Dusit Thani Maldives is enhancing its acclaimed culinary experience with the launch of SALA, a new vegan restaurant that features nutrient-rich, plant-based dishes made from premium locally sourced ingredients and produce grown in the resort’s own organic gardens.

SALA has been developed in collaboration with Chef Celia Lam, co-leader of the Slow Food Community Bangkok and an instructor at The Food School – Thailand’s premier academy of gastronomy with business incubation services, affiliated with Dusit Hospitality Education. The restaurant offers a carefully curated ‘plant-powered’ menu, with standout dishes like Greek orzo salad, baked spiced pumpkin, and eggplant steak a la plancha. A variety of salads, soups, and mains are also thoughtfully crafted to provide a delightful culinary experience.

Set in a traditional Thai-style house overlooking the turquoise waters of Baa Atoll, SALA reflects Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality. Its opening also aligns with Dusit International’s Tree of Life sustainability program, which focuses on environmental preservation, health, and well-being. By incorporating organic, plant-based cuisine into its dining options, Dusit Thani Maldives reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainability and wellness within the luxury travel sector.

SALA will officially open on November 1, 2024. To mark the occasion, Chef Celia Lam will host exclusive masterclasses and interactive workshops from November 1-4, offering guests the chance to learn how to create exceptional vegan dishes using fresh, wholesome ingredients.

“This new organic restaurant underscores our commitment to fostering healthy, sustainable living while delivering an exceptional dining experience,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Maldives. “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Celia Lam, whose passion for sustainability aligns with our vision. We are confident that SALA will appeal to health-conscious travellers looking for a transformative dining experience.”

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives offers a peaceful retreat that blends Thai-inspired luxury with Maldivian culture. Guests can enjoy unique experiences, including encounters with vibrant marine life, world-class wellness at Devarana Wellness, fine dining, luxurious villas, and a wide range of activities set against the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives.

At Milaidhoo Maldives, mixology has been taken to the next level with the introduction of the Chef’s Garden, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevate every cocktail. The private island resort’s mixologists now have direct access to an array of herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables, allowing them to hand-select the freshest ingredients for garnishing and creating cocktails. This direct farm-to-glass approach ensures that every drink is bursting with vibrant flavours, enhancing the guest experience with unparalleled freshness.

To mark the unveiling of the Chef’s Garden, Milaidhoo introduces the Garden Elixir, a signature cocktail created by the resort’s talented mixologists. This drink features Botanist Gin, celebrated for its complex herbal and spice notes, and is enhanced with freshly harvested herbs from the garden. The Garden Elixir captures the essence of the Maldives, offering a refreshing, aromatic experience that is as unique as the island itself.

The Chef’s Garden is not only a source of fresh ingredients but also an interactive space for guests. Visitors are encouraged to explore the garden, learn about the local vegetation, and discover the culinary and mixological benefits of these plants. The tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for cooking and cocktail-making classes led by resident chefs and mixologists, or even private dining experiences under the stars, adding another enchanting dimension to the resort’s diverse dining options.

Executive Chef Ken Gundu, the visionary behind the Chef’s Garden, emphasises the importance of growing local produce in the Maldives. “In an island setting like ours, cultivating our own vegetables is essential to ensuring freshness and offering guests a sustainable, healthier dining and drinking experience. The Chef’s Garden allows us to deliver the highest quality ingredients, straight from the garden to the plate and glass. Our kitchen and bar are proud to showcase this level of freshness,” says Gundu.

Milaidhoo’s commitment to sustainability is furthered by the Chef’s Garden, which reduces the need for imported ingredients, cutting the resort’s carbon footprint and supporting eco-friendly practices. By growing much of its own produce, Milaidhoo not only helps to meet daily food requirements but also ensures guests enjoy the most natural and wholesome ingredients.

While Milaidhoo is famed for its stunning marine life in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, the island’s commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the Chef’s Garden showcases its inner beauty. This project highlights Milaidhoo’s dedication to eco-conscious tourism and its harmonious connection with the environment. By integrating local agriculture into its culinary operations, Milaidhoo continues to lead the way in sustainable luxury and culinary innovation.

This November, Nova Maldives invites lovers of Japanese cuisine to embark on an exquisite culinary journey at Mizu, the island resort’s intimate overwater teppanyaki restaurant. Set against the stunning backdrop of the South Ari Atoll’s glistening lagoons, guests are treated to a refined dining experience curated by renowned Japanese chef Kazuki Arai.

From November 18th to 22nd, Mizu will host an exclusive dining activation in collaboration with celebrated chef Kazuki Arai, where guests can enjoy artfully crafted set menus paired with premium sake. Additionally, there will be a unique opportunity for participants to join bespoke cooking classes led by Chef Arai in the serene ambience of Nova. This event promises a sophisticated dining experience, ideal for couples seeking to reconnect and create unforgettable memories, surrounded by panoramic views of turquoise waters.

Chef Kazuki Arai brings a wealth of experience in Japanese culinary arts, having recently launched a new venture focused on using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from Gunma Prefecture. His innovative approach celebrates Gunma’s rich agricultural heritage, including the creation of award-winning bento boxes that highlight the connection between local producers and consumers. His commitment to sustainability and passion for Japanese gastronomic traditions make this event a true celebration of food, community, and culture.

At Mizu, guests can anticipate a dining experience where every dish tells a story, showcasing the freshest local ingredients paired with harmonious sake selections. As the sun sets over the horizon, Mizu transforms into a magical setting for dinner, with the sound of rolling waves and the soft glow of twinkling stars enhancing the atmosphere.

The Mizu dining experience will feature a specially curated set menu designed to tantalise taste buds and immerse guests in the essence of Japan’s seafood-rich culinary tradition. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on cooking class, where they can experience the artistry involved in preparing Japanese cuisine and bring home world-class recipes and skills to replicate.

With highly limited seating, this exclusive event ensures each guest receives the utmost attention and care, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a personalised and leisurely dining experience filled with special memories.

This November at Nova promises to be rich with culinary adventures. Just three days before the Mizu activation, the island resort will also host an exquisite dinner in collaboration with the prestigious Maison Taittinger. Guests will be treated to a lavish five-course meal, paired with the finest vintages from Taittinger Champagne, starting with a welcome glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve. The evening will be filled with gourmet delights, including shellfish risotto and locally caught fish, all while basking in the golden glow of a Maldivian sunset.