TANTALISE THE SENSES THIS CHRISTMAS
WITH THE LAUNCH OF MILAIDHOO’S FESTIVE PROGRAMME – INSPIRED BY THE ANCIENT MALDIVIAN SPICE ROUTES
New for the festive season, Milaidhoo Maldives is inviting guests on a sensory, culinary journey inspired by the ancient Maldivian spice route from over 5,000 years ago when the Maldives became a key port of call for traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia with cargoes of cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, ginger and pepper. The Maldivians bartered coconuts, sun-dried fish, cordage and sails woven from coconut fibre, and cowrie shells (which became currency) for spice, rice, ceramics and silks. Locally-made cargo boats, ‘ba’theli’, sailed throughout the archipelago with these goods, spreading knowledge about different lands, their customs and cuisine.
The spice story is brought to life at Milaidhoo through an array of culinary and wellness offerings. For example, guests will learn how to prepare seasonings and curry powders using the fragrant spices during a special cookery lesson with the Head Chef – who can help adjust powder strengths for an individual’s tastes. Also included in this year’s festive programme is an Arabic souk-themed dining experience featuring aromatic scents, sounds and colours for guests to become fully immersed in the Maldivian culture and learn the history of the spices. Other highlights include an exciting “Milaidhoo Mystery Spice Challenge” event at Shoreline Grill, blind spice and wine tastings and a special “Sailing Like a Sultan” experience on a traditional Dhoni sailing boat.
Guests can indulge in gourmet dishes at Ba’theli – the first modern Maldivian restaurant in the Maldives. The restaurant is steeped in Maldivian tradition with each dish taking inspiration from the favourites of the ancient maritime spice route; using the fragrant spices to enrich and elevate meals. Reflecting its heritage, Ba’theli’s architecture takes its name from the local word for a traditional wooden sailing boat and has been built in the shape of three boats that stand on stilts over the lagoon. Guests can dine under the stars on restaurant’s deck or inside the boat where a glass floor reveals views of the marine life below, all inhabitants of the resort’s spectacular house-reef.
Other festive offerings include a craft cocktail making masterclass and soothing spa treatments held at the peaceful overwater Serenity Spa using herbal and natural products. No festive celebrations are complete without a magical Christmas tree and Milaidhoo will be hosting a Christmas tree lighting event followed by the New Year’s celebrations and festivities.
Set over 13 acres atop the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, each of Milaidhoo’s 50 private villas have been designed by a local Maldivian architect and each thatched-roof villa is serviced by private ‘Island Hosts’ and feature generous private pools. The villas are just a short, barefoot stroll away to three world-class restaurants, incredible watersports, fitness, spa, yoga and world-class diving.
HOW: Milaidhoo can be easily reached via a 30-minute seaplane from the international airport in Male or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo domestic airport in Baa Atoll, followed by a 15-minute speedboat to Milaidhoo Island. Rates start from $1,625 per night in a Water Pool Villa on a half board basis, based on two sharing. The festive activities listed above are available for guests staying between 23 December 2022 to 11 January 2023 (a minimum night stay of 7 nights is required). The Arabic souk-themed dining experience is priced at $250 per person, the Milaidhoo Mystery Spice Challenge is priced at $150 per person, the Blind Tasting – Spice & Wine by the Shore is priced at $150 per person and ‘Sail Like a Sultan’ is priced at $245 per trip. For more information please visit: www.milaidhoo.com /https://www.milaidhoo.com/special-offers/festive-season-at-milaidhoo.html
