Milaidhoo Maldives, a tiny tropical island in the Maldives, an emerald drop of paradise wrapped in soft white sands, surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, warm turquoise waters and hidden in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has announced a magnificent journey their guests can embark on this Holiday Season.
This year’s festive experience at Milaidhoo is all about an abundance of luxuries as enjoyed by the Sultans of the Maldives in the past – including indulging in vibrant spices and flavours like never before.
The inspiration for the programme dates back over 5,000 years, to 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, cowrie shells and sails woven from coconut fibre for these spices, as well as rice, ceramics and silks. Locally made cargo boats, or Ba’theli in the local language, sailed throughout the archipelago with these goods, spreading knowledge about different lands, customs and cuisines.
At Milaidhoo, this story continues to this day – not only through its boutique luxury approach that would make any sultan of the past feel at home with natural island-inspired comforts, but also with its culinary offerings based on the epicurean delights of the old Spice Routes that flawlessly blend flavours and cultures.
This festive season, Milaidhoo guests will be taken on a sensory experience filled with engaging activities, from being offered a taste of authentic Maldivian culture and experiences, to trying out new spiced dishes, learning the craft of cocktail making and indulging in an array of live stations preparing seasonings and curry powders expertly adapted for any individual’s tastes.
Highlights of the programme include an Arabic souk-themed dining experience featuring fragrant scents, sounds and colours that takes guests on a rich culinary adventure, wellness experiences centred around self-care, including herbal and natural products to promote healing, an exciting “Milaidhoo Mystery Spice Challenge” event, and blind tasting Spice and Grape sessions.
There will be various dining highlights at Ba’theli restaurant, the only restaurant in the world set on a boat in a lagoon featuring gourmet dishes of inspired island cuisine from the Maldivian Spice Route, a special “Sailing Like a Sultan” experience on a sailboat, as well as a beautifully decorated Christmas tree lighting event followed by a series of astounding New Year’s celebrations.
Milaidhoo offers guests the opportunity to craft their dream holiday and write their own “story of a small island”, through delectable flavours and an insightful, meaningful journey perfectly curated to celebrate the Festive Season.
