Food
Anantara Kihavah introduces the Maldives’ first ever immersive dining under water at SEA Restaurant
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.
Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled its newest culinary journey: the Indian Thali at Social House. This signature dining experience pays homage to the vibrant flavours, diversity, and cultural warmth of Indian cuisine, reimagined in the heart of the Maldives.
Inspired by Ayurveda’s Six Taste Theory, the Indian Thali is designed to provide a perfectly balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul. Guests can savour an array of authentic dishes that reflect India’s culinary soul, presented with the modern flair and island elegance that define Ifuru Island.
The Thali includes a generous spread of delights such as Jhinga Laziz, Butter Chicken, Boti Masala, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, Tomato Rasam, served alongside Jeera Rice, Paratha, Mango Chutney, Masala Onion, Papadum, and a decadent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.
“Crafting this Indian Thali has been a labour of love,” says Nadedja Bouacha, Executive Chef at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Each element is carefully prepared to honour India’s diverse culinary heritage while offering our guests a rich, comforting, and authentic experience in a setting as extraordinary as our island.”
The Indian Thali is now available at Social House, the resort’s popular dining venue known for blending global flavors with local flair and laid-back luxury.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or a first-time explorer, the Indian Thali at Ifuru Island is a celebration of culture, taste, and mindful eating.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to host an exclusive champagne pairing dinner at its iconic Ithaa Underwater Gem on 23 May 2025. Leading the experience is Kamal Malik, India’s only Master Sommelier and judge for the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Guests will indulge in a specially curated six-course menu featuring refined dishes from land and sea, each paired with a selection of Ruinart’s elegant cuvées—including Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Rosé. This one-night-only event offers a rare opportunity to experience expert wine pairing in one of the world’s most unique dining settings, five meters below the ocean’s surface.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
For more information or to book your experience, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.experiences@conradhotels.com or contact +960 6680629.
Renowned Master Baker Steven Selvamuthu from IREKS is currently in the Maldives, leading a specialised baking demo tour focused on gluten-free and vegan baked goods. The initiative, organised by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), is running from May 3rd to 15th and is covering over 10 leading resorts along with professional bakers in Malé.
Through hands-on sessions and live demonstrations, Chef Steven is sharing innovative techniques and versatile recipes tailored to modern dietary trends, while also addressing real-world challenges faced by professional kitchens.
Sharing his experience so far, Chef Steven said: “The growing interest in gluten-free and vegan baking here is truly inspiring. Maldivian chefs are open-minded, eager to learn, and ready to embrace global trends without compromising on quality or flavour.”
This ongoing collaboration between IREKS and BBM reflects a shared commitment to professional development in the region’s foodservice industry. By introducing modern baking solutions and supporting skill-building at the grassroots level, the initiative is adding value to both local talent and resort kitchens.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added: “As consumer preferences evolve, we want to ensure that Maldivian chefs are equipped to meet those expectations with confidence. Our partnership with IREKS reflects BBM’s mission to bring world-class expertise and ingredients closer to the local culinary community.”
With rising demand for inclusive and health-conscious bakery options, the ongoing tour is playing a key role in empowering chefs across the Maldives to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting global food landscape.
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