While the Maldives has long captivated travellers with its turquoise lagoons, overwater villas and barefoot luxury, one part of its story has remained largely untold: its cuisine.

Across the islands, visitors often dine on flavours from around the world, rarely discovering the ingredients, traditions and recipes that have shaped Maldivian life for generations. At JA Manafaru, the secluded luxury resort in the northern Haa Alifu Atoll, that narrative is beginning to change with the launch of Kuri, an intimate treetop dining experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage in one of its most extraordinary settings.

Meaning “treetop” in Dhivehi, Kuri offers a dining experience unlike any other in the Maldives. Hidden within the branches of a living banyan tree, it welcomes just two guests as standard, or up to four for private celebrations, for an evening where the island itself becomes both the setting and the inspiration. Rather than looking out across the ocean, diners are invited to journey into the heart of the island, discovering a side of the Maldives that few visitors ever experience.

Rather than chasing global dining trends, Kuri begins with a simple question: what does the Maldives truly taste like? The answer unfolds through a five-course tasting menu built around a genuine zero-kilometre philosophy, where reef fish, coconut, pandan, screwpine and other native ingredients are sourced from the surrounding atoll, many travelling only metres from where they are grown, caught or harvested. Each course honours traditional Maldivian flavours while presenting them through a refined contemporary lens.

The menu itself tells the story of the Maldives through food. Guests begin with Muru Muru, delicate crispy tuna crackers inspired by the islands’ rich fishing heritage, before progressing through vibrant cured snapper, comforting pandan rice congee with grilled coconut and tuna floss, and the signature Ihi Musamma – a beautifully balanced Maldivian lobster curry served with coconut crepe and locally inspired accompaniments. The experience concludes with young coconut, screwpine ice cream and candied Maldivian nuts, a dessert that captures the tropical flavours of the island in every bite.

Bringing this story to life is Executive Chef Moosa Nazeeh, whose menu is deeply rooted in the flavours of his homeland. Instead of recreating international fine dining in paradise, he shines a spotlight on recipes, ingredients and techniques that have been passed through generations, inviting guests to experience a side of the Maldives that is rarely found within the country’s luxury resorts.

Every detail surrounding the meal has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the same philosophy. Carefully built around a living banyan tree, the timber platform sits beneath a natural canopy illuminated by lanterns after sunset, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and entirely immersed in nature. Even the ceramics tell part of the story, with every plate, bowl and cup handcrafted at JA Manafaru’s own on-island clay studio and finished with a delicate watercolour illustration of the very banyan tree that shelters the dining table above.

And while the experience celebrates craftsmanship and culinary artistry, Kuri never takes itself too seriously. After dessert, guests swap the staircase for a gently curving slide back down to the sand, bringing the evening to an unexpected and joy-filled close that leaves almost everyone smiling long after dinner has ended.

Already recognised for creating experiences that connect guests with the culture and natural beauty of the northern Maldives, JA Manafaru continues to look beyond traditional luxury. Kuri is the latest expression of that philosophy, proving that some of the most memorable moments in the Maldives aren’t found over the water, but beneath the shade of an ancient banyan tree, where every meal tells the story of the island itself.

When: Available for dinner daily

Offer Inclusions: An intimate five-course treetop dining experience celebrating authentic Maldivian cuisine through a thoughtfully curated 0km tasting menu, set within the canopy of a living banyan tree.

Price: USD 175++ per person

Terms & Conditions:

• Advance reservation is required
• Subject to availability
• Maximum of four guests per seating
• For reservations and more information, please email at manafaru@jaresorts.com

Renowned as one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house-reef destinations, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. With direct access to thriving marine life, strong currents that draw pelagic species, and proximity to some of the atoll’s most sought-after dive sites, the island offers an immersive underwater experience for both seasoned divers and casual explorers alike.

Building on this exceptional positioning, the resort has unveiled Thundi Beach Bar, a tranquil new beachside addition designed for effortless relaxation and refreshment just steps from the shoreline.

Set between two stunning oceanfronts, Thundi Beach Bar offers a serene, barefoot retreat where guests can unwind while soaking in uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Open daily from 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 15:00hrs to 19:00hrs, the bar presents a curated selection of beverages under the OBLU Island Plan™, including unlimited beers, wines, soft drinks, canned juices, tea, and coffee.

Perfectly positioned for convenience, Thundi Beach Bar is an ideal stop for guests enjoying Helengeli’s vibrant house reef. Whether returning from a snorkeling session or spending the day in and around the water, guests can easily drop by for a quick drink or refreshing pause without straying far from the beach.

Commenting on the launch, Alain Trefois, General Manager, shared: “At Helengeli, so much of the guest experience revolves around the ocean. Whether diving, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the reef. With Thundi Beach Bar, we wanted to create a space that feels naturally connected to these moments, offering guests a convenient and relaxed spot to pause, refresh, and continue their island journey without interruption.”

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, an award-winning island resort, is located just a 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. It offers 153 appealing villas, family-friendly amenities and private pool options. Guests stay on the OBLU Island Plan™, which curates a carefree, wholesome getaway with delectable world cuisine, wines and beverages, a nature-inspired kids club, unforgettable snorkelling, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, non-motorised watersports, ocean excursions and exciting daily and seasonal activities.

BOTTEGA Gala Gold returns to Atmosphere Kanifushi from 12 to 14 November 2026 after a successful debut last year. Created with Italian winery Bottega S.p.A., the three-day event gives guests the chance to enjoy wine-led dining experiences, relaxed lifestyle events and a grand Gala Gold celebration.

This year’s edition will be led by Dario Camilotto, Export Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, East Europe and Oceania at Bottega S.p.A., together with Elena Schipani, Bottega’s Head Sommelier. They will guide guests through the wine pairings, sharing the stories behind each selection and why they were chosen for the menu.

Sandro Bottega, President of Bottega S.p.A., said, “We’re delighted to return to Atmosphere Kanifushi for a second year. Sharing our wines with guests in the Maldives is always special, and this event is a chance to celebrate Italian winemaking in a setting that encourages people to slow down, taste and enjoy.”

As part of the Kanifushi Plan™, all experiences at the Just Veg Festival are complimentary for resort guests. Fine dining and lifestyle events are available on advance reservation due to limited seating, while the grand BOTTEGA Gala Gold celebration is open to all guests staying at the resort. BOTTEGA wines and Prosecco are also available year-round as part of the Kanifushi Plan™, allowing guests to enjoy these offerings throughout their stay.

The programme begins with two evenings at JUST VEG, the Maldives’ first fully vegetarian restaurant. Guests can expect a specially created tasting menu paired with a selection of Bottega wines, starting with a sparkling welcome and ending with a classic Italian finish. The pace changes the next day at PIER SIX. Here, Asian flavours, handcrafted dim sum and signature Bottega wines and cocktails set the scene for a relaxed afternoon by the water.

On 14 November, the celebration moves to SPICE for BOTTEGA Gala Gold. An expansive international buffet, live cooking stations, Bottega wines, signature cocktails and Italian liqueurs, along with a five-piece live band, set the stage for an unforgettable evening beneath the Maldivian stars.

Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager, Atmosphere Kanifushi said, “Guests are looking for more than great food and beautiful surroundings. They want experiences they can share and remember. BOTTEGA Gala Gold brings all of that together over three days in a relaxed island setting.”

“Atmosphere Kanifushi is the perfect setting to discover great wines in a relaxed way. Together with Bottega, we’re creating experiences that bring people together over exceptional wines, good food and memorable moments. That’s what the Atmosphere Core Wine Program is all about,” added Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines, Atmosphere Core.

The celebrations don’t end in November. Guests visiting Atmosphere Kanifushi in December can also look forward to the resort’s spectacular Festive Extravaganza, featuring a vibrant calendar of seasonal dining experiences, live entertainment, themed celebrations and memorable moments designed to make the festive season truly unforgettable.