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Anantara Kihavah introduces the Maldives’ first ever immersive dining under water at SEA Restaurant

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Having built a global reputation for pushing the boundaries of  unique dining experiences to exciting new heights, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is now taking  epicurean adventure to a whole new level — six metres beneath the sea. In what is the first ever truly  immersive dining under water in the Maldives, this exciting new 3D sensory dining event will take a  strictly limited number of diners beneath the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean to the resort’s award winning SEA Underwater Restaurant, where they will be immersed in an enchanting marine world as  they are treated to a memorable feast for the senses with an enthralling “Message in a Bottle” themed  dining. 

Famed for its surreal ocean viewing experience, SEA Underwater Restaurant treats diners to a  uniquely immersive 3D dining experience, with sharks, turtles, and tropical fish swimming by the glass  windows as diners savour gourmet creations paired with fine wines, making every moment a delight  for the senses and providing the perfect setting for the evening’s aquatic adventure. 

The Message in a Bottle experience is not just a dinner but an odyssey of enlightenment, a feast of  the senses, and a call to action for the preservation of our planet’s most precious treasure — the  oceans. Imagine a subaquatic adventure that marries the art of storytelling, the magic of illusion, and  the marvels of cutting-edge 3D technology. Picture an evening of fine cuisine and visual wizardry that  transcends the boundaries of imagination as an intimate gathering of just 16 guests embarks on a  two-hour, six-course journey of entertainment and discovery.  

The evening’s magical adventure begins with a portent of what lies ahead when an Avatar from the  future sends a fairy back to our present time. The fairy brings with her a message in a bottle, a  heartfelt plea to save our oceans and protect our planet. After showing how non-sustainable practices  are slowly destroying the earth, the fairy then goes on to share the simple steps people can take to  reverse the effects and stop the damage. This message of sustainability is reflected throughout the  evening’s entertaining experience, from the storyline and visual effects to the specially prepared  dishes that make up the sumptuous meal. 

As they take in the show playing out all around them, diners are treated to a delicious set of dishes by  Executive Chef Joachim Textor that have been carefully crafted to take them on a journey from the  deep sea to the arctic, and from the beach to the coral reef. Each dish symbolically represents a facet  of ocean conservation, presented in an engaging, entertaining, and magical way in gourmet creations that feature seafood from around the world along with a whole host of special surprises. Rather than  merely passive viewers, taking in the entertainment while enjoying fine cuisine, the diners are fully  immersed in the show as they complete interactive activities that include “playing with your food.”  

Incorporated into the storyline is the recently published reef study, which is the result of extensive  research and a groundbreaking scientific assessment of Anantara Kihavah’s award-winning house  reef, conducted by esteemed marine biologists throughout 2022 and 2023. Aligning with the  underlying theme of the evening, the primary objective of the book is to convey a compelling message  on reef appreciation and conservation. 

Available until March 2024, this extraordinary culinary adventure is priced at USD 450++ for adults  and USD 200++ for kids 8 – 11 years, and available every Wednesday and Saturday night. Bringing  together the thrill of dining in an underwater restaurant on the edge of an award-winning house reef,  the delight of feasting on exquisitely prepared seafood paired with fine wines, and the joy of being  immersed in an epic 3D adventure, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed. For more  information or to book, call +960 664 4111, visit us at www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives or email reservations.maldives@anantara.com. 

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Dining at Ayada Maldives: A culinary journey in paradise

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At Ayada Maldives, dining transcends the ordinary, offering a symphony of global flavours in breathtaking settings. With eight distinct dining outlets, each presenting a unique culinary experience, the resort caters to every taste, from fine dining to beachside meals. Sourcing organic produce from its own garden and local farms, Ayada ensures authenticity and quality in every dish.

Magu: A World of Flavours

Magu, the resort’s main restaurant, is a culinary cornerstone open for breakfast and dinner. It features a generous international buffet with daily changing themes, including Far Eastern, Maldivian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Chef’s Special. Set amidst lush greenery diners can enjoy meals under the stars or in an air-conditioned pavilion, blending elegance with global tastes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available daily.

Kai: Far Eastern Flavours in a Tropical Retreat

An exquisite range of Far Eastern and Asian delicacies awaits at Kai; a hidden gem nestled in tropical greenery. Open for dinner, the menu features an extensive sushi and sashimi selection made from fresh local seafood, alongside classic dishes from China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The serene setting makes it ideal for a memorable evening immersed in authentic Asian cuisine.

Mizu: Teppanyaki Dining by the Ocean

Mizu offers an intimate teppanyaki dining experience, where chefs prepare fresh seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes live on a hot iron griddle. With top-quality ingredients, an extensive sake and wine list, and a location between the ocean and tropical jungle, Mizu is open for dinner and promises a vibrant, interactive culinary experience.

Zero Degree: Poolside Culinary Bliss

Zero Degree Restaurant and Bar offers a relaxed yet vibrant poolside dining experience for lunch and dinner. Its diverse menu spans international dishes, from crisp salads to European, Asian, and Middle Eastern specialities. Guests can dine barefoot in the water, under a thatched roof, in poolside cabanas, or on sunbeds, soaking up the Maldivian sun in laid-back style.

Ocean Breeze: Over-Water Elegance

Ocean Breeze brings modern European cuisine to an elegant over-water setting, open for lunch and dinner. The seasonal menu includes grilled seafood, homemade pasta, and premium steaks. Its sophisticated location and panoramic ocean views make it a standout destination for refined yet relaxed dining.

Ottoman Lounge: Traditional Turkish Indulgence

This unique lounge celebrates Turkish heritage, offering authentic Turkish teas and coffee served in traditional silverware. Inspired by Ottoman cafés, guests can relax on low seating and savour a cultural experience that pays homage to the rich flavours and customs of Turkey.

Île de Joie: A Luxurious Cheese and Wine Escape

Nestled over the lagoon, Île de Joie is an intimate open-air bar featuring fine wines, curated cheeses, chocolates, and cigars. This “Island of Joy” invites connoisseurs to indulge in a tranquil setting, perfect for sunset sipping and gourmet grazing.

Sea Salt: Beachfront Barbecue under the Stars

Held every Tuesday and Friday on Zero Degree beach, Sea Salt is a must-try beach BBQ offering freshly grilled meats and seafood. With your feet in the sand, stars above, and a mesmerizing fire show, it captures the spirit of a tropical feast in one unforgettable setting.

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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO lunches Barefoot Bistro at Hudhu Bay

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As unique dining concepts remain high on the wish list for discerning travellers to the Maldives, competition among luxury resorts continues to centre on innovation and creativity. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, already home to the world-renowned underwater restaurant M6m, has further expanded its culinary portfolio this summer with the launch of Hudhu Bay’s barefoot bistro – a refined take on the traditional crab shack.

Speaking about the new outlet, Anupam Banerjee, Vice President of Food & Beverage, explained: “Located on a prime stretch of beach, our aim was to activate Hudhu Bay with a dining concept rooted in sustainability. From the outset, every aspect was designed to minimise environmental impact, from the nautical-inspired décor to the sourcing of ingredients. The idea was to create a fine dining experience that could be enjoyed barefoot on the beach, free from formalities, while still savouring exquisite flavours.”

Guests begin their evening with tropical welcome cocktails prepared by the island’s mixologists, accompanied by crab amuse-bouche. The culinary journey then unfolds with a menu centred on sustainably sourced Sri Lankan mud crab, prepared with global influences. Choices include the aromatic À la Provençale Crab from southern France, Hong Kong’s wok-fired Butter Garlic Crab, Singapore’s iconic Chilli Crab, and the fiery Jaffna Spiced Crab from Sri Lanka’s Tamil culinary tradition. Completing the menu, the Sri Lankan Scampi highlights the island nation’s seafood heritage, using locally sourced crustaceans and traditional methods. Post-dinner, guests are invited to relax under the night sky with coffee and liqueurs served on the beach.

Every dish is carefully crafted to showcase authentic regional culinary traditions alongside the freshness of locally sourced seafood, offering guests an international dining experience in a distinctly Maldivian setting.

The new concept underscores OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy, with a focus on traceability, conservation and marine stewardship. The resort’s approach ensures that exceptional cuisine goes hand in hand with the preservation of fragile ecosystems.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is recognised for its diverse culinary offerings, from the immersive underwater dining at M6m to authentic Asian cuisine at Tradition Peking and Maldivian heritage dishes at Lonu. Across The OZEN Collection, the group continues to redefine luxury dining with innovative concepts, sustainable practices and memorable settings. Guests may also enhance their stay through the acclaimed INDULGENCE™ Plan, which includes unlimited premium beverages, curated wines and signature cocktails.

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces ‘The Tastemaker Series’ for 2025

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has unveiled The Tastemaker Series, a new collection of curated experiences scheduled to debut in the final quarter of 2025. The programme is designed to bring together internationally recognised chefs, acclaimed mixologists, renowned wellness practitioners and global tastemakers to create distinctive experiences for the resort’s guests.

The series will commence in November with a Chef Jolly pop-up that will run through December, offering refined interpretations of traditional Indian cuisine alongside special appearances by the celebrated chef. Also in November, Chef Alexander Herrmann, a two-Michelin-starred German television personality, will present a showcase of European culinary artistry, while December will feature Chef Gregory Doyen, the French pastry chef renowned for his sculptural desserts and meticulous craftsmanship.

The culinary calendar will be enhanced by a series of wine dinners. These include the Marco Felluga Wine Dinner, led by Ilaria Felluga, sixth-generation winemaker of the Marco Felluga and Russiz Superiore estates, who will guide guests through a curated tasting of Collio’s finest vintages. Another highlight will be the François Labet Wine Dinner, celebrating the legacy of Burgundy’s historic Château de la Tour, with Labet himself sharing the estate’s long-standing traditions in winemaking.

Beyond gastronomy, the programme will extend into wellness. Guests will be able to take part in personalised fitness sessions with Jono Castano, trainer to Hollywood celebrities, Pilates programmes with Tash and Andre, and holistic therapies delivered by Tricia Tee, Asia’s only certified Seifu practitioner and a leading sound therapist.

Evenings at The Whale Bar will feature mixology takeovers by two of the world’s most acclaimed bars. London’s Satan’s Whiskers, ranked 29th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, will bring its inventive cocktail craft to the Maldives, while Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour, ranked 32nd globally, will introduce signature creations inspired by tropical ingredients.

Vincent Pauchon, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, said: “The Tastemaker Series embodies our vision of curating unforgettable journeys for our guests. By bringing together globally renowned chefs, mixologists, and wellness experts, we are offering a series of immersive events that blend culture, artistry, and craftsmanship with the signature St. Regis experience.”

Set on a private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort combines contemporary tropical design with local inspiration, seamlessly integrated into the natural beauty of the atoll. The resort comprises 77 villas with ocean or jungle views, each complemented by the personalised St. Regis Butler Service. Facilities include the award-winning Iridium Spa and the resort’s private Azimut Flybridge yacht, offering restorative treatments and bespoke yachting experiences.

With its blend of gastronomy, wellness, and artistry, The Tastemaker Series is positioned to offer discerning travellers a journey of flavour, creativity and cultural exploration, set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

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