Featured
One&Only Reethi Rah enhances culinary experience with trailblazing, plant-based Chef Matthew Kenney
Ultra-luxury, all-villa resort One&Only Reethi Rah will be launching ‘Botanica with Matthew Kenney’ in partnership with the globally celebrated chef, renowned for being a pioneer in plant-based, sustainable cuisine.
The innovative experience will showcase a mouthwatering selection of fresh, inventive and sophisticated dishes inspired by the natural simplicity and appreciation of the ingredients, crafted together with Kenney’s creative and modern culinary flair.
Chef Kenney hails from the United States and since being named one of the country’s best new chefs by Food and Wine magazine in 1994 has garnered many accolades and accomplishments, including authoring twelve cookbooks and founding the world’s first classically structured raw-food culinary academy; the Food Future Institute.
“We are thrilled to be working with One&Only Reethi Rah, one of the most incredible places in the world, to bring pure and plant-based cuisine to the resort that we know will heighten the senses and further enrich the guest experience at Botanica,” comments Chef Kenney.
“The menu includes some of our most classic dishes, with a focus on local ingredients and flavours.”
As one of One&Only Reethi Rah’s seven diverse dining outlets, Botanica boasts an abundant vegetable and herb garden in a blissful environment that embodies the natural beauty of the island and offers the perfect stage for Chef Kenney’s menu.
Guests can look forward to a completely plant-based dining experience curated by Chef Kenney whilst enveloped in Botanica’s lush and atmospheric outdoor gardens.
Complementing the restaurant’s garden-to-table concept, the new menu will feature natural and local ingredients at their peak, such as king oyster mushrooms, summer squash, and banana flowers.
Whether dining in the idyllic al fresco potager or surrounded by the colourful entourage of the Orchid House, Chef Kenney’s fresh flavours pair perfectly with Botanica’s Gin Bar which offers a selection of 34 gins from around the world.
“At One&Only Reethi Rah, we offer our guests the finest selection of world-class culinary offerings and are excited to partner with Chef Kenney to continue delivering exquisite dining experiences at Botanica with his team’s contemporary and sustainable cuisine,” comments Jan Tibaldi, General Manager, One&Only Reethi Rah.
With guests increasingly interested in the health benefits of the food they are consuming and many shifting towards a plant-based diet, One&Only Resorts is thrilled to introduce a further collaboration with Chef Kenney and his team of experts to integrate bespoke recipes and menu items to a number of properties around the world over the coming months.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
-
News1 week ago
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives officially opens
-
News5 days ago
Ambani’s family vacations in Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Uncover the ocean’s secrets at Cinnamon Dhonveli
-
Featured1 week ago
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens Marine Biology Unit
-
News1 week ago
‘Tis the season to be jolly at JOALI Maldives
-
Celebration1 week ago
JOALI Maldives celebrates six years of art and luxury with Maison Ruinart
-
Celebration1 week ago
VARU by Atmosphere marks five years of unmatched hospitality
-
News1 week ago
Experience ultimate Maldivian dream with Sirru Fen Fushi’s ‘Millionaire for a Month’ giveaway