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Taste of paradise awaits with new plant-based menu at vegan-friendly Nova Maldives

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The bright new star resort Nova presents a tempting new menu of delicious plant-based dishes for guests who are determined to be healthier and happier in 2023. We’re all now familiar with the many benefits of a plant-based diet, both for our bodies and our planet. Many thousands of us, including celebrities over the world have gone vegan to feel healthier and do better for the environment.

That’s not so difficult to do at home, but what happens when you’re on holiday? Now, the good news is you can give up meat but still enjoy flavoursome dishes that make the most of local produce when you travel abroad – you just have to head for the Maldives.

The Maldives has always been veggie-friendly, bursting with aromatic flavours, exotic spices and fresh, plant-based ingredients. Today, it’s an absolute paradise for vegetarians and vegans, especially thanks to chefs such as Sanjeet Gopee, Nova’s Executive Chef, who has just created a new plant-based menu of mouth-watering dishes, which are also lactose-free and gluten-free, at the island resort’s Flames restaurant.

“We at Nova embrace and celebrate authentic Maldivian cuisine, which offers a myriad of plant-based options,” says Sanjeet whose new menu is both imaginative and tempting.

How about Pumpkin Salad to start with, featuring grated coconut, Maldivian spinach, lime dressing and pumpkin seeds, followed by Kofta Quinoa, a quinoa dumpling with Maldivian spiced rich tomato sauce served with saffron rice? To finish, guests can choose a Coconut Tasting Platter of young coconut mousse, coconut candy and coconut truffle…

The menu includes an array of mouth-watering flavours starting from appetizers with a selection of Mezze – Hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh and roasted beetroot carpaccio, a grilled shimeji mushroom, celery root and granny smith salad, a citrus and garden greens featuring green papaya, shaved coconut, grilled asparagus, fresh avocado, grapefruit pulp, mango-chilli dressing and pomegranate. Soup lovers can enjoy the roasted Pumpkin soup – flavoured with nutmeg, pandan oil, and crispy pumpkin seeds. Guests will tantalise their tastebuds with the main course featuring a plant-based burger patty in an activated charcoal gluten-free bun or a quinoa and breadfruit galette. The menu also features a braised king trumpet, with sous-vide cooked mushrooms, breadfruit rosti, grilled asparagus and confit cherry tomato. All the dessert lovers will be delighted by the flavour of the pineapple carpaccio with saffron, coconut sorbet and mint glaze or the pandan semifreddo with vegan chantilly cream and dark chocolate shortbread.

No wonder this is one of the best travel destinations for plant-based food in 2023.

“A plant-based diet is important for various reasons, including its potential to combat climate change, as switching to a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce an individual’s carbon footprint and improve health outcomes,” says Sanjeet.

Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. Plant-based foods are rich in fibre, which helps promote healthy digestion, prevent constipation and aid weight management.

A well-planned, plant-based diet can provide all the nutrients you need, including protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. And it tastes good!

“It also promotes animal welfare as adopting a plant-based diet is one way to reduce the demand for animal products and promote more humane and sustainable farming practices,” says Sanjeet. “With a growing global population, there is a need to find ways to increase food security and produce that is both sustainable and nutritious. Plant-based diets can help meet these goals, as they require less land, water and other resources to produce compared to animal-based diets.”

Nova, the bright new star resort in the Maldives ensures to take you to an exquisite culinary vegan journey. Discover more about the full new plant-based menu via: https://nova-maldives.com/dining/flames. Book your good soul days and get in touch with us at: hello@nova-maldives.com

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.

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Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

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Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.

Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets

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Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

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Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.

A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.

During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.

At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.

While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.

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