Maldives Promotion House – Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, located in the pristine and undisturbed Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has launched a new signature restaurant, The Island Grill. Under the direction of renowned seafood specialist, Liam Crotty, The Island Grill will serve an array of regionally inspired dishes, further enhancing the island’s exceptional culinary offering.

The atmospheric and interactive Island Grill comprises an open kitchen concept and natural sand floors. The traditional open grill and wood-burning oven allows guests to watch the chefs at work, whilst relaxing barefoot beneath a traditional thatch canopy. The restaurant is nestled into the native flora of the island, though also provides panoramic views to watch the beautiful Maldivian sunset. Once the sun has set, soft lighting, stand-alone lamps and traditional swing chairs enhance the relaxed authentic Maldivian atmosphere.

Dishes are made from the finest and freshest ingredients, sourced from the local islands and take guests on a culinary journey through the Gaafu Alifu region. Appetisers are designed to share and include a variety of flavours and spices native to the southern atolls; while the main dishes focus on fresh seafood caught daily, and grilled meats marinated in fresh herbs from the island’s hydroponics garden.

Signature dishes include Boshi Sataini, Maldivian Lamb Roshi and Tuna Garudhiya. Meat and fish courses including Lobsters, whole Reef fish, Wagyu and Angus beef are cooked on the open grill and guests are offered a choice of two flavour enhancing spice rubs: Lonumirus and Addu Havaadhoo. Lonumirus isderived from curry leaves, cumin, chilli and garlic, and is hand ground to a smooth fine consistency to enrich meat and poultry. Addu Havaadhoo is a rich blend of cumin, fennel seeds, coconut and ginger crushed together to form a sensational seasoning which complements seafood perfectly. Desserts include a Maldivian Milk Doughnut with Gulab Jamoon and Pistachio Ice cream and MaldivianKiruBokiba with Rose Ginger Ice Cream.

The Island Grill is the final phase in an extensive refurbishment programme, which includes a new F&B concept developed by Executive Chef, Liam Crotty. The island’s main restaurant, The Dining Room – which serves an international à-la-carte menu – has been transformed to include an intimate chef’s table and secluded beach cabanas; while the hydroponics garden now includes a dedicated area for cooking lessons or dining under the stars. There is also a new beach barbeque area where guests have the opportunity to enjoy al fresco dining by the sea.

The launch of The Island Grill follows the recent opening of Kooddoo Airport in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. On 10 September 2012, domestic carrier Maldivian launched twice-daily flights from Malé to Kooddoo, dramatically opening up the extreme south of the Maldives, and reducing the internal journey time to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa by nearly half.