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New menus at Baros Maldives’ iconic Lighthouse Restaurant, Cayenne’s new grill house concept

Published

3 years ago

July 25, 2022

Baros is well-known for its exquisite dining experiences ranging from gourmet picnics on deserted island sandbanks, romantic Dhoni dinner cruises and champagne breakfasts on the piano deck, water below and all around. And now Baros’ dining experiences have become even more elaborate with the introduction of sophisticated grill house dining at Cayenne and a new à la carte menu with two new degustation menus at the iconic Lighthouse Restaurant.

Foodies can indulge in modern fine dining at the overwater The Lighthouse Restaurant which is perfectly positioned in the crystal-clear turquoise lagoon and fashioned after the lateen-sails of a traditional dhoni sailing vessel.

Chef Pasindu, Chef de Cuisine of The Lighthouse Restaurant, has created two new bold degustation menus and an exciting new à la carte menu. Highlights of the ‘Discover’ degustation menu include the Foie Gras entrée – nori poached duck liver with pistachio, cacao, fruit gastrique, brioche and acai berry which is complemented by Yalumba Y Series Chardonnay 2020 from South Australia.

The Prawn Carabineros and pan seared Kobe are inspired main course dishes. Guests will delight in the lightly charred prawns served with roasted sweet potato, seasonal baby vegetables and a spicy mango chutney bisque and paired with ‘M de Minuty’ 2020 Rosé from Côtes de Provence, France. The Kobe is served with potato and truffle puree, seasonal baby vegetables, crispy kale and a barbeque Jack Daniel jus which is brilliantly paired with Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend 2019 from Stellenbosch, South Africa.

A focal feature of the ‘experience’ degustation menu is the goat cheese mousse and textures of fresh fruit entrée paired with a Sileni Estates Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2021 from Marlborough, New Zealand.

A highlight of the à la carte ‘Ocean’ selection is the Mahi Mahi dish – pan-seared dorado served with beluga lentils, cauliflower textures, beetroot and pineapple vierge and finished off with an umami fish emulsion and spiced coconut cream. For the ultimate ‘farm’ experience, the Iberico Pluma (pork loin) is marinated with Hawaii black salt and buttered toast and is served with beluga lentil risotto and finished with verde blu di buffalo cheese, celeriac textures and a tasty barbeque and kombu jus.

One of the biggest transformations to Baros’s vibrant dining scene is the new Cayenne Grill dining concept with a sophisticated grill menu inspired by the Maldives’s fiery sunsets.

Cluster Executive Chef, Ken Gundu, has created a whole new dining concept where every dish has an element of grilling – infusing meat, seafood, chicken and plant-based dishes with a perfectly balanced smoky flavour and melt-in-your-mouth succulence.

“It’s a smart evolution of Cayenne’s cuisine, keeping the emphasis on premium cut meats and authentic grill house specials. We wanted to create the ultimate grill house experience to match Cayenne’s mesmerising views and ambience,” says Shijah Ibrahim, General Manager.

The new Cayenne Grill offers an impressive selection of dry aged steaks ranging from Wagyu Beef Tenderloin to Black Angus Beef Striploin and a superior selection of the freshest seafood, including Yellowfin Tuna, Seabass and Jumbo Prawns.

Share the signature 1.2kg dry aged Tomahawk Wagyu Steak. The Pan Seared Scallops with Green Apples, Celery Juice, and Salmon Caviar is flavorsome and tasty, as is the slow roasted baby chicken with forest mushrooms served with a natural jus.

Set within an open sided thatched pavilion perched over the lagoon, Cayenne Grill inspires guests with its spellbinding ocean views. There is something for everyone to enjoy on the menu ranging from superb appetisers and soups to premium oysters. The vegetarian Tortellini dish is served with sweet potato, water chestnut, oven-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, mushroom velouté and parmesan cheese is delicious and will have guests coming back for more.

Cayenne Grill seeks to provide not only memorable cuisine but with its creative wine and cocktail selection stands for a truly memorable and multisensory dining experience.

The Maldives Icon – Baros is an award-winning luxury private island resort in the Maldives, a short 25-minute speedboat ride from Maldives International Airport. This tropical haven is home to 75 sophisticated villas framed by a seemingly endless powder-soft white beach and a glittering lagoon surrounded by a world-class house reef.

Welcoming guests since 1973, Baros has spent decades honing its services and cultivating its environment, making it the Maldivian Icon. An award-winning resort, and a member of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, Baros is celebrated for its authentic spirit, legendary service, outstanding comfort, and understated elegance.

Featured

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo earns prestigious spot in TripAdvisor’s top 10% global hotels

Published

14 hours ago

April 30, 2025

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Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has been honoured with a prestigious accolade, being named among the top 10% of hotels worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and earning rave reviews from travellers across the globe.

Selected from hundreds of thousands of listings, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s inclusion in the prestigious list is a testament to its dedication to offering authentic, heartfelt experiences for its guests. The resort’s personalised service and its ability to deliver unique, memorable stays have made it a favourite among travellers seeking tranquility and authenticity.

Situated in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an adults-only boutique resort that blends local Maldivian culture with modern luxury. The resort features 68 beautifully designed villas that offer guests the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Known for its house reef teeming with vibrant marine life, the resort provides an immersive experience in the Maldives’ natural beauty. Guests can explore the coral reefs, enjoy a variety of international dining options, and indulge in a genuine sense of discovery.

With its focus on providing a serene escape for couples and solo travellers, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has become a cherished destination for those looking to unwind and recharge in an idyllic setting. Its recent recognition from TripAdvisor further underscores the resort’s exceptional reputation in the hospitality industry.

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Americans dreaming of Maldives: honeymoon searches soar in 2025 rankings

Published

14 hours ago

April 30, 2025

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Maldives has once again secured its place as one of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations, ranking second globally among Americans planning their post-wedding getaways in 2025.

According to a new study by UK-based swimwear brand Pour Moi, which analysed Google search data across the United States, the Maldives received 73,700 annual searches from honeymooning Americans eager to escape to its world-famous turquoise waters and luxury overwater villas.

The Indian Ocean paradise trails just behind Seychelles, which claimed the top spot with nearly 75,000 searches. Greece, Costa Rica, and Italy rounded out the top five.

The research examined over 490 global destinations to uncover where newlyweds are dreaming of heading this year. With its postcard-perfect beaches, serene lagoons, and opulent resorts offering private pools, spas, and gourmet dining, the Maldives continues to stand out as the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and indulgence.

“This stunning group of islands remains one of the most sought-after spots for couples who want an unforgettable start to married life,” said Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi. “The Maldives offers that rare combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and luxury that honeymooners crave.”

While entire countries were ranked based on interest, individual destinations within these countries also caught the spotlight. Santorini, Greece, emerged as the top individual honeymoon destination, followed by Bali in Indonesia and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. However, the Maldives’ reputation as an all-encompassing destination—offering entire islands as private resorts—cements its appeal to Americans looking for the perfect blend of privacy and pampering.

The Maldives’ second-place ranking highlights a continuing trend among U.S. couples seeking intimate, far-flung getaways. Pour Moi’s findings show a shift away from traditional city escapes toward nature-rich retreats that promise rest, romance, and Instagram-worthy moments.

Top 10 Countries for U.S. Honeymoon Searches in 2025:

Seychelles – 74,960 searches
Maldives – 73,700 searches
Greece – 49,100 searches
Costa Rica – 47,000 searches
Italy – 36,900 searches
Thailand – 25,800 searches
Fiji – 25,600 searches
Japan – 24,500 searches
New Zealand – 18,300 searches
Iceland – 15,180 searches

With the Maldives already a firm favourite among international travellers, this new data reaffirms its global status as a dream destination—especially for couples ready to celebrate the start of their forever.

Featured

Savour flavours of Asia at Inguru, Kuramathi’s lagoon-side gem

Published

15 hours ago

April 30, 2025

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Nestled on the serene lagoon side of Kuramathi and overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Inguru offers more than just a dining experience—it provides a sensory escape. The restaurant’s contemporary design, featuring elegant wooden accents, open-air seating, and soothing tones, harmonises with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Whether serving a casual lunch or hosting a romantic evening meal, Inguru creates a stylish yet relaxed ambiance that enhances every moment. Between 11:00 and 17:00 hrs, guests can enjoy light and flavourful Asian dishes with a Western twist—ideal for a leisurely midday break by the water.

As the sun sets, Inguru transforms into a refined dinner venue, offering a curated Asian Fusion menu from 19:00 to 22:30 hrs, open to guests aged six and above. The newly introduced dishes celebrate bold, fresh flavours, including Coconut & Pineapple Cooked Shrimp Ceviche, Tarragon-Flavoured Octopus Tartare, and Soy Marinated Salmon Bruschetta. Main courses feature richly spiced Indonesian Beef Rendang, aromatic Mas Kirugarudiya reef fish curry, and Kukulhu Musanmaa presented with a modern twist on traditional recipes.

With its picturesque setting and flavourful cuisine, Inguru delivers a truly memorable island dining experience, whether by day or night.