&Only Reethi Rah: Year of global wellness expertise

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

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One&Only Reethi Rah invites guests to continue their wellness journey at the renowned One&Only Spa, which has recently received a prestigious five-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide — the first and only spa in the Maldives to earn this recognition. Surrounded by tropical greenery, the spa offers a tranquil retreat where ancient healing practices meet modern techniques, providing tailored treatments that promote lasting wellbeing.

Throughout the year, One&Only Reethi Rah has hosted leading international wellness practitioners, and the remainder of 2025 will feature an inspiring series of experiences guided by acclaimed experts. From holistic therapies and Ayurveda to Pilates, yoga, Barre, and CrossFit, each visiting specialist brings unique expertise and methodology to the island, delivering highly personalised sessions designed around each guest’s individual needs.

Beginning in October, Ayurveda specialist Dr Shreejit Ghadigaonkar will offer personalised consultations and treatments based on one of the world’s oldest healing systems, using herbal remedies, massage, and holistic therapies to restore balance. During the same period, Shannon Fenton, a Pilates and yoga instructor, will lead mindful movement sessions to enhance posture, body awareness, and overall wellbeing.

In November, bespoke fitness coach Nicky Holender will introduce tailored programmes focused on strength, endurance, and motivation, while holistic therapist Darya Gudkova will offer deeply restorative treatments combining Eastern traditions with a contemporary understanding of anatomy and psychology.

The season will continue into December and January with Sanam Heravi, a STOTT-certified Barre specialist, whose sessions use intelligent movement to support rehabilitation and life transitions. Guests seeking high-intensity training will be able to train with Zubaid Toefy, a CrossFit coach with a background in Muay Thai and Olympic weightlifting, known for his dynamic and disciplined approach.

Each visiting practitioner contributes distinct expertise to the spa’s offerings, enabling guests to explore individual paths towards vitality, clarity, and inner balance

Whether guests are beginning a new wellness journey or deepening established rituals, the One&Only Spa provides a setting for intentional transformation. From sunrise yoga sessions to deeply restorative treatments, every moment is designed to strengthen the connection between mind, body, and nature within the serene environment of the Maldives.

For guests seeking advanced skincare, the spa also presents a curated selection of facial treatments that combine cutting-edge technology with high-performance formulations. Through partnerships with globally renowned brands such as Augustinus Bader, the spa offers rejuvenating therapies that leave the skin feeling nourished, firm, and radiant.