Gastronomy
Dine by Design at Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Jumeirah Vittaveli, the idyllic resort in the Maldives located just a 20-minute boat ride from Male, is helping guests to further embrace the stunning surroundings with a new‘Dining by Design’ menu.
Far from the clutches of stressful city life, Jumeirah Vittaveli is nestled in a spot of outstanding sophistication, with every detail of a stay meticulously crafted to excite and indulge. Now, guests can go one step further in personalizing their stay by choosing exactly where they want to dine. Whether an exclusive cruise aboard a luxury boat, or an Aqua Dinner for diners to sink their toes into the cool waters of the main pool as they eat, discerning diners will be able to enjoy a unique location as personal chef and server cater to their every whim.
Even the menu is personalised to perfection. Upon booking, guests are able to meet with the chef to customize a menu based on preferences. Every occasion can be catered for, whether a Sunrise Breakfast on a secluded stretch of beach or an exquisite candlelit feast underneath the stars. A Romantic Dinner for two comes complete with beautiful flower turndown in your private villa and an intimate butler-drawn bath awaiting the couple’s return.
Those wanting to dine further afield can opt for a Sandbank Picnic or Dinner. The experience will begin with a journey on a traditional Maldivian dhoni to ensure seclusion. Once guests have arrived at their private sandbank, they can enjoy limitless snorkeling opportunities and a gourmet picnic hamper. Or, at an evening meal, survey the surroundings as personal chef and server ensure every happiness.
Whether for an intimate escape or an indulgent family retreat, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration. The 5-star dive centre is a veritable hive of activity for canoeing, windsurfing and diving in one of the world’s most incredible coral reefs whilst the overwater Talise Spa offers an island escape. At every turn, unbeatable hospitality and five-star amenities combine to capture the very essence of indulgence.
Sandbank Picnic includes:
- A journey to a secluded sandbank on a traditional Maldivian dhoni
- Snorkeling opportunities
- Chef’s gourmet picnic hamper, complete with fine wines of your choice
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- Various price options available upon request
Sandbank Dinner includes:
- Personal chef and server on hand
- Private sandbank setup
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- Various price options available upon request
Poolside Dining includes:
- Candlelit set-up in the cool waters of the main pool
- Soothing sounds of the live band
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 195 ++ per person for guests booked on Bed & Breakfast
- Guests booked on half or full board are entitled to a 25% discount of food only
Private Beach BBQ includes:
- Choice of romantic and intimate beachfront set-ups around the resort
- Beach BBQ
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 250 ++ per person for guests booked on Bed & Breakfast
- Guests booked on half or full board are entitled to a 25% discount of food only
Sunrise Breakfast includes:
- Sunrise set-up
- Gourmet breakfast
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 65 ++ per person without champagne
- $ 90 ++ per person with a glass of Moet & Chandon champagne
Romantic Dinner includes:
- Candlelit set-up for meal
- Flower turn-down in villa
- Butler-drawn bath in villa
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- $ 250 ++ per person for guests booked on Bed & Breakfast including a glass of Moet & Chandon
- Guests booked on half or full board are entitled to a 25% discount of food only
Cruise Dinner includes:
- Dinner on board your own private luxury cruiser
- Capacity for up to six persons
- Available daily at a time of your choosing
- Reservation one day prior is essential as limited bookings are available
- Various price options available upon request
Drink
Toast to inclusion, innovation, new beginnings at SAii Lagoon Maldives
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton at CROSSROADS Maldives is raising the bar with spiritueux sans alcohol . The destination has introduced Sober Spirits, a range of premium alcohol-free distilled spirits, at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and key dining venues across The Marina. This innovative initiative promises indulgence without the compromise, catering to those who love the craft of spirits and cocktails but prefer to skip the buzz. Offering a sophisticated twist with alcohol-free indulgence, Sober Spirits brings everyone to the table for an unforgettable festive celebration this year at CROSSROADS Maldives.
Crafted with precision and passion, Sober Spirits Gin 0.0% and Rum 0.0% bring the depth, complexity, and aromatic experience of classic spirits to the table. It calls to be enjoyed neat, paired with mixers, or stirred into inventive mocktails and prove that indulgence does not require compromise. Adding to the lineup is the globally celebrated Lyre’s Amaretti Non-Alcoholic, bringing a nutty and sweet sophistication to the sober sipping experience.
“At CROSSROADS Maldives, we celebrate diversity—not just in cultures, but in choices. The introduction of Sober Spirits across our resort and restaurants is our way of embracing inclusivity, ensuring that every guest, whether they drink alcohol or not, can raise a glass and savour the moment,” adds Ahmed Jalaludeen- Food & Beverage Manager at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton.
The magic behind Sober Spirits lies in its meticulous crafting process. Born in the heart of France, these spirits undergo an initial distillation before the alcohol is gently removed using state-of-the-art techniques. The result? A flavour profile so authentic, it is hard to believe it is alcohol-free.
Guests at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and dining hotspots of the Marina – Kinkao, Jiao Wu, and Kebab & Kurry will now have the chance to experience this first-of-its -kind offering. Raise a glass to a zero-proof Mojito, savour the herbaceous notes of a G&T, or enjoy the pure simplicity of Sober Spirits on the rocks for a truly extraordinary moment. With the arrival of Sober Spirits, CROSSROADS Maldives is not just leading the conversation on alcohol-free luxury—it is redefining it.
Food
Third ‘Two Hearts’ menu unveiled at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
One menu; two hearts. The third chapter in the culinary partnership between master of modern Indian cuisine Chef Hari Nayak and Head Chef Kishan Singh of Baraabaru continues at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa this holiday season.
From December 15 to 21, 2024, Chef Nayak will be in residence at Kuda Huraa launching a dazzling new menu at Baraabaru – one of CNN Travel’s top ten Maldives’ Finest Tables 2022. In Baraabaru’s dramatic torch-lit lagoon-top surrounds, the chefs’ modern interpretation of traditional regional cuisine offers an illuminating journey across India. Every bite tells the story of two chefs united by a love of authentic Indian flavours, fresh local ingredients, and the joy of co-creation.
Small plates are inspired by the Subcontinent’s vibrant street foods and bustling culinary culture. Bright and tangy Shiso Leaf Chaat reimagines traditional chaat with fresh shiso leaves for a citrus-fresh bite; a light Avocado Bhel sings with zesty spices; and Dahi Vada Aloo Dum pairs soft yogurt-soaked vadas with flavourful potatoes for a comfort-fuelled fusion of textures and tastes.
Mains also offer a contemporary twist on classic dishes. Daab Chingri bursting with plump prawns in coconut elevates a traditional Bengali dish with bold, aromatic notes. Mysore Biryani brings the essence of southern India with fragrant rice, slow-cooked meat, and an intricate spice balance. Duck Mappas reinterprets the Keralan classic, with succulent duck in a warmly spiced coconut sauce.
The heart-led partnership between Indian-born, New York-based Chef Hari Nayak and Indian-born, Maldives-based Chef Kishan Singh unites two culinary visionaries. A trailblazer of modern Indian gastronomy, Chef Nayak has elevated Indian cuisine with his artful interpretations. Chef Singh, celebrated for his mastery of natural flavours and expertise in India’s diverse culinary traditions, brings a passion that has cemented Baraabaru’s 25-year reputation as the Maldives’ leading Indian restaurant. Their collaboration, which began in October 2023, spans seasonal week-long residencies, a year-round set-dinner menu, and a deep commitment to shared dreams and passions.
Discover the alchemy of Chef Nayak and Chef Singh’s partnership at Baraabaru at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa from December 15, 2024. Chef Nayak will be in residence from December 15 to 21, 2024, and April 21 to 26, 2025 with the “Two Hearts” menu available at Baraabaru year-round.
To be one of the first to try the latest Two Hearts menu at Baraabaru, email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the Central Reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888.
Cooking
New year of culinary excellence at Coco Bodu Hithi
Coco Collection, one of the highly recognised Maldivian-owned hospitality brands, is set to kick off 2025 by welcoming the globally celebrated Pâtissier, Chef Joanna Artieda, from 27 to 29 January, and Whole Hog BBQ’er, Chef Jord Althuizen, from 24 to 26 February, to Coco Bodu Hithi in North Malé Atoll.
Chef Joanna, a culinary virtuoso with years of expertise, has earned acclaim for her remarkable achievements and artistry. This includes receiving the first woman title of Best Spanish Chef in 2016, Madrid Fusion honour for two consecutive years, and to be titled as 1 of the 10 desserts that set trends in the World in Pastry Revolution Magazine in 2019. Further she acquired her last two honours, the 2022 Navarra Award for Gastronomy and the 2022 Best Pastry Chef Award.
At the end of 2019, she published her first book, “Sweet 12” (the world’s first digital book dedicated to seasonal products), a true creative tool with high hopes of innovating the traditions of sweet cuisine creation.
This collaboration ensures to feature the captivating fresh flavours of the island while artfully crafting an array of delectable sweets and mouthwatering small bites complemented with different flavours for guests of all ages – an exciting way to welcome the auspicious Year of the Dragon!
While Coco Bodu Hithi is known for its stunning barbecues under the stars, Coco Collection is honoured to welcome Chef Jord during the most romantic time of the year. Notable for his Whole Hog BBQ’er title in 2014, Chef Jord has won multiple awards for authoring four best-selling BBQ cookbooks (of the year award 2016 and 2017). Guests are invited for exquisite dining experiences at the resort as he puts forth a master of the grill and backed with his skill of perfection with an unforgettable dining experience, especially for the couples.
Recognised with multiple honours recently, Coco Collection aims to provide a unique culinary experience each day with incredible varieties. With Michelin Star chefs regularly visiting to create exquisite dining experiences for its guests, complementing the work Group Culinary Director and Michelin Star awarded chef, Martin Cahill, reflecting the resorts commitment to service and highly regarded gastronomic offerings.
Inspired to explore and indulge at Coco Bodu Hithi soon? Get ready to take advantage of the Discover Coco deals, which offer up to 40% savings on the spacious and comfortable villas. To reserve, contact reservations@cococollection.com and secure your extraordinary getaway.
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