Connect with us

Cooking

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives to offers rich culinary landscape of global flavours

Published

on

The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands opens on 1 June with seven incredible restaurants and two bars for guests to explore, including options at Fari Marina Village.

Diners can enjoy a rich culinary landscape and travel the world on their palates, whilst feeling confident that every effort has been taken to ensure a focus on the highest-quality, seasonal ingredients and with the environment front of mind.

Experience the joy of a robust Italian espresso, share conversation over Cantonese tapas, toast to the sunset with a chilled glass of rosé or enjoy a local version of traditional Afternoon Tea.

Here is a taste of the global flavours that awaits guests.

La Locanda

A celebration of Southern Italy’s cuisine and customs!

La Locanda will be the ‘living room’ of the resort, where the spirit of Southern Italy will come alive.

It is a place to enjoy relaxed dining and delicious Southern Italian cuisine such as homemade pastas, a world-class espresso or a sunset aperitivo either indoors, or overwater, as well as sampling rare Proseccos, Italian wines, cannolis or boutique olive oils.

The Chef’s Table is available for bespoke tasting menus and Italian cooking classes, and there is also a private dining room for up to ten guests.

Design is light and fresh with floor to ceiling windows opening onto the Indian Ocean, beautiful terrazzo tabletops, Narumi bone china tableware and exclusive Kevala encircled by the carefully curated Italian library covering culture, fashion, food and art.

Summer Pavilion

An overwater restaurant showcasing Cantonese specialities!

Floating over the starlit Maldivian lagoon, the Summer Pavilion offers an intimate place to savour the finest Cantonese cuisine. Inspired by Michelin starred Summer Pavilion in Singapore, a menu of mouth-watering small plates has been curated.

This restaurant has the feel of being hidden within a Chinese garden filled with delicate plants and lanterns, enclosed by beautiful latticework.

It holds prime position next to the resort’s wine cellar, which stocks over 600 rare and high-end labels and also specialises in traditional Chinese tea rituals.

The cocktails, infused with Asian flavours such as lychee, ginger, Asian pear and mandarin, will be inspired by the speakeasy era, served in semi-private areas of the restaurant and made at the table to encourage that sense of conspiracy.

IWAU

Japanese flavours in an open-air setting!

The Japanese translation of ‘to celebrate’ IWAU is exactly that – an honouring of Japanese flavours.

Open to the night sky and a fantastic sunset spot, the restaurant has two nine-seat teppanyaki grills where guests can watch chefs prepare seafood and meat dishes.

Sushi and sashimi are offered at romantic tables for two set within the pool itself.

The pre-dinner Izakaya cocktails, using plum wine, yuzu, shochu, wasabi, miso, umeboshi will be mirrored by a wide menu of the finest sakes, Japanese whiskeys and teas.

Eau Bar

Beachfront dining that pairs elegance and wellness!

The adjacent Eau Bar is a chic setting, sweeping in a half moon shape around the iconic circular infinity pool, that speaks to health-conscious diners in an environment focused on wellbeing and relaxation.

The balanced menu features a selection of fresh oysters and caviar, while sipping on a table-side cocktail crafted from organic fresh ingredients.

Eau Bar will also offer a twist on the traditional afternoon tea, inspired by the Maldivian custom of hedhika.

The evening brings a moodier affair, offering a range of cocktails made at each table, inspired by Maldivian local spices as well as a selection of top shelf Champagnes and sakes.

Beach Shack

The Mediterranean meets the Maldives!

With sand underfoot and the sea just steps away, the family-friendly Beach Shack embraces the Mediterranean with its carefree, bohemian spirit.

Signature Mediterranean dishes include sharing platters such as burrata, heritage tomatoes and artichoke, seafood ceviche, paella, grilled fish, grilled tomahawk steaks and Sri Lankan mud crab all to be washed down with Provençal rose, many in magnum size, low-alcohol cocktails or delicious sangrias.

The open-air dining and live kitchen, close to Ritz Kids, is the perfect place to laze away the day, listening to chilled out music and the sound of popping corks, over a long lunch with family and friends.

Resident and visiting DJs spin throughout the day with kids’ story time offered fireside, as well as a starlit cinema and themed evenings.

Beach Shack also has its own gelato shop serving a range of ice creams, healthy sorbets, sundaes and milkshakes, including flavours such a Maldivian coconut and Valrhona chocolate.

Thanks to a strong connection to the dive centre, guests can also enjoy Jean-Michel Cousteau Naturalist sessions, bringing the surrounding marine environment to life.

Arabesque, Tum Tum at Fari Marina Village

The culinary landscape does not end at the resort, as the Fari Marina Village offers two additional restaurants.

Arabesque is a Lebanese inspired restaurant, with a tandoor oven, serving classic mezzes and north Indian cuisine. Cocktails will be refreshing and perfect for the sober curious, alongside Turkish coffee, Moroccan tea and Nebu Shisha.

The restaurant has been designed in the style of a Bedouin tent, with tactile textures, terracotta hues and shapes reflective of its Middle Eastern inspiration, as well as sunken tables perfect for ordering a smoking shisha cocktail and whiling away the hours.

In contrast, Tum Tum is a South East Asian food truck serving wonderful street food using wok and steam, including its six signature bao buns. This is a pit stop while enjoying a day of shopping and culture at Fari Marina Village.

Dishes include fresh, crisp Asian salads, delicious noodle and dumpling soups and steamed dumplings.

Dine by Design experiences

Integral to the culinary experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is its Dine by Design concept, which allows guests to choose from a number of exclusive, private locations to dine in.

Imagine a sunset sandbank BBQ with a private chef, dinner with a private chef in a secluded cove or within the Wine Cellar, surrounded by rare labels with a specialist menu highlighting wines of the guest’s choice.

Other exceptional experiences include the Omasake Experience at IWAU where guests can enjoy a bespoke Japanese menu in the infinity pool itself, or a sunrise yoga breakfast to welcome the day in together.

These destinations have been hand-picked by the resort Ladies & Gentlemen as the most iconic spots for making those magical memories, such as private diners, proposals, beach weddings, family gatherings or memorable beach picnics.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has a 100 per cent no single use plastic policy, which extends to no single use napkins, coasters, condiments or menus.

When designing the supply chain, the team has ensured there that no excessive packaging is used, that they order locally and that and excess food is donated to a local food bank.

A strong recycling programme has already been established, as well as a rubbish compactor, and all outlets will use the resort’s composting system for vegetable waste, or re-use scraps in other forms. All cooking oil will be collected and turned into bio-diesel.

Other efforts include training on cooking smartly to reduce unnecessary energy and water usage.

The menus at each restaurant will offer plant-based options to encourage guests to explore a vegan diet, but all meats, where served, organically produced and 100 per cent grass fed.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Island is ideally located at Fari Islands, in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, which is a 45-minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport.

The resort features white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs with marine life.

Shaped by the Maldivian sun and shored by the Indian Ocean, guest villas at The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Island are expected to range in size from one to three bedrooms, featuring the refined elegance and legendary service that define The Ritz-Carlton brand.

The property is also expected to offer a choice of outstanding culinary venues serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is part of Fari Islands, an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton.

The guests are expected to have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina features charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options.

Spaces have been designed by the renowned Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about a delicate balance of serene and social.

Cooking

Award-winning Pastry Chef Elena Nabiullina brings contemporary pâtisserie to The Nautilus Maldives

Published

on

The Nautilus Maldives welcomes award-winning pastry chef and CREAMO founder Elena Nabiullina from 7 to 12 November 2026 as part of its Masters for Masters series. Her residency will bring contemporary pâtisserie to the island through a guest dessert masterclass and a special creation offered to all guests staying during the week.

At The Nautilus, culinary experiences begin with individual tastes and curiosity. Within this spirit of unscripted dining, Elena invites guests to explore the imagination, precision and care that transform familiar ingredients into memorable desserts.

Her journey began in her mother’s kitchen, making nut-shaped biscuits filled with condensed milk and delicate pastries. Although she initially pursued a career in industrial and civil construction, an encounter with French chef David Emmerle inspired her to turn a lifelong fascination with confectionery into a profession. Elena studied at the Ragout School and interned at Akrame in Paris, further refining her craft through training with Cédric Grolet, Garuharu, Ramon Morato, Jordi Bordas and Karim Bourgi. Her specialist education includes Valrhona’s private school in Dubai, Carpigiani Gelato University and the Institut National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie in Rouen, France.

Named Pastry Chef of the Year in 2024 by WHERETOEAT, she has contributed to more than 14 restaurant openings. She also served as pastry chef at Café Garage at the Garage Museum and founded CREAMO, her artisanal gelato brand. Her work combines contemporary technique, unexpected flavours and a thoughtful balance of textures and presentation.

On 8 November, Elena will lead a dessert masterclass for guests, sharing the techniques and creative inspiration behind her signature CREAMO cookies. Easy to recreate at home, these treats will allow guests to bring a taste of the experience into their own kitchens. Throughout the residency, all guests staying at The Nautilus will also receive her signature Bublik, an elegantly crafted, ring-shaped dessert, presented with a specially designed card sharing the story behind Elena’s creation. The Masters for Masters series brings accomplished creators to The Nautilus to share the passions that define their work. Elena’s residency offers a personal encounter with the chef behind the craft, with time to learn, exchange ideas and savour her artistry in the intimacy of a private island home.

To learn more about Chef Elena Nabiullina Residency at The Nautilus Maldives, visit here.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Barceló Nasandhura Malé partners with Ministry of Crab for rooftop dining experience

Published

on

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has announced an exclusive two-night gastronomic pop-up collaboration featuring the celebrated flavours of Ministry of Crab at B.Heaven Rooftop on 13 and 14 November 2026.

Created by internationally acclaimed chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, Ministry of Crab is a distinguished fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Known also for Carne Diem Grill at Crossroads Maldives, the country’s only restaurant featured in 50 Best Discovery this year, Chef Dharshan’s culinary philosophy will be brought to life in Malé through an extraordinary showcase of iconic Sri Lankan mud crab and freshwater prawn specialities.

Hosted against the panoramic ocean backdrop of B.Heaven Rooftop, this landmark commercial engagement brings Ministry of Crab’s world-renowned culinary philosophy to the Maldivian capital. Built on a foundation that prioritizes ingredient freshness above all else, Ministry of Crab operates under a strict “no-freezer” policy. The event will feature export-quality Sri Lankan mud crabs and majestic freshwater prawns flown in fresh for the two-day dining showcase.

“We are delighted to bring the iconic flavours to Barceló Nasandhura Malé this November,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for both our hotel and the capital’s dining scene as we elevate the local epicurean landscape, offering our resident guests and Malé’s culinary connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience award-winning gastronomy.”

Chef Dharshan Munidasa commented on the collaboration: “Maldives holds a special place in the regional food landscape, surrounded by the same pristine Indian Ocean waters that inspire much of my culinary work. Partnering with Barceló Nasandhura allows us to showcase our iconic Ministry of Crab signature dishes—from our Garlic Chili Crab to our hand-crushed Pepper Crab—alongside exclusive preparations crafted specifically for B.Heaven Rooftop.”

Over the course of this limited two-day engagement, guests will indulge in a curated menu highlighting Ministry of Crab’s flagship preparations.

Continue Reading

Cooking

MICHELIN Guide 2026 recognises Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

Published

on

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been included in the 2026 selection of the MICHELIN Guide, recognising the independently owned Maldivian resort for its hospitality, facilities and guest experiences.

The MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection features properties from around the world, assessed against five criteria: connection to the destination, architecture and design, quality and consistency of service, authenticity and character, and value for the experience offered.

Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili features 75 villas, including 36 overwater villas, each equipped with a private pool. The resort caters to couples, families and groups of friends, offering accommodation and facilities designed to accommodate different guest preferences.

The resort offers eight dining experiences, an overwater spa, a 150-metre swimming pool, and a range of sports and wellness facilities. Its location near Chickens Break, one of the Maldives’ established surfing destinations, provides guests with access to surfing activities alongside other water-based experiences.

Kuda Villingili has also received Green Globe certification for the third consecutive year, reflecting its efforts in environmental sustainability and community engagement.

“Being selected for the MICHELIN Guide is a meaningful recognition for Kuda Villingili and, above all, for our team. Every day, our ambassadors bring warmth, care and individuality to the guest experience. This recognition reflects the passion behind what we have created together and encourages us to continue evolving while remaining true to who we are,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.

The resort’s hospitality concept focuses on providing guests with flexibility to personalise their stays through activities including surfing, wellness, dining and family experiences, as well as opportunities for relaxation.

The inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection represents another development for Kuda Villingili as it continues to position itself within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector under its brand philosophy, Time and Space Redefined.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.