News
Anantara Kihavah Maldives’ Over Water Teppanyaki Restaurant Reopens with an Elevated Look and Enhanced Culinary Offerings
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is proud to announce the highly anticipated reopening of its esteemed overwater teppanyaki restaurant, Fire. Following an extensive transformation, Fire emerges with an elevated aesthetic, an expanded seating capacity, and a tantalising new menu.
Renowned for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, Fire has long been a guest favourite at Anantara Kihavah, where it forms a popular component of the resort’s signature SEA.FIRE.SPICE.SKY. dining complex with its quartet of distinct dining experiences.
The revamped restaurant embraces a fresh and modern look while preserving and honouring its distinctive high dome ceiling design which was inspired by the shape of a cuttlebone, an integral part of the original restaurant’s structure. The enhanced sense of arrival from the restaurant entrance promises to elevate the overall dining experience, creating lasting memories for Anantara Kihavah’s esteemed guests. With seating for 16 guests, a highlight of the distinctively designed venue is the theatrical teppanyaki display so expertly performed by the chefs.
One new feature is an extended overwater structure which has been seamlessly connected to the original restaurant. Featuring a raised ceiling under a thatched roof, the structure is complemented by a dramatic chandelier, and showcases an expansive sushi counter along with additional seating for another 20 guests. The expanded seating capacity ensures that more guests can savour the restaurant’s culinary delights while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Another highlight of Fire’s reopening is the introduction of an all-new menu featuring a curated selection of sake and other specialty beverages. Well-versed in the art of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, the restaurant’s talented chefs are ready to delight guests by taking them on a gastronomic journey that combines precision cooking techniques with vibrant flavours.
Anantara Kihavah invites guests to embark on a culinary journey that transcends expectations, where the fusion of Japanese Teppanyaki and Peruvian flavours meets the tranquillity of a Maldivian paradise island. Fire’s reopening marks a new chapter in luxury dining at Anantara Kihavah, promising an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
For more information or to book, call +960 664 4111, visit us at www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives or email reservations.maldives@anantara.com.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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