Featured
Le Méridien Maldives Resort perfects organic, ‘farm-to-table’ dining
The Maldives’ luxury resort cuisine has evolved significantly from the country’s typical hamburgers and handmade beach BBQ lunches. Instead, island resorts throughout the nation have emerged as hotspots for Michelin-starred chefs to practice their craft and display their talents. Many chefs find the task of fusing more “basic” ingredients with haute cuisine to produce delectable dishes fascinating, and the outcomes are consistently pleasantly surprising.
Healthy eaters are aware that using fresh, organic foods that are sustainably sourced is the secret to gourmet cooking. In the Maldives, the “farm-to-table” notion is more than just a trendy culinary trend; it’s a way of life, a lifestyle that has been carried down through generations, including eating habits.
Chefs work closely with local farmers and fishermen who daily bring in fresh catch and organic food at the island resorts. Many opulent resorts are also devoting substantial areas of their land to growing food for their visitors, following the global trend that pushes for complete traceability and transparency of the items at the dining table. Every element is regional and in season.
The Greenhouse at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has perfected sustainable farming, incorporated cutting-edge concepts, and achieved cult status for their incredibly fresh and delectable Greenhouse experience. The culinary adventure, which is appealing to the romantic to the family-friendly, encapsulates and uplifts the joyful spirit of a day in the Maldives.
Eating, with its deeply local roots, has always been central to our physical, social and even spiritual existence, but never have we been more conscious of the ways in which our food is produced and consumed. At 430sqm, The Greenhouse is one of the Maldives’ largest state-of-the-art hydroponic farms that has been purposely designed to promote sustainable farming and consumption. The Greenhouse is a blueprint for the resort’s food menus and provides a physical link between the plate and the chef’s mindset – one not just occupied with creating beautiful food, but with the origins of the ingredients used.
“This trend toward organic, sustainably-sourced meals was sparked by worries about animal cruelty, environmental sustainability, and human health, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified it. Nowadays, people are more aware, sensitive, and responsible,” says Nilesh Singh, the General Manager at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa.
“We are serious about sourcing every single ingredient from ethical sources. We grow as much as we can in our Greenhouse. The menus use only the freshest, high-quality ingredients to tempt guests on a daily basis.”
Smart sustenance. A significant step towards self-sufficiency, The Greenhouse is a semi-automated hydroponic system that produces fresh leafy vegetables for resort guests and consumption on neighbouring islands. Developed in conjunction with Singapore-based company Kok Fah Technology Farm, The Greenhouse uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including an automated irrigation system that captures and recycles rainwater. This produces clean vegetables that are free of pesticides, grown in a stress-free environment and particularly nutrient-rich through the use of peat moss. Various leafy vegetables, Maldivian chillies, tomatoes and herbs have already been successfully grown in The Greenhouse with plenty more to follow – the harvest target is about 30 kilograms daily and up to 11 tonnes of vegetables annually. Now that’s a lot of fibre.
Designed to promote sustainable farming and consumption, The Greenhouse is nurtured and managed by the resort’s Head Horticulturist Juby Thomas. An environmentalist by heart, she followed this career path as hydroponics being the latest technology in agriculture. For her, this is the future of farming.
“Our Greenhouse is first and the biggest among various Maldives resorts. We grow the veggies fully organically with the latest technology, ie. Hydroponically, and our greenhouse is partially automatic it controls the temperature and light intensity which makes our greenhouse smarter than others. We also harvest the rainwater. We have big tanks which stores 30,000 litres of rain water,” she says.
“One of the challenges is to have rain water all year around. Although RO water can also be used but not all plants do well. I always faced the challenges as the opportunity to learn and understand more. My goal is to have more and more varieties of plants so as to fully utilise our large greenhouse even during off season.”
Juby’s curiosity is enlivened everyday as she explores the growth process of diverse plants and vegetables on the island of Thilamaafushi. Interacting with guests during The Greenhouse tour is the highlight of her day. She recommends to taste the Crystal Summer Roll from the Harvest Table, a holistic menu that is elevated with the freshest of ingredients, bringing together the spirit of organic dining with the love for mother nature.
“The staff, the hard work, dedication and the helping nature of the staff is what makes it more rewarding,” Juby says.
But the hard work isn’t left to the staff alone – guests can also get involved, taking on some gardening in the greenhouse or utilising ingredients during cooking classes. Ideal for foodies, there’s also the Harvest Table, a weekly supper club dining experience that spotlights hydroponic farming practices while enjoying imaginative dishes with a conscience.
The Greenhouse is just one way Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is leading in the way of sustainability. When Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa welcomed its first guests in September 2021, it marked the debut of Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. The 141-villa resort lies secluded in a southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll on the natural island of Thilamaafushi; an eco- conscious hideaway of indigenous flora and fauna surrounded by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs teeming with marine life. To ensure that this biodiversity is not only preserved, but thrives, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is committed to environmental consciousness in line with Marriott International’s Serve 360 sustainability policy – with a range of pioneering programmes that promote a culture of best practice throughout resort operations: coral restoration programmes, fresh drinking water in glass bottles, efficient recycling methods, and harnessing the power of the sun.
Owing to the exemplary work in their efforts to promote and practice eco-conscious holidays, the resort recently earned the prestigious BCA Green Mark GOLDPlus Award, an internationally recognised green building certification scheme tailored for the tropical climate.
Kandolhu Maldives has announced a new season of island experiences, highlighting the resort’s refurbished Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas and a series of exclusive dining collaborations with internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort aims to offer guests opportunities to rediscover its intimate setting through refreshed accommodation and elevated culinary events.
The newly enhanced Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas, each spanning 120 sqm, have been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. The villas now feature a spacious bedroom, a light-filled bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a private deck furnished with sun loungers and a sun umbrella. A new 23 sqm private pool has also been added, alongside a hammock suspended above the water, offering uninterrupted ocean views.
The resort has also introduced a line-up of exclusive dining events, bringing together Michelin-starred chefs and distinguished winemakers. These collaborations, hosted at Olive restaurant, combine fine cuisine with curated wine pairings, promising immersive gastronomic experiences.
- 3 October 2025: Chef Bernd Bachofer will present a degustation menu combining Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French haute cuisine. The evening will be paired with vintages from New Zealand’s Schubert Wines, led by winemaker Kai Schubert. Chef Bachofer, awarded a Michelin star in 2015, brings decades of expertise from renowned kitchens in Germany and Switzerland.
- 23 November 2025: The Kandolhu culinary team, headed by Chef Justin, will prepare a five-course Mediterranean dinner paired with Stonefish wines. Wine expert Peter Papanikitas will guide guests through each course, providing insights into the pairings.
- 3 December 2025: Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser will craft contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine in a five-course dinner for just 14 guests. Each course will be paired with fine Italian wines, offering an intimate dining experience.
Kandolhu’s Island Hosts, Claudio Stupan and Luciana Codiferro, commented, “Our vision has always been to create a space where guests feel both completely relaxed and deeply inspired. With refreshed villas and new culinary journeys ahead, we are proud to offer an experience that truly reflects the spirit of Kandolhu.”
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has announced that it will host its own take on Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 October 2025, bringing one of the world’s most recognised celebrations to a tropical island setting. The resort will combine Bavarian traditions with Maldivian hospitality, offering guests a week-long programme of music, food, and festivities.
A highlight of the event will be a performance by international DJ twins Kristina and Anna Grushina. With a strong global following of more than two million on social media and chart-topping success on Spotify, the sisters are renowned for their high-energy sets that transform any stage into a vibrant dance floor. Their performance on the resort’s beachfront is expected to be a key feature of this year’s festival.
Alongside live music, the festival will present German brews and themed culinary experiences inspired by Oktoberfest. Guests will be able to enjoy Bavarian-style dishes alongside a selection of hops and lagers served beachside. To add to the atmosphere, family-friendly activities and games will be organised throughout the resort, creating a spirit of connection and celebration in an island environment.
“We are excited to bring together international music talent, authentic gastronomy, and our island’s natural beauty in this celebration,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Every year, Oktoberfest and many other celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli continue to highlight culture, community, and entertainment in a way that is unique to our resort and to the Maldives.”
The five-day festival will not only celebrate Oktoberfest but also demonstrate Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s ability to host immersive experiences that blend international entertainment with the relaxed lifestyle of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort during this period will experience a beachfront festival of music, cuisine, and festivities designed to leave a lasting impression.
W Maldives will introduce The Joy Rituals, a two-week wellbeing programme in collaboration with Happy Hormones Yoga founders Rajendra Kumar and Katrin Berger. Scheduled from 15 to 27 September 2025, the initiative will feature yoga, meditation, laughter, and sound healing sessions designed to encourage guests to reconnect with their inner energy while experiencing the natural surroundings of the Maldives.
The programme includes sunrise and sunset yoga, breathwork and meditation, laughter yoga, immersive sound healing, and lectures on health and happiness. Aqua Yoga in the lagoon and evening meditations under the stars will provide distinctive experiences. The schedule coincides with World Wellness Weekend, held from 19 to 21 September 2025, aligning the resort’s programme with global wellbeing initiatives.
Rajendra Kumar, a two-time world record holder and gold medallist in yoga, is recognised for his focus on laughter and presence in practice. His record for continuous laughter lasting three hours and 47 minutes reflects his approach to joy as a form of self-discovery. Katrin Berger, a certified yoga teacher, sound healer, and molecular biologist, integrates science and spiritual practice in her sessions, combining sound healing with yoga to encourage balance and connection.
Commenting on the collaboration, Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives, said, “At W Maldives, we are constantly looking for bold and inspiring ways to elevate the guest experience. The Joy Rituals with Happy Hormones Yoga brings a fresh dimension to wellness, blending the playful spirit of W with transformative practices. It is a chance for our guests to find balance, energy, and joy in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.”
Rajendra Kumar added, “Yoga is not only about physical postures, it is about living fully, freely, and with a smile. Through The Joy Rituals, we want to remind people that laughter and joy are powerful tools for healing and awakening. Bringing this philosophy to W Maldives feels like the perfect match of spirit and setting.”
Katrin Berger also shared, “Our work is about creating harmony in both body and mind. With sound healing and yoga, guests can release tension, restore balance, and feel more present in their lives. At W Maldives, surrounded by nature and beauty, this experience becomes even more profound. We are thrilled to share The Joy Rituals with guests from around the world.”
Guests may book the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, which includes daily breakfast, a three-course dinner, and roundtrip seaplane transfers. The programme offers visitors an opportunity to engage in two weeks of movement, laughter, and wellness in a Maldivian island setting.yog
-
News1 week agoHauntingly beautiful Halloween night with VICTORI at Reethi Faru Resort
-
Action1 week agoDusit Thani Maldives offers direct access to Baa Atoll’s living reef
-
Cooking7 days agoSirru Fen Fushi unveils exclusive dining series with Michelin-starred talent
-
Family5 days agoKuramathi Maldives brings families together with fortnightly children’s programme
-
Celebration6 days agoBoduberu, craft and cuisine highlight National Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu
-
Celebration6 days agoEarly bird festive packages unveiled at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo
-
Featured6 days agoAlila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces spacious villas for families and groups
-
Featured7 days agoResearch places Maldives among best winter sun destinations