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Maldivian food festival at Amilla celebrates sustainable Local Cuisine
World Food Day on October 16th was marked at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences with a Maldivian Food Festival showcasing 50 delicious menu items in homage to the 50 years of tourism celebrations in 2022.
The cuisine was freshly prepared by chefs from the neighbouring island community of Kendhoo, an island in Baa Atoll renowned for its cuisine. Amilla Maldives Resort’s Commis Chef, Naf (who is one of just a handful of female Maldivian chefs working at a resort in the tropical archipelago) took great pride in coordinating the event and introducing guests to such a wide array of authentic dishes. Each dish was made from locally-grown seasonal ingredients as well as sustainable pole and line-caught fish.
Menu highlights included a light ‘boashi satani’ (banana blossom salad), as well as popular Maldivian classics such as the velvety smooth ‘mas riha’ (fish curry) and a hearty ‘kukulhu riha’ (chicken curry) with red rice and roshi (thin flatbread). There was also a wide range of ‘hedika’ (Maldivian tapas, commonly featuring tuna and coconut as the main ingredients).
As a standalone Maldivian-owned resort, Amilla Maldives frequently celebrates its roots by hosting local artists, performers and other special guests from the South Asian island nation. Maldivian cuisine and ingredients regularly feature on the breakfast menu and once a week at Maldivian theme nights, but the local cuisine has never been showcased before on this scale. Guests were invited to make a donation for attending the resort’s inaugural Maldivian Food Festival, with profits going towards supporting the local island community. Amilla Resort also donated 50 bicycles to Kendhoo to reduce the need for petrol-powered motorbikes. Another environmental boost came in the form of coral planting. Amilla’s Marine Biologist went to Kendhoo to demonstrate to local children how to help regenerate reefs with coral propagation techniques.
The coral planting project was organised in partnership with the Biosphere Reserve Office, Baa Council, Amilla Maldives, Four Seasons Resort and Soneva Fushi Resort. One coral frame was planted for every school in Baa Atoll – 13 in total.
The Maldivian Food Festival is a key event in Amilla Maldives Resort’s 2022 calendar of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the beginning of tourism in the Maldives. The coral planting event was also a significant part of the celebrations. Following hot on its heels is a series of pop-up events organised by renowned British restauranteur and owner of JÖRO, Luke French. Luke, who is inspired by locally grown and foraged produce, will treat guests to two gala dinners with a focus on farm-to-table and ‘eating lifestyle’ dishes, as well as two cooking masterclasses.
Luke’s residency at Amilla also coincides with the resort’s Festival of Life celebrations which include Halloween, Thanksgiving, Diwali and more. Pandora Christie from Heart FM in the UK will be at Amilla to show off her DJ skills as well as host an event in aid of the Maldives Cat Charity. Her colleague, Tom Green, will join Pandora on the decks on Halloween, as well as host a ‘Dangerous Dinners event during his stay’. For more information click here.
Cooking
From pizza to pasta: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Pibati Sul Mare
“Pibati” in Sanskrit translates to “to drink, absorb, or imbibe,” reflecting a profound connection to savouring and enjoying sensory experiences such as food and drink. Guided by this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled a refined concept for its beachside restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Frank Wackerhagen. The newly reimagined dining destination invites guests to explore Italy’s cherished culinary traditions.
Renamed Pibati Sul Mare—Italian for “by the sea”—the restaurant serves lunch, specialising in artisanal pizzas and handcrafted pastas. Its menu features a harmonious blend of Italian classics and island-inspired flavours, such as the Margherita pizza and the exquisite Linguini allo Scoglio di Panna, a mixed seafood dish in a garlic cream sauce. These dishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including fresh, homegrown herbs cultivated on the island, creating comfort food that captures the island’s vibrant essence.
Nestled against the backdrop of stunning ocean views, Pibati Sul Mare offers a serene retreat for diners seeking a memorable culinary experience. The setting combines coastal charm with contemporary elegance, featuring airy, open spaces designed to immerse guests in the scenic surroundings. Soft, earthy tones and natural materials contribute to a warm and inviting ambiance, while exceptional service ensures every guest feels cared for and attended to.
Whether enjoying a gathering with family or savouring a moment of tranquility, Pibati Sul Mare provides an unforgettable dining experience. It promises to captivate the palate and create cherished memories that linger long after the visit.
Featured
Tripadvisor names Ayada Maldives Best of the Best Resort for luxury and excellence
Ayada Maldives has been recognised as the No. 1 Traveler-Ranked Best of the Best Resort in the Maldives by Tripadvisor for 2024. This prestigious accolade, based on authentic guest reviews, highlights the resort’s dedication to unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences.
This achievement reinforces Ayada Maldives’ status as a premier destination for discerning travellers. The resort has also received acclaim for its exquisite overwater villas, pristine beaches, and world-class culinary offerings, earning additional recognition across categories for hospitality excellence and sustainability.
Renowned for its timeless beauty and immersive luxury, Ayada Maldives continues to redefine the art of indulgence. The resort acknowledges the trust and support of its esteemed guests, which inspire ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in luxury travel.
Located in the pristine Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives is a luxury resort offering an authentic Maldivian retreat. With a selection of opulent villas and suites, world-class dining options, and a wide range of recreational activities, the resort provides a personalised experience for every guest. Globally celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, exceptional hospitality, and vibrant social media presence, Ayada Maldives remains a standard-bearer for luxury travel in the Maldives.
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From sunrise to sunset: Valentine’s Day bliss at Kuda Villingili
This Valentine’s Day, love takes centre stage at Kuda Villingili, a premier romantic retreat in the Maldives. With its sun-drenched beaches, indulgent dining options, and rejuvenating spa experiences, Kuda Villingili provides couples with an idyllic setting to rekindle joy and celebrate their love stories.
Since its inception, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been synonymous with romance. Its powdery white shores, crystal-clear waters, and expansive vistas offer a sanctuary where serenity and passion intertwine. The resort’s private villas are thoughtfully designed to enhance intimacy, featuring Beach Villas with private pools and views of both sunrise and sunset. Meanwhile, the Water Villas, perched over a vibrant blue lagoon, promise complete privacy and panoramic views of turquoise waters. Whether guests wake to the gentle hues of sunrise from ocean-facing beds or savor sunset’s fiery glow from their private pools, every moment in these villas is crafted to be a dream come true.
For Valentine’s Day 2025, Kuda Villingili invites couples to immerse themselves in romantic experiences as unique as the destination itself. Guests are encouraged to create joyful memories and redefine their love stories within this tropical paradise.
One of the highlights is the floating breakfast experience, offering an indulgent start to the day. Served in the privacy of villa pools, the breakfast includes gourmet selections paired with a bottle of Victoire Prestige Brut Rosé Champagne, setting the tone for a luxurious day.
In the evening, the ‘Crimson and Aqua’ dining experience by the largest pool in the Maldives promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Guests can savour Cantonese-style lobster, dumplings, and an array of desserts amidst tranquil waters and a lush tropical garden. Handcrafted cocktails, sparkling wine, or a bottle of red or white wine ensure every detail is perfect for the occasion.
For a more intimate setting, Mar-Umi Beach offers Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine in a curated menu designed for couples seeking both culinary adventure and romance. The dining experience is elevated with a bottle of sake or the finest sparkling wine, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Alternatively, couples can indulge in the ‘Sands of Love’ buffet at The Restaurant, featuring tropical delicacies and live cooking stations. Set beneath swaying palms and a starlit sky, this culinary offering blends exquisite flavours with an enchanting ambiance.
For those seeking relaxation, The Spa provides a Valentine’s package designed for connection and indulgence. This 2.5-hour coconut-inspired journey includes full-body massages, scrubs, and a floral bath, offering rejuvenation for the body and soul.
Throughout the day, guests can toast to love with specialty cocktails and mocktails at The Bar, crafted to capture the joy of connection. In the evening, The Bar transforms into a cozy venue for screenings of classic romantic movies, complemented by snacks and an intimate atmosphere.
To further celebrate love, Kuda Villingili offers complimentary activities such as partner yoga, couples’ painting sessions, heart-opening yoga flows, and outdoor games. Each experience is curated to foster connection and create enduring memories.
Kuda Villingili embodies the essence of romance through its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and turquoise waters. From private destination dining to stargazing under Maldivian skies, every moment is tailored to inspire intimacy and celebrate the extraordinary.
This Valentine’s Day, Kuda Villingili invites couples to rediscover romance in a haven where love is celebrated, cherished, and immortalised.
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