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Fifteen years of fine dining at Baros Maldives
The landmark Lighthouse Restaurant at Baros Maldives is celebrating its 15th anniversary of fine dining with a special degustation menu.
The iconic, pinnacle-roofed restaurant on the shore of the legendary Maldivian luxury island resort of Baros is visible from miles away. Its opening in December 2005 elevated dining in the Maldives to an unrivalled level. Since then, the resort’s guests have been able to enjoy the pleasure of epicurean dining in a unique over-water setting.
With its eclectic selection of succulent local seafood, prime imported meat and modern classics infused with exotic flavour presented and served with style, the Lighthouse quickly won fame as an excellent dining destination in a breath-taking setting above the Baros lagoon.
For guests of Baros, dining in the Lighthouse at least once and enjoying magical sunset moments from the gallery of the Lighthouse Lounge has become an essential part of their stay.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary, the Lighthouse Chef, Nathif, has chosen the all-time favourites of guests to create an ‘Anniversary Degustation Menu’. Many dishes that are featured have been on the menu since the very beginning of The Lighthouse, satisfying returning guests who always request them.
The Lighthouse Cognac Flambéed Lobster Bisque prepared table-side from the Guéridon has become a favourite that many guests enjoy every evening. This will form part of the anniversary degustation menu.
Other popular highlights that are included are Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna Steak with Pan Fried Duck Foie Gras and Seared Medallions of 300-Day Grain-Fed Black Angus Beef Fillet.
The Lighthouse menu has evolved over the years as Chef Nathif and his brigade of skilled chefs know and understand what guests seek for the perfect evening of gourmet highlights accompanied by great wine.
The Lighthouse team has been recognised and awarded, nationally and internationally. Chef Nathif, who has worked at Baros for 16 years, has collected several prestigious awards over the years for culinary excellence.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved and we value every award we have received,” Chef Nathif said.
“However, the most valued award for our team is to have guests returning to dine with us. It is merely the best encouragement and acknowledgement when guests come back to the Lighthouse every day during their stay. It is not just the food, it’s also the setting and the team that make the dining experience exceptional.”
The six-course 15th Anniversary Degustation Menu is a perfect way to discover the fine food served at Baros and is available only at the Lighthouse Restaurant for a limited period.
The Lighthouse sommelier will assist guests with individualised wine pairing.
Baros is a boutique, private island of 75 overwater and beachside garden villas and white sand beaches set in a turquoise lagoon, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport.
Guests can relax in a tranquil, tropical setting, embark on an amazing culinary journey in Baros’ three restaurants and bars, dine on a secluded sandbank or the unique Piano Deck in the middle of the lagoon as well as take part in memorable snorkelling experiences around the flourishing house-reef.
The resort has been welcoming guests since 1973, and has spent decades honing its services and cultivating its environment, making it a legendary resort.
Baros consistently wins prestigious awards from guests and travel professionals for quality accommodation and outstanding service excellence, and is a member of The Small Luxury Hotels Of The World.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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