Food

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa unveils Carbon Free Menu on World Environment Day

Published

1 year ago

June 6, 2023

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has launched its innovative carbon free menu in celebration of World Environment Day. This initiative is a testament to the resort’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and showcases its efforts to align with Marriott International’s “Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction” as well as to provide guests with an exceptional dining experience while minimizing its ecological impact.

Led by Executive Chef Riccardo Pinna, the resort’s culinary team takes great pride in offering guests the freshest and most environmentally conscious dining options. Emphasizing its dedication to sustainable practices, the resort utilizes vegetables harvested directly from its very own Chef’s Garden. Spanning an impressive area of 130m², the Chef’s Garden is a thriving green oasis, home to various plants such as tomatoes, lettuce, okra, bringers, basils, chilies, lemongrass, and many more. These organically grown vegetables are carefully nurtured by our landscapers, led by Ali Thakan, ensuring a steady supply of fresh and organic produce that significantly reduces the resort’s carbon footprint.

In addition to the fresh organic vegetables, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa puts great emphasis on supporting local communities and reducing food miles. The resort sources fish locally and directly from nearby fishermen who practice sustainable fishing methods. By collaborating with local suppliers, the resort ensures that guests can enjoy the flavors of Maldivian seas while minimizing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

The Carbon Free menu offers an array of quintessential dishes such as Organic Watermelon and Tomato Jam with Local Coconut and Basil, Reef Fish Cooked in Coconut Water and Furanafushi Spinach, Reef Lobster Stew with Frisee Lettuce and Lemongrass, and many more available during dinner at Sea Salt Restaurant. Each dish reflects the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and showcases the rich flavors derived from locally sourced and organic ingredients.

As an advocate of environmental stewardship, General Manager, Mohamed El Aghoury said,”At Sheraton Maldives, we understand that every action counts when it comes to preserving our planet. The introduction of our carbon free menu is a significant step towards minimizing our ecological impact while delivering extraordinary culinary experiences to our guests.” He also added that by cultivating a diverse range of plants, the resort ensures a steady supply of organic produce, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint and enhances the quality of their dishes.

On World Environment Day, the resort also engaged with the community by organizing a special planting activity for their young guests. This hands-on experience aims to foster a connection between children and nature, promoting sustainable practices from an early age. Involving older guests, the resort planted 50 Dwarf Hybrid Coconut Trees around the resort in addition to its over 65 varieties of plants that grow naturally on the island.

The lush tropical Eden

Nestled on the natural island of Furanafushi, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is among the larger islands in North Male Atoll boasting some 142,000m². The island’s fertile soil, enriched with essential nutrients, provides an ideal environment for the growth of diverse trees and plantations absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Over 65 varieties of plants thrive on the island, including significant species such as Ficus Benghalisis or the Banyan Tree, which offers a large canopy that provides shelter from the scorching sun. The Maldivian people have historically consumed the Banyan Tree’s fruit for medicinal purposes, while its roots have been used to craft sailing boat booms. One of the biggest Banyan Tree on the island is recorded to start growing in early 1921. Another noteworthy plant species is Iron Wood, which has been utilized in traditional shipbuilding. Valued for its strength and durability, the Iron Wood serves as an alternative to nails, skilfully holding the planks of the hull together.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing the ecosystem, the resort has implemented a special decomposition program. Fallen leaves and woods are chipped and allowed to naturally decompose, ultimately transforming into nutrient-rich fertilizer. In addition, the resort also successfully converted a once-neglected trash area into a flourishing watermelon garden that yields a bountiful harvest of juicy, organic watermelons as well as soon to add cucumber and corn. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa remains steadfast in its mission to provide guests with a shared experience that aligns with sustainable principles. Through the preservation of its natural surroundings and the implementation of eco-friendly initiatives, the resort exemplifies the harmonious relationship between luxury and environmental consciousness.

Up Next

Jumeirah Maldives appoints Brian D’Souza as Executive Assistant Manager Food & Beverage

Don't Miss

JOALI BEING announces exciting programming working with global ‘Master Practitioners’ of wellbeing

Food

JOALI Maldives welcomes award-winning Chef Eunji Lee from Lyseé

Published

5 days ago

July 22, 2024

m@ldives

JOALI Maldives, the first and only art-immersive resort in the Maldives, welcomes pastry chef Eunji Lee to the island, sharing her edible art with guests from 3rd to 7th September 2024. Bringing a taste of her New York City dessert gallery Lyseé to the Maldives, Chef Eunji will elevate the culinary experience at JOALI Maldives with an intimate pastry workshop as well as a custom dessert menu for guests to enjoy.

Born in South Korea, Chef Eunji fulfilled a lifelong dream of studying pastry arts when she moved to France in 2006. Following pastry school, she spent three years in Ze Kitchen Galerie and then trained under Alain Ducasse and Cedric Grolet at Le Meurice for four years. In 2016, she became the Executive Pastry Chef of Jungsik, the two Michelin-star Korean restaurant in New York City, before opening her own pastry boutique, Lysée in 2022 in the Flatiron District of New York City. Inspired by her love of pastry as edible art, Lysée is named for chef Lee’s sweet museum, derived from the French word Musée. Chef Eunji was named one of La Liste’s Pastry Talents of 2023, Food and Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2023 and a 2024 James Beard Award Semi-finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef.

While visiting, Chef Eunji will share her edible art with guests through an intimate workshop in JOALI Maldives ‘Her Kitchen’ on 7th September, sharing how to make the iconic French dessert: the éclair. Inspired by the islands, guests will learn to make a local fruit compote and vanilla cream as well as the fine art of piping which makes each éclair unique. Providing a luxurious professional kitchen setting, Her Kitchen allows guests to discover the joys of cooking and creating alongside the world’s most talented chefs. During her week as visiting chef, Chef Eunji will bring her love of art in the form of desserts to the art-immersive island with a menu of three desserts for guests to enjoy in the evenings. The menu will include Lysée cake, mango tart, and a local fruit cake.

Providing travellers with exceptional culinary experiences throughout the year, JOALI Maldives works with gastronomy experts from all over the world to host a rotation of renowned chefs and culinary experts, each sharing their own special expertise, creations and styles. In addition to Her Kitchen, JOAI Maldives features five thoughtfully curated culinary outlets; Vandhoo, Saoke, Bellinis, TUH’U, and Mura Bar; offering a wide selection of flavours to suit every palate from exotic Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to delightful Italian spreads. Furthermore, the island offers destination dining in unique, joyful spaces such as the Manta Ray Treehouse, Chef’s Garden, or a private sandbank, for a memorable meal with a tailor-made menu.

While delighting in the culinary excellence of Chef Eunji at JOALI Maldives, guests will enjoy the luxuries of the 73-villa island, surrounded by spectacular sea life, inspiring artwork, destination programming, and more. With a selection of beach or overwater villas offering one, two, three and four-bedroom options, guests will have private pools, indulgent amenities, bicycles for each guest, dedicated butlers known as “Jadugars” (the Maldivian word for “magician”), and more.

JOALI Maldives has villas from $2,928 per night based on two persons sharing a Water Villa with Pool on B&B basis. For further details and booking, please visit joali.com.

Drink

Muraka Restaurant at Mirihi Island Resort receives 2024 Wine Spectator Award

Published

6 days ago

July 21, 2024

m@ldives

Muraka Restaurant at Mirihi Island Resort in Maldives has received the Wine Spectator award for 2024. This recognition is part of the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, which highlight restaurants with notable wine lists that align well with their cuisine and attract a diverse range of wine enthusiasts.

Muraka Restaurant has consistently met these standards, earning the award each year since 2013. This continuous recognition underscores the restaurant’s commitment to offering a wine selection that complements its culinary offerings and appeals to a broad audience of wine lovers.

The Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards programme is designed to celebrate establishments that excel in the realm of wine service, providing patrons with a thoughtfully curated wine experience. Muraka’s achievement reflects its dedication to maintaining high standards in this aspect of dining.

Muraka Restaurant’s ongoing success in securing this award showcases its role as a significant player in the Maldives’ dining scene, particularly in the niche of wine-centric cuisine. The restaurant’s wine list is recognised for its variety and relevance, making it a notable destination for guests seeking an exceptional wine and dining experience at Mirihi Island Resort.

Cooking

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort unveils revamped Vista Restaurant

Published

6 days ago

July 21, 2024

m@ldives

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has announced the reopening of Vista Restaurant after an extensive renovation. With a breath-taking view of the Maldivian blue sea and the enchanting sight of baby sharks passing by at night, Vista promises an unforgettable dining experience.

The newly launched menu celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of authentic Italian cuisine, curated to perfection by our expert chefs. Diners can now savour a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, each crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of culinary artistry.

Highlights from the new menu:

Antipasti: Delight in the fresh flavours of Prosciutto Crudo e Melone, Carpaccio di Tonno con Rucola e Capperi, and the rich Antipasto di Affettati Misti.
Insalate & Zuppe: Enjoy our Pomodoro e Mozzarella alla Caprese, and the hearty Minestrone soup.
La Pasta: Indulge in our Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci al Burro con Pinoli, Penne all’Arrabbiata, and more.
La Pizzeria: Relish classic pizzas like Margherita, Quattro Stagioni, and the seafood delight Frutti di Mare.
Secondi: Savor main courses such as Saltimbocca alla Romana, Pollo al Limone Grigliato con Verdure, and the exotic Maldive Trancio di Tonno Croccanti con Verdura.
Dolci: End your meal with delectable desserts like Tiramisu, Sugar-Free Basil Panna Cotta, and seasonal fruits.

“Our new menu reflects our commitment to providing guests with a true taste of Italy in the heart of the Maldives,” said Rosan Kapila, Executive Chef at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort. “We are excited to welcome guests to enjoy the revitalised Vista Restaurant and our delicious offerings.”

Vista Restaurant at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, offers a perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty. With stunning overwater and beach villas, exquisite dining options, and a range of activities, the resort is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a unique and memorable Maldivian experience.