Gastronomy
Anantara Kihavah elevates fine dining with new caviar indulgence at SEA underwater restaurant

Already regarded as the finest underwater restaurant and wine cellar in the Maldives, SEA Underwater Restaurant is taking its discerning guests on a gustatory journey of discovery six metres beneath the waves as it seeks to elevate the dining experience to new levels with the launch of Caviar Indulgence at SEA on 18 June 2024.
An award-winning dining destination with a reputation for delivering unparalleled epicurean experiences, SEA has long been high on the list of must-visit restaurants for gourmets from around the world. Never content to rest on its laurels, SEA is now heralding a new era of refinement and elegance in its exclusive underwater setting as it transforms itself into a luxury caviar restaurant – the first of its kind in the Maldives.

Showcasing premium quality caviar imported from across the globe, Caviar Indulgence at SEA tempts food connoisseurs with the option of an exquisite set menu of caviar infused specialties found nowhere else in the Maldives or an à la carte fare of lighter caviar imbued dishes. Signature dishes curated by Executive Chef Joachim Textor includes the Chilled Champagne Soup with Caviar, Fresh Lobster Ceviche, Australian Wagyu Striploin, Greek Kataifi, Hokkaido Scallop Tartare, and desserts such as the Mango Crème Brûlée and Pistachio Praline Cheese Tart.

Harvested exclusively from sustainable sturgeon stocks, the caviar featured in the dishes served at Caviar Indulgence at SEA includes the crème de la crème of this opulent delicacy. Diners at SEA will be treated to a wider selection of the most-prized varieties of caviar, including the delicate and creamy delights of Imperial Caviar considered the highest grade of caviar, the rich-flavoured and most sought-after Beluga caviar, and the dynamic and subtle notes of Royal Caviar, and the nutty, briny flavours of Classic Caviar.
Soaring to new heights of indulgence six metres beneath the waves, diners are invited to experience the enchantment of curious marine life and the graceful dances of tropical fish as they savour each delectable bite from a unique selection of caviar-infused dishes in an extraordinary ambiance of underwater opulence, exclusively available at Caviar Indulgence at SEA.
Drink
Tea meets tradition: The Art of Tea cocktail collection debuts at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

In celebration of World Cocktail Day (May 13), Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has introduced ‘The Art of Tea,’ a curated menu of tea-infused cocktails crafted in collaboration with Art of Tea, the award-winning luxury tea brand founded by renowned Master Tea Blender and CEO Steve Schwartz.
This exclusive menu seamlessly blends organic small-batch teas with premium spirits and island-inspired ingredients, offering guests a slow, sensory cocktail experience.
Art of Tea is internationally recognised for its dedication to organic sourcing, sustainable practices, and hand-blended selections that honour both ancient traditions and modern wellness principles. While its teas are available throughout the day at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, the new cocktail collection adds a fresh layer of discovery.
Steve Schwartz, Founder and Master Tea Blender at Art of Tea, explained, “At Art of Tea, we believe in the transformative power of tea. Bringing our handcrafted blends into the cocktail experience at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an invitation for guests to explore tea in a new, sensory way — where tradition meets innovation in every sip.”
Tea-based cocktails are not merely a twist on the familiar; they represent a transformation. The inclusion of tea introduces natural complexity, depth of flavour, and subtle health benefits, resulting in drinks that are both sophisticated and refreshing. Each blend offers unique tasting notes, ranging from floral to smoky, spicy to citrusy, balancing seamlessly with spirits and house-made syrups.
Featured Cocktails from The Art of Tea Menu
- Coco Bloom – White coconut tea, rum, Malibu, coconut and strawberry syrup, lemon juice
- Velvet Noir – Dark chocolate peppermint tea, vodka, triple sec, mojito syrup, lemon
- Sunrise Spiritz – Bright Eyed tea, gin, triple sec, lemon juice, sugar syrup
- Masala Mule – Masala chai tea, Armagnac, triple sec, sugar syrup, lemon
- Mint Mirage – Pacific Mint tea, beer, blue curaçao, mojito syrup, lemon
- Grey Royale – Earl Grey tea, whisky, cucumber and mojito syrup, lemon juice
Whether guests are sipping Velvet Noir at sunset, enjoying Coco Bloom under the palms, or winding down the day with Earl Grey and whisky, The Art of Tea menu offers an elegant way to pause, reflect, and experience something new, all with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop.
Cooking
Ifuru Island Maldives’ Social House introduces authentic Indian Thali experience

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.
Drink
Sip of Stellenbosch at RAAYA and VARU by Atmosphere

This August, travellers to the Maldives can indulge their senses in more ways than one. At the idyllic island resorts of RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere, wine lovers and wine curious are invited to savour a taste of South Africa’s famed winemaking heritage with Glenelly Estate.
The immersive wine events will take place from 10th to 12th August at RAAYA by Atmosphere and from 14th to 16th August at VARU by Atmosphere. All experiences are complimentary on pre-booking for in-house guests as part of the fully inclusive RAAYA Plan and VARU Plan.
Founder of Glenelly Estate, the legendary Madame May de Lencquesaing, affectionately known as Lady May, marked her centenary on 17th May 2025, celebrating a remarkable century of life, legacy, and reinvention. Many would consider an 80-year-old setting off to establish a winery in South Africa a bold, even audacious move. For Lady May, it was simply the next step. She purchased Glenelly Estate, a historic fruit farm nestled on the slopes of the Simonsberg and transformed it into a beacon of French winemaking tradition with a South African soul. Her philosophy of producing wines of grace, complexity, and longevity has earned Glenelly global recognition. The estate’s wines are poured exclusively at Atmosphere Core resorts in the Maldives, as part of a longstanding partnership and shared vision.
In a fitting tribute, her winemaking vision lives on well beyond the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Glenelly Estate returns to the Maldives with a series of exclusive in-resort wine experiences hosted by Dirk van Zyl, the Cellar Master and vineyard custodian. Raised on a vineyard in South Africa’s Robertson Wine Valley, Dirk combines a deep-rooted passion for the land with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University. His background brings a refined understanding of terroir and craftsmanship to every session he leads.
“Wine is unique, as it truly tells a story of time and place,” shares Dirk. “It reflects both the vintage in which it was made and the site on which the vineyards are grown. As a winemaker, you try your best to capture this as truthfully as possible in the bottle and one of the greatest joys is to be able to share each wine’s story with people from around the world. The upcoming wine events create a wonderful opportunity to tell the story of Glenelly, through our wines, in the incredible beauty of the Maldives”.
In addition to hosting guest-facing events, Dirk will lead specialist workshops and blind tastings for the resorts’ award-winning culinary teams. These sessions are designed to build deeper wine knowledge and empower colleagues to confidently guide every guest, whether a seasoned connoisseur or an eager novice, through the Glenelly experience.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, adds “It’s not just about great bottles, it’s about celebrating heritage and terroir in ways that are approachable and memorable. And this is possible only through our relationships with partners, like Glenelly Estate, who share our vision. Together we’re transforming our islands sanctuaries in the Maldives into unexpected yet exceptional destinations for wine discovery”.
The initiative is part of Atmosphere Core’s ongoing wine program inspired by its Joy of Giving ethos. Since its debut in 2021 with the ultra-luxury brand THE OZEN COLLECTION, the program has expanded across the group’s brand portfolio. In 2023, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and COLOURS OF OBLU joined hands with Glenelly Estate and Spain’s Bodegas Martín Códax, followed by a 2025 partnership with Italy’s Bottega SpA.
Whether you’re toasting the sunset with a glass of Lady May or exploring tasting notes during a moonlit dinner, this August promises a unique blend of culinary delights, storytelling, and island charm.
-
Featured1 week ago
Green Globe Recertification underscores Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ environmental vision
-
Celebration1 week ago
Island rhythms and Eid traditions at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
News1 week ago
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives: Your all-inclusive island escape
-
News1 week ago
Unlock unforgettable reasons to stay at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
-
Featured1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi secures coveted 2025 hospitality accolades
-
News1 week ago
Revolutionary relaxation: Anantara Kihavah unveils Maldives’ first magnesium spa treatments
-
News1 week ago
Unforgettable Maldives escapes this Eid at Centara Hotels & Resorts
-
News6 days ago
Celebration of flavour, culture, connection this Eid al-Adha at COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi