Unforgettable Private Dining Experiences at Maldives Resorts

Written by Jennifer Dawson

Discerning travelers want 'everything' when they visit the Maldives—stunning views, proximity to the sea, access to pampering experiences, a myriad of activities, and of course, great dining. Guests at high-end resorts are also seeking the chance to get to know Maldivian cuisine, in line with the global penchant for regional and local delights, as seen in Michelin-starred restaurants like Alevante (by chef Ángel León), Alina (by Grant Achatz). In the Maldives, many resorts are fulfilling the demand for fine dining by housing Michelin-starred chefs to ensure even the most sophisticated palates are surprised. If you're planning a visit to the Maldives and savoring the wonder of local and international delights in an intimate setting is on the cards, then put the following resorts on your bucket list.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is one of the best when it comes to five-star international and local dining. Its restaurants Alba, Orientale, and T•Pan, for instance, serve international, Eastern, and Japanese Kaiseki-style cuisine, respectively. The resort also has tapas, Middle Eastern, and other international establishments. This is great news if you wish to enjoy an exclusive private dining experience, since you can select from a myriad of dishes and culinary traditions. The St. Regis offers a myriad of private culinary experiences, including Starlight Dinner (set on one of Vommuli Island's powdery soft white sand beaches and featuring three beach barbecues), Laccadive's Dream (also featuring a beach experience and a deluxe beach barbecue), and St. Regis Magic featuring a private hut on the beach, adorned with tropical flowers, pretty candlelight, and festive lanterns). It's all about feeling the magic of the island lifestyle while enjoying a dreamlike candlelit meal with family or that special someone. Bring your designer swimwear and enjoy a beautiful swim before the sun has completely set. It's a fantastic way to feel the magic of this unique part of the world.

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Four Seasons Resort in Landaa Giravaaru

Four Seasons Resort in Landaa Giravaaru is located on an island that is a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve wilderness where turquoise hues, lush greenery, and dazzling white sands meet innovation, sustainability, and health and wellness. The resort is home to iconic restaurants like Blu Beach Club (serving sophisticated Italian cuisine), Al Bakarat (serving Arabian food), and Café Landaa (whose menu contains a blend of local and Asian dishes). Private dining takes place on a secluded sandbank. The discreet staff whisk you away on a speedboat so you can relax at a sand-carved candlelit table beneath a canopy of stars and tantalize your taste buds with a succulent barbecue prepared by private chefs that are exclusively yours for the evening.

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Soneva Fushi Maldives

Soneva Fushi is an eco-luxury retreat located on a virgin island with crystal clear waters and soft sands to lie on. The island is home to a small, highly exclusive selection of rooms and villas, including the Crusoe Villa (235sqm), Soneva Fushi Villa (395sqm), and Crusoe Villa With Pool (235sqm). Some of the villas have stunning pools, so you have all you need at your doorstep. In terms of dining, Soneva Fushi is best known for its sushi restaurant, So Hands On, by Japan's youngest Michelin-starred sushi chef, Kenji Gyoten. There is a six-month waiting list for this restaurant, so book way in advance if you will be staying at this resort. It is also famed for its Private Sandbank Dinner, set in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The evening begins with a meeting with a private chef. After discovering your preferences, they prepare a bespoke menu and serve an endless array of exquisite dishes at a beautiful table at the water's edge.

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Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort at South Malé Atoll

This stunning resort has both overwater and beach accommodations, plus two on-site restaurants (Sea.Fire.Salt, serving seafood dishes and 73 Degrees, serving Italian delights) and four more restaurants at its sister property, Anantara Veli. Private dining experiences commence with an adventurous ride aboard a luxury pontoon, which takes diners to the small private island of Gulhifushi, There, they can sip on a myriad of colorful cocktails, while also savoring a host of Maldivian specialities slowly roasted over a barbecue. Featuring freshly caught seafood and tender meat dishes, accompanied by a carefully curated wine pairing.

The Maldives is an ideal spot for couples, families, and groups of friends seeking a truly relaxing, nature-filled experience. Top resorts work in close alliance with the world's top Michelin-starred chefs, guaranteeing knockout gourmet meals. The most special experiences take place right on the beach beneath a blanket of stars, which instills a unique sense of calm and unity with nature.

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