Celebrate Spring in Paradise: The JW Marriott Maldives Nowruz Dining Series

24 February, 2026

As the Northern Hemisphere welcomes the vernal equinox, the pristine shores of the Maldives offer a truly unparalleled setting to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and the arrival of spring, this ancient tradition finds a modern, luxurious expression at the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.

This March, the resort invites global tastemakers and discerning travelers to partake in the "Spring of Flavours: Nowruz Dining Series," a meticulously composed journey of gastronomy, culture, and inspired island living . Taking place on March 20, 22, and 24, this trilogy of destination dining experiences transforms the resort's signature venues into stages for culinary artistry, blending the spirit of spring with the breathtaking backdrop of Vagaru Island .

Here is everything you need to know about this exclusive celebration.

A Trilogy of Curated Evenings

Each evening of the series is designed to highlight the unique character of the JW Marriott’s culinary landscape, offering a progressive journey through flavor and technique .

1. An Intimate Prelude at Aaila‘s Wine Room (March 20)

The festivities commence with an air of exclusivity. On March 20, guests are invited to an intimate wine dinner within the elegant confines of the Wine Room at Aaila, the resort’s beachfront restaurant .

• The Setting: This enclave is dedicated to private tastings, housing a curated collection of over 1,200 labels from renowned and boutique vineyards .

• The Experience: The evening unfolds as a five-course wine pairing dinner. Each selection is harmoniously matched to a seasonal menu, creating a seamless journey of flavor and balance. Highlights from the menu include a sophisticated start of A Perfect Egg with Sea Urchin Caviar, followed by Sterlet with Chestnut Velouté . It is the perfect welcoming prelude to the Spring Festival.

2. Theatrical Dining at RIHA (March 22)

The celebration continues on March 22 at RIHA, the resort's hidden beachfront oasis designed for immersive culinary experiences .

• The Setting: Set directly on the sand and framed by the Indian Ocean, RIHA features a dramatic sunken Tandoor and Tawa. This creates an intimate, theatrical setting where meals are prepared by a personal chef right before your eyes .

• The Experience: This is dining as a bespoke performance. Guests will savor dishes like Cured Duck Tartare with Eel Cream and Fiddlehead Greens, progressing to a rich Deer Pie with Civet Sauce—each course a testament to craftsmanship and the seasonality of spring .

3. A Grand Finale Overwater at Hashi (March 24)

The series concludes on March 24 at Hashi, where a serene overwater setting is transformed for an evening of refined fine dining .

• The Setting: Perched above the tranquil waters, Hashi offers a backdrop of unparalleled serenity for this culminating event.

• The Experience: The specially curated menu celebrates the purity of ingredients and precision of technique. Guests can look forward to innovative dishes such as Éclair with Cod Rillette and Reindeer Pelmeni with Porcini Broth, blending tradition with contemporary expression to honor the artistry of the chefs and the spirit of the season .

The Art of Island Living at JW Marriott Maldives

Beyond the Nowruz celebrations, the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa provides a canvas for ultimate luxury. The resort features 60 spacious villas, each boasting a private pool and panoramic views of the turquoise waters . Guests can choose between the tactile serenity of beachfront villas or the iconic tranquillity of overwater living.

To ensure every detail is tailored to perfection, each guest is attended to by a personal Thakuru (butler) . The resort also encourages unhurried discovery across its lush pathways, providing bicycles for guests to explore the natural beauty of the island at their own pace .

Plan Your Spring Escape

The JW Marriott Maldives Nowruz dining series is more than a meal; it is a harmonious celebration of spring, where each venue shares its own expression of renewal and the joy of gathering .

For those seeking a luxury Maldives resort experience that combines cultural celebration with world-class gastronomy, this series offers an unmissable opportunity.

Ready to experience a spring of flavors in paradise?

• Event Dates: March 20, 22 & 24

• Location: JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, Vagaru Island

• Ideal for: Couples, luxury travelers, and gastronomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Nowruz?
A: Nowruz, meaning "new day," is the Persian New Year. It is celebrated on the vernal equinox (the first day of spring) and marks a time of renewal, family gatherings, and festive meals.

Q: Do I need to be a guest of the resort to attend the Nowruz dinners?
A: While the article does not specify exclusivity, experiences of this caliber are typically available to resort guests. It is highly recommended to contact the resort directly to inquire about availability for outside visitors.

Q: What type of cuisine is featured in the Nowruz series?
A: The menus are a blend of global culinary artistry with seasonal, spring-inspired ingredients. You will see influences ranging from European fine dining techniques to dishes featuring local and international luxury ingredients like caviar, venison, and seafood .

Q: What is a Thakuru?
A: A Thakuru is a personal butler service unique to the JW Marriott Maldives, dedicated to tailoring your stay and ensuring every detail is taken care of, from unpacking to arranging experiences .

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