Something very special in the world of gastronomy is about to open. From tree-top dining to Michelin trained chefs, and a food and beverage scene overseen by the former Executive Chef of Russia’s oldest continually serving restaurant, the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is opening this July with one of the most impressive gourmet offerings in the world. The hotel will feature five stand-alone restaurants, three bars, an expansive wine room with over 300 wines, a chef’s garden and multiple private dining options – an exceptional offering for a resort with only 61 villas.
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Spearheading the resort’s vibrant culinary and drinks scene is Executive Chef, Glen Cooper and Food & Beverage Manager, Amit Prasad. Cooper brings a wealth of experience from notable hotels around the world including Belmond Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg and Six Senses in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Prasad’s journey has seen him lead teams at the iconic Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur and Taj Mahal New Delhi, as well as being only one of a handful of qualified Masters of Wine in the Maldives.
Dining options include:
Kaashi and Rum Baan – Rustic and located in a quirky tree house with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean this is an unmissable venue. Chef Daniel, arriving from Kiin Kiin, Copenhagen’s only Michelin-awarded Asian gourmet restaurant, will wow guests with dishes such as the restaurant’s must-try signature dish, oysters on ice with nahm jim and shallots.
Expert rum connoisseurs and mixologists hailing from properties such as the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Huvafen Fushi Maldives and Six Senses Koh Samui in Thailand, will navigate guests through the selection of 98 internationally renowned rums, including rare varieties such as Brugal 1888 from The Dominican Republic, Ron Abuelo Centuria from Panama and Neisson XO from Martinique.
Hashi – This reservation only-restaurant will transport guests on a culinary journey of Japanese cuisine where Indian Ocean seafood is complemented with the flavours of teppanyaki grills and served alongside some of Japan’s finest whiskies, Sakes, refined teas and an extensive wine selection.
Japanese Specialty Chef Namuraj Tamang brings seven years of experience in Nobu restaurants and is partnered by Chef Pradip Magar from St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.
Shio – At this signature over-water, fine-dining restaurant guests can spot sharks and rays in the water whilst indulging in the finest grilled prime cut meats and crustaceans. Chef favourites include an Australian Wagyu 4/5 marbled 30-ounce Tomahawk, and a Maldivian Shaviyani grilled seafood platter served with Katta Sambal butter and Maldivian curry sauce.
Heading the restaurant is Chef Akila who has worked with Shangri La Hotels & Resorts and Taj Hotels. A must try will be the dramatic smoked cocktails served at Wabi Sabi, created by mixologist Tiziana Lecchi, joining from the Bulgari Hotel Milan.
Aailaa – Chef Upali, from Cheval Blanc, Four Seasons, and One & Only, oversees this relaxed all-day dining restaurant, with global favourites complemented by the resort’s expansive wine room, housing over 300 wine labels from all corners of the world, including vintage and less commonly available bottles such as Château Lafite Rothschild 2008, Château Margaux 1998 and Château d’Ýquem 1994.
Riha, Private Dining – Seating only eight a night, guests will dine under a canopy of stars in a traditional curry pit with their own personal chef. Chef Jeeva, joining from the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, will serve traditional family recipes handed down from generation to generation, encompassing authentic flavours from India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. By reservation only.
Fiamma – This al fresco, poolside Italian Bistro is centred around the authentic Italian woodfired oven where guests can enjoy traditional pizzas, fresh pastas, salads with simple flavour combinations and of quality driven ingredients.
The impressive 61-villa property is headed-up by Marc Gussing, one of the most respected and experienced Maldivian based General Managers. Located on the northern Maldivian island of Vagaru in the Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa will be a scenic 55-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, Male. The resort promises to be an epicure’s paradise, with the addition of stunning villas inspired by inverted Dhoni boats and all with private pools, a Spa by JW, a JW Kids Club – Family by JW, an over-water gym, an open-air yoga pavilion, multiple wellness spaces and much more.
www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/mlejs-jw-marriott-maldives-resort-and-spa/
