Featured
Maldivian feast at Milaidhoo Island Maldives’ Ba’theli restaurant
Guests staying at Milaidhoo can experience a true Maldivian feast, inspired by dishes of the Spice Route with authentic island cuisine found only at Milaidhoo’s iconic restaurant, Ba’theli by the Reef.
Embark on a journey back in time by enjoying Malafaaiy, a traditional Maldivian feast.
In Dhivehi, the language of the Maldives, Malafaaiy means a feast shared and eaten with family and close friends on special occasions and for celebrations. The feast is served on handcrafted, lacquered wooden dishes, part of the living heritage of the Maldives.
The Malafaaiy consists of several small items from savoury to sweet delights, served on a banana leaf in the lacquered dish. Traditionally, Malafaaiy includes a Maldivian Chicken Curry, Papadum, Garudhiya (a clear fish broth), Roshi (Maldivian flat bread), Fiyaa Satani (onion sambal), Valhomas Mashuni (smoked tuna), plain rice with Moringa omelette, fried egg cutlet, Bajiya and Masroshi (Maldivian short eats with tuna).
The main feature of the feast is Kukulhu Riha, the Maldivian Chicken Curry. This is cooked Ba’theli style with local seasonings, island spices and coconut milk, creating a balanced taste and flavour sensation.
The tuna broth, Garudhiya, is a Maldivian staple, eaten with rice or Roshi. It is a broth of freshly cooked tuna with onions, curry leaves, Pandan leaves and chilli.
Valhomas Mashuni is the most popular delicacy of Maldivian cuisine. Usually served for breakfast, it is a must have for any Maldivian Malafaaiy. It’s a simple dish made from dried smoked tuna, fresh grated coconut, sliced onions, lime juice and Maldivian chilli, served with Maldivian flat bread.
There are more flavours to discover in the Milaidhoo Malafaaiy. It is presented in the most incredible setting of three ba’thelis, the wooden boats that sailed the ancient spice route, which appear to be floating by the reef in the Milaidhoo lagoon.
Ba’theli by the Reef is the first restaurant in the world that specialises in contemporary Maldivian cuisine featuring gourmet dishes of inspired island cuisine from the Maldivian Spice Route.
Guests dine on the ‘deck’ of the restaurant set on a boat in the lagoon underneath starry night skies or indoor in air-conditioned comfort where you can watch the sea-life below through glass floors.
Ba’theli restaurant is open for dinner only and Ba’theli Lounge is open from sunset until late, serving contemporary pre- and post-dinner cocktail creations.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World, Milaidhoo Island Maldives is a pristine island paradise proudly rooted in local island traditions.
The boutique luxury resort features 50 contemporary Maldivian style pool villas, custom- made and made for comfort designed by a renowned Maldivian architect.
Every guest is assigned an Island Host to help create meaningful experiences and cater to their every need.
Activities include over-water spa treatments, sunrise yoga classes and snorkelling excursions to view the incredible house reef.
Dining is a highlight with Milaidhoo being home to three world-class restaurants, including Ba’theli. This unique Maldivian restaurant reflects the heritage of the islands and is built in the shape of three traditional boats on pillars over the lagoon. The restaurant’s innovative and delicious meals are steeped in Maldivian tradition, with each dish inspired by favourites of the ancient maritime Spice Route.
Milaidhoo is the authentic Maldives, a resort of reinvented luxury, where guests feel they belong, experiencing barefoot informality within the natural and lush setting of a tropical island.
As an adult only resort, Milaidhoo is known for its romance and destination dining offerings – any dream can become a reality, from sunset dolphin cruises to sailing to a deserted sandbank for a private beach picnic.
For reservations or more information, please visit www.milaidhoo.com and or call the reservations team on +960 660 0484 or email reservations@milaidhoo.com. Rates for two guests per villa including half board start from $1,535 per night (plus service charge and taxes).
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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