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

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.
Culture
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to discover real island living in Kihadhoo

Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique luxury resort situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has unveiled its latest signature offering – the Local Island Tour – a meaningful and intimate cultural experience that provides guests with a genuine insight into everyday life in the Maldives.
Nestled amidst the natural splendour of Baa Atoll, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity and unspoilt local islands, this new experience extends beyond the boundaries of the resort. Guests are invited to journey just 15 minutes by boat to Kihadhoo, a serene and authentic island where tradition, community and simplicity remain firmly embedded in daily life.
Upon arrival, visitors are immersed not only in a new landscape but in a slower, more deliberate way of life. Much like the ethos of Milaidhoo, where barefoot luxury is designed to encourage presence and connection, Kihadhoo exudes its own quiet charm – a lifestyle shaped by nature, calm and community. Along its sandy paths, occasionally crossed by a scooter or two, time appears to slow down. It is a place grounded in authenticity and understated beauty.
The experience is personally guided by Ali “CR” Niushad, a Kihadhoo native and esteemed member of the Milaidhoo team. Acting as both host and storyteller, CR offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the island not as tourists, but as warmly welcomed friends. The visit begins with a traditional greeting from local flower girls dressed in Maldivian attire, setting the tone for an encounter steeped in culture and sincerity.
As the tour unfolds, guests are met with the everyday sights and sounds of the island: children waving in the distance, neighbours exchanging greetings, the rhythmic sweep of a broom, the gentle clatter of cooking utensils, and women gathered in joali seats, softly conversing in the afternoon light. A walk through Kihadhoo reveals vividly painted doors on homes – reminiscent of the colourful doors of Milaidhoo’s own villas – reflecting the island’s quiet charm and creative spirit.
This is not a traditional sightseeing excursion; it is an immersion into the heartbeat of island life. Guests enjoy fresh coconuts at a small, family-run café, visit the local school and community centres, and spend time in CR’s family home, sharing stories and perspectives. Each moment is organic, heartfelt, and grounded in sincere human connection.
In an era where travellers increasingly seek meaningful and mindful experiences, Milaidhoo’s Local Island Tour captures the spirit of slow travel: an invitation to pause, observe, and engage with respect and curiosity.
Experience Highlights:
- Price: USD 95++ per person (minimum of four guests)
- Inclusions: Return boat transfers, traditional island welcome, guided walk with CR, refreshments (fresh juice or coconut), visits to village landmarks, and a selection of homemade Maldivian snacks with tea or coffee
While Milaidhoo offers refined barefoot luxury that nurtures a sense of inner calm, Kihadhoo presents the soulful essence of Maldivian island life. Together, they create a compelling contrast – sanctuary and simplicity, elegance and authenticity.
This experience is more than a cultural outing. It is a return to the original purpose of travel: to connect, to learn, and to be changed in quiet, unforgettable ways.
Cooking
From garden to gourmet: Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates local, responsible cuisine

Widely recognised as a premier luxury resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives is redefining the concept of sustainable dining. Central to the resort’s culinary ethos is a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly, crafting exceptional, globally inspired dishes that reflect the natural abundance of the Maldivian archipelago.
Located just a short stroll from the resort’s kitchens, the organic Chef’s Garden thrives with fragrant herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Ingredients such as lemongrass, basil, papaya, and chillies are carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring that vibrant flavour and freshness are brought directly to the plate.
All fish featured on the resort’s menus is sustainably sourced from within the Maldives, provided by local fishermen who utilise traditional, low-impact fishing techniques. Wherever possible, produce is also procured from Maldivian farmers—an approach that supports island communities, reduces carbon emissions, and celebrates the rich biodiversity of the atolls.
“Our approach is rooted in a respect for the land and sea,” explains Executive Chef Olivier Portret. “Every dish reflects the story of the Maldives—not just its flavours, but its culture and its people. We want guests to experience something truly meaningful with every bite.”
Guests can enjoy these thoughtfully sourced ingredients across a variety of dining experiences, from fine Thai cuisine at Benjarong, to freshly grilled seafood served al fresco at Sea Grill, or even through interactive cooking classes led by the resort’s culinary team.
Through this garden-to-table philosophy, Dusit Thani Maldives offers more than exceptional cuisine—it fosters a deeper connection to place, purpose, and the planet. This commitment not only sets the resort apart as one of the finest in the Maldives, but also as a destination where sustainability and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
Action
Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.
This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:
- 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
- 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
- 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.
These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.
Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.
This immersive day features:
- Guided dives to the shipwreck
- Underwater treasure hunts
- Marine conservation talks
- Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals
The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.
Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.
- 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
- 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
- 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.
The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.
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