The Maldives has once again shown why they're much more than just a honeymoon haven, and in fact represent one of the most diverse vacation destinations fit for an impeccable retreat be it for wellness, families, groups of friends and as is a popular trend today, even work-ations. 

Four resorts from the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in the Maldives bring out the gastronome in everyone, yet another reason to hit escape and head to the land of sun and sand with varied and creative dining experiences and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can select their preferred resort from JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa or The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, all located on their own private islands and accessible by speedboat or seaplane from Velana International Airport, Male. 

With each resort offering a unique setting and a wide array of destination dining experiences curated based on cuisines, locations and occasions, one can prepare to sink their feet into pristine sand and relish a romantic private barbecue dinner on the beach, or enjoy a family movie night under the stars by the ocean or even sail out and escape on a boat for sunset cocktails. 

FORK & DRINK AT JW MARRIOTT MALDIVES RESORT & SPA

Located on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents everything one needs for a luxurious stress-free family vacation, and inspires guests to be fully present in the spirit of togetherness with loved ones. Eclectic dining experiences are offered throughout the resort’s five distinctive dining venues, three full service bars, a wine room and private beach dinners. 

The private dining concept at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to indulge in a culinary experience tailor-made just for them. The bespoke Destination Dining service offers a selection of dining experiences served at the resort’s most secret locations, be it a romantic candle lit dinner on the beach while watching the sunset or in the beautiful surroundings of their own villa. Some popular dining experiences at the resort include a floating breakfast offered in the comfort of the guests’ villa in their private pool, a lunch experience at the treetop Thai restaurant Kashi with stunning views of the sea, a beach dinner with unlimited Champagne and setups to match the occasion, Wine dinners in the Wine Room that houses 1,620 bottles and over 320 wine labels movie screenings by the seaside under the stars and a traditional Malafaaiy Dinner experience, to name just a few. Their resident Wine Sommelier is also on hand to recommend the ideal wine and Champagne to complement guests’ preferred cuisine.

Malafaaiy Dinner at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Menu starting USD 175 plus taxes per person, set up charges additional based on preference of location

Guests can experience a variety of delicious Maldivian dishes with a private ‘Malafaaiy Dinner’ served in a stunning location on the beach, including a sunken table setup based on the guests’ preference. A traditional dinner deeply rooted within the Maldivian history, which stems from fishermen’s wives who would cook and pack dishes in a traditional large wooden round box for their husbands to take on the boat. They would then wrap the box with cloth and tie it to bamboo sticks, allowing the men to carry and transport the food to the boat. 

In a ceremonious fashion, the Malafaaiy dinner at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is carried to the guest’s table, accompanied by lots of traditional bodu beru drumming, singing and clapping to native songs. The meal is then served on the table for guests to enjoy and consists of soups, signature meat, chicken and fish dishes, curries, rice, salads and their famous platter of coconut infused desserts. Traditional kurumba (young coconut) is served with the dinner.

This is also an initiative that shows the resort’s sustainability and social responsibility towards local fishermen and local boutique businessmen as the fish is bought from local fishermen and all the items for the setup and décor, traditional drums and ingredients are sourced from local islands. 

DINE ON OR OFF SHORE AT W MALDIVES

Located in North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is a luxury private island resort setting the stage to fuel the guests’ lust for life. The five-star resort features six restaurants and bars, a pampering AWAY® Spa and the world beneath the waves at DOWN UNDER with reef sharks in the best house reef of the Maldives. 

The Destination Dining options at W Maldives range from a private dinner at the beach or coral terrace and barbecue dinners with a private chef, to experiences aboard their yacht or at Gaathafushi, a private island that’s just a stone’s throw away from the resort.

Sail in Style

Starting USD 1500 plus taxes per couple inclusive of boat rental, private chef and the dinner menu

Charter W Maldives’ own private yacht ESCAPE, and sail over the sparkling waters of the Maldives into the sunset on the most romantic nautical getaway to experience the Indian Ocean like never before. The perfect trip to embark on if you like a breath-taking sunset at the end of a perfect day. While sailing into the sunset, enjoy a glass of Champagne and some nibbles. Sail in style with two luxury cabins, hang out on the infinite sun deck, and savor the chef's creative cuisine on-board while sipping Champagne – all just to take in the good life or to celebrate a special occasion on-board. The resort offers packages that allow guests to rent the yacht for overnight cruises, and cater special breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board as well.

The Ultimate Cast Away Experience

Menu options starting USD 390 plus taxes per couple 

W Maldives also offers guests the chance to encounter the wild and untouched paradise of a secluded island that is theirs to discover. One can indulge in exquisite serenity while exploring the surrounding silent lagoon or hang out on the signature W Bed under a thatched roof as they unwind like never before while a private chef sets up a special candle light barbecue as the sun dips over the horizon. It is no less than a Robinson Crusoe experience in luxury, waking up as the sun rises, to an innovative Champagne breakfast cuisine.

CURATED CULINARY EXPERIENCES AT SHERATON MALDIVES FULL MOON RESORT & SPA

Situated on a private island in North Male Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is accessible by a complimentary 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, making it an attractive destination for those who prefer brief travel. Offering seven restaurants and bars, two freshwater pools, a tennis court, a 24-hour gym and plenty of on-island activities including Sheraton’s signature Side-by-Side Family Program, the resort is the picturesque destination for honeymooners, families with young children or teens and solo travellers alike.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa features a wide selection of curated dining experiences, which they categorize by the time of the day. The team aims to present an unforgettable start as guests set the tone to a great day with a curated breakfast experience in the privacy of their own plunge pool; or whilst splashing around in the lagoon; or perhaps a romantic breakfast on the beach.  

Lagoon & Sandbank lunches

Experiences starting USD 295 inclusive of service charge and GST per couple 

The resort  also offers  Lagoon Lunch experiences, an ideal combination of sun & sea where guests can enjoy a hearty three-course lunch, barefoot in the calm, turquoise blue waters of the lagoon, and feel the water beneath their feet as they feast on sumptuous treats, and soak in the scenic views of their natural surroundings. The lunch on a sandbank is a quintessentially Maldivian, iconic experience, and by far one of the most popular dining excursions. Often featured on the covers of glossy editorials, this highly personalized trip is known to be the epitome of a true Maldivian vacation. The resort also welcomes guests to spend their afternoon with a long and relaxing picnic in a secluded location on the island, in their villa or on one of the lagoon islets.

Dreamy Dinners

Experiences starting USD 1,250 inclusive of service charge and GST per couple 

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa also features a variety of dinner experiences starting with a sumptuous 5-course degustation dinner, tailored to guest preferences and served in the Sea Salt pavilion overlooking the lagoon; a “Dinner of Dreams” on the beach, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Maldives sets the tone for a truly special occasion with a private musician; an oriental magical evening under the stars on the beach, in true Ottoman fashion and more.

Lots more

Experiences starting USD 295 inclusive of service charge and GST plus taxes per person

For those who want to try their hand at cooking, the resort offers a choice between Thai, Maldivian or Indian cuisine cooking classes under the guidance of an experienced culinary team. As for beverage lovers, an invigorating cocktail masterclass with experienced bartenders who share tips & tricks to creating sumptuous cocktails, is the best bet.

The resort also extends a unique location and setting for dining - an innovative floating hammock pontoon, HamacLand™, a water based recreational concept suited to those who enjoy the unconventional. This private craft offers guests unparalleled views of the natural surroundings with an elevated level of comfort. 

UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES AT THE WESTIN MALDIVES MIRIANDHOO RESORT

Menu options starting USD 140 plus taxes per person, set up charges additional based on preferences 

Nestled on a beautiful coral island of the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, guests of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort can experience a tranquil wellness escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views. The idyllic setting for romance, gastronomy and wellbeing, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort features  four restaurants and bars, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™, the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® fitness center and the Westin Kids Club®.

The resort presents numerous gastronomical journey and experience dining at unique locations around the island, complemented by a personalized bespoke menu. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort brings the world through an array of exciting international cuisines served in the most breath taking of settings. For those looking to turn up the romance in a tropical setting, the team arranges intimate day excursions inclusive of a picnic lunch, a dining experience for two prepared by a personal chef, movie screenings and beach dugout dinners. Their menu options add to the level of personalization offered, where guests can choose the cuisine they prefer to go along with their destination dining setting. From barbecue dinners to premium seafood menus, and even an all vegetarian menu option, guests are truly spoilt for choice. They also offer the opportunity to spice up your skills with cooking classes. Guests can indulge in a convivial and unforgettable experience, preparing a delicious meal or concocting a special dessert - a delectable, fun-filled program that combines learning with tasting. 

To know more about the offer click here and for further details on Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives click here. Marriott Bonvoy members can also enjoy a variety of benefits across resort facilities like food and beverage as well as spa savings. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com