Dusit Thani Maldives is enhancing its acclaimed culinary experience with the launch of SALA, a new vegan restaurant that features nutrient-rich, plant-based dishes made from premium locally sourced ingredients and produce grown in the resort’s own organic gardens.

SALA has been developed in collaboration with Chef Celia Lam, co-leader of the Slow Food Community Bangkok and an instructor at The Food School – Thailand’s premier academy of gastronomy with business incubation services, affiliated with Dusit Hospitality Education. The restaurant offers a carefully curated ‘plant-powered’ menu, with standout dishes like Greek orzo salad, baked spiced pumpkin, and eggplant steak a la plancha. A variety of salads, soups, and mains are also thoughtfully crafted to provide a delightful culinary experience.

Set in a traditional Thai-style house overlooking the turquoise waters of Baa Atoll, SALA reflects Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality. Its opening also aligns with Dusit International’s Tree of Life sustainability program, which focuses on environmental preservation, health, and well-being. By incorporating organic, plant-based cuisine into its dining options, Dusit Thani Maldives reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainability and wellness within the luxury travel sector.

SALA will officially open on November 1, 2024. To mark the occasion, Chef Celia Lam will host exclusive masterclasses and interactive workshops from November 1-4, offering guests the chance to learn how to create exceptional vegan dishes using fresh, wholesome ingredients.

“This new organic restaurant underscores our commitment to fostering healthy, sustainable living while delivering an exceptional dining experience,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Maldives. “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Celia Lam, whose passion for sustainability aligns with our vision. We are confident that SALA will appeal to health-conscious travellers looking for a transformative dining experience.”

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives offers a peaceful retreat that blends Thai-inspired luxury with Maldivian culture. Guests can enjoy unique experiences, including encounters with vibrant marine life, world-class wellness at Devarana Wellness, fine dining, luxurious villas, and a wide range of activities set against the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is enhancing its guest experience this holiday season with the introduction of Nature’s Mystique, a festive programme that celebrates the beauty of nature through a range of curated experiences. This programme offers a variety of activities, from enchanting dining options to rejuvenating wellness sessions and exciting recreational opportunities, ensuring that guests of all ages can enjoy their stay. Separate activity calendars are provided for children and teens, allowing families to fully embrace their holiday in the Maldives.

The Nature’s Mystique programme kicks off with a magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony and carol singing on December 21, followed by a cocktail reception to set the festive mood for the season.

On Christmas morning, Santa Claus will arrive at the resort to spread goodwill and joy, distributing gifts to guests throughout the day. The festive celebrations will continue with a New Year’s Eve gala dinner, where guests can enjoy a lively evening of food, live music, and fireworks.

The resort is filled with Christmas spirit, offering various festive activities for guests of all ages. At Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives, children aged 4-12 can explore their creativity with pottery classes, art competitions, and jewellery-making workshops. The club also hosts pirate-themed cruises, treasure hunts, pyjama parties, and seaside fashion shows to keep the young ones entertained.

For teens, Krakengiri Kids’ Club offers an engaging range of activities, including tubing, competitive kayaking, football matches, water polo, and the Beat the Pro Badminton challenge. Teens can also participate in a zero-proof mixology workshop, TRX training, and high-intensity Tabata workout sessions.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa provides opportunities for families to bond and create lasting memories. Families can participate in Frisbee matches, beach volleyball, and table tennis tournaments. The resort also offers tennis clinics on its versatile tennis court, which is ideal for both tennis and pickleball, as well as a new padel court for padel tennis enthusiasts.

For more adrenaline-fueled family activities, guests can join guided Snorkie Talkie tours led by the resort’s marine biologist, as well as parasailing and Jet Ski trips to local sandbars. Additional experiences include night fishing trips, dolphin safaris, and sunset cruises with Santa Claus.

Guests can indulge in a variety of festive events at the resort’s restaurants and cafes. Sip Tea Lounge will host Christmas high teas and tea blending classes, while Beach Shack presents themed beach buffets. Aura Pool Bar will offer pool parties, club nights, and a Bartender Competition. The Cocktail Lab will feature Christmas-themed mixology masterclasses and cocktail pairing workshops.

The resort’s over-water restaurant, Origin, will serve a classic Christmas menu, and Eden Champagne & Gin Bar will surprise guests with rum and chocolate pairings, along with seasonal variations on the Negroni. Habitat will offer themed buffets, while wine dinners and the much-anticipated Chef’s Table will showcase the theme “The Five Elements of Nature.”

Guests visiting Amingiri Spa & Hammam during the festive season can indulge in a range of treatments designed to renew the soul and restore vitality. Treatments include Woodland Wonder, a herbal massage and steam bath; Ocean’s Embrace, a spirulina body wrap and salt stone treatment; and Island Bliss, a luxurious hammam bath ritual followed by a massage and eucalyptus-scented steam bath.

Whether planning a short getaway or an extended holiday, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa provides the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, and adventure for families seeking a holiday escape in paradise.

At Milaidhoo Maldives, mixology has been taken to the next level with the introduction of the Chef’s Garden, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevate every cocktail. The private island resort’s mixologists now have direct access to an array of herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables, allowing them to hand-select the freshest ingredients for garnishing and creating cocktails. This direct farm-to-glass approach ensures that every drink is bursting with vibrant flavours, enhancing the guest experience with unparalleled freshness.

To mark the unveiling of the Chef’s Garden, Milaidhoo introduces the Garden Elixir, a signature cocktail created by the resort’s talented mixologists. This drink features Botanist Gin, celebrated for its complex herbal and spice notes, and is enhanced with freshly harvested herbs from the garden. The Garden Elixir captures the essence of the Maldives, offering a refreshing, aromatic experience that is as unique as the island itself.

The Chef’s Garden is not only a source of fresh ingredients but also an interactive space for guests. Visitors are encouraged to explore the garden, learn about the local vegetation, and discover the culinary and mixological benefits of these plants. The tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for cooking and cocktail-making classes led by resident chefs and mixologists, or even private dining experiences under the stars, adding another enchanting dimension to the resort’s diverse dining options.

Executive Chef Ken Gundu, the visionary behind the Chef’s Garden, emphasises the importance of growing local produce in the Maldives. “In an island setting like ours, cultivating our own vegetables is essential to ensuring freshness and offering guests a sustainable, healthier dining and drinking experience. The Chef’s Garden allows us to deliver the highest quality ingredients, straight from the garden to the plate and glass. Our kitchen and bar are proud to showcase this level of freshness,” says Gundu.

Milaidhoo’s commitment to sustainability is furthered by the Chef’s Garden, which reduces the need for imported ingredients, cutting the resort’s carbon footprint and supporting eco-friendly practices. By growing much of its own produce, Milaidhoo not only helps to meet daily food requirements but also ensures guests enjoy the most natural and wholesome ingredients.

While Milaidhoo is famed for its stunning marine life in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, the island’s commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the Chef’s Garden showcases its inner beauty. This project highlights Milaidhoo’s dedication to eco-conscious tourism and its harmonious connection with the environment. By integrating local agriculture into its culinary operations, Milaidhoo continues to lead the way in sustainable luxury and culinary innovation.