Merely eating creates cherished memories in the Maldives. While anything is possible at the request of a butler – whether a gourmet picnic on a Dhoni at sunset or breakfast on the deck of your private villa – House of Coco has discovered five incredible dining experiences at Niyama Private Islands, Naladhu Private Island and Anantara Dhigu.
Gaze at a jaw-dropping sunset
There aren’t many things that will make even the most anxious of people chill out instantly like calming waters, and Edge at Niyama Private Islands takes advantage of the smooth moves of the Indian Ocean by offering one of the best spots to have sundowners in the Maldives.
Each evening a DJ greets guests arriving by boat from the main islands five minutes away. Once the sun goes down the restaurant opens for a dinner service that showcases succulent seafood and where chefs specialise in creating contemporary culinary masterpieces.
Have lunch underwater
If freshly caught seafood is your thing, below Edge lies signature fine-dining restaurant Subsix which not only serves up creatures of the ocean but delights with panoramas of clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish… and even sharks have been spotted.
It’s one kilometer of the shore of Niyama Private Islands and, as the name suggests, is six metres underwater. Subsix’s aquatic-themed décor of black rubber chairs that resemble sea urchins and pearly ceiling decorations, will make you feel like you are lounging on the reef with the marine you can see in front of your eyes.
Chow down beside sharks
While you might spot sharks at Niyama, there’s ample opportunity to gaze at the creatures while dining on Anantara Dhigu. Waterside Sea.Fire.Salt – famous for its Salt Guru who pairs 16 types of salt from around the world with dishes – allows diners to bite into their popular charcoal base cheese pizza while they swim the waters lit up by romantic torches.
Head upstairs first for some eggplant lasagne, octopus and burrata sharing starters and enjoy and advantageous view of the fins from the balcony.
Eat Thai food in a treehouse
Truly feel among nature at Nest, which does a Teppanyaki downstairs and serves Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian cuisines upstairs in their treehouse-style restaurant at Niyama Private Islands. Guests cycle, walk or arrive by buggy at the quirky place illuminated by soft lamps. While the fruit bats are away, order Tom Yum soup heated at the table in a Bunsen burner-style contrapment, and crunch on prawn crackers until your curry or pad Thai arrives. The Dim Sum and mango and black sticky rice dessert are highly recommended.
Be transported to Africa
Take a culinary journey to the continent with a visit to Tribal at Niyama Private Islands where flavors of Latin America are incorporated with the likes of chimichurri and chipotle. A Masaai warrior greets diners and African tunes provide the soundtrack to to the night as guests try adventurous eating with game dishes and ostrich on the menu.
Once a week, the experience is taken outside of the wooden hut-style structure and onto the beach where their displayed aged meats are barbecued under the stars.
Create your own experience
Anantara Dhigu offers private dining experiences in stunning outdoor settings, from a deserted stretch of beach to a billowing faree tent under the stars. Guests simply make arrangements with their House Master who will take care of all the fine details with the Anantara team.
Naladhu Private Island’s main restaurant, The Living Room, specialises in fresh, seasonal cuisine, in a classic setting overlooking the lagoon. Guests can organise set meals and banquets for group dining across the island, whether by the infinity pool or a private dining affair in the Coconut Grove.
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