At Hashi & Shio, the resort’s Japanese and fine-dining grill combination, which is famous amongst guests for the seafood and steak offering, being keen vegetarian inclined eaters, Mum and I devoured vegetable tempura and a tofu steak so tender it almost melted. Kaashi, their Thai restaurant, served as a delightful, treetop lunch spot with sweeping views accompanied by fresh noodle bowls, summer rolls and mango sticky rice.
Ralf Tooten/Courtesy of Marriott International Maldives
At Fiamma, their oceanfront, poolside Italian spot, we floated from pool to table for a faultlessly simple, yet delicious vegetarian pizza and salad burrata. Nothing, however, beat the Maldivian destination dining experience the team created for us one night on the beach. This was a true symphony of local dishes. I lost count of the courses that were continually brought to us, but some standouts include the tuna curry, a spiced pumpkin soup and dips, the green, refreshing salad and a delicious fruit spread, all served under stars with live Maldivian drumming and dancing so contagious that even my usually shy mum got up to join the party.
I also can’t forget the breakfast at Aailaa, which I went to bed each night excited to wake up for. There were endless options to suit every palette, and my personal favourites were the dosa station, the omelette station, the yoghurt bar and some of the best pasties I had ever tasted. The culinary experiences were joyful, plentiful, utterly delicious, and so clearly represented the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa’s commitment to celebrating global cultures and local traditions.
Mum and I left each meal feeling genuinely cared for, because the staff always took time to explain dishes, share stories about the food, and check that we felt happy and comfortable. This warmth, constant and uplifting attentiveness, is what makes the JW Marriott Maldives feel different from anywhere else I’ve stayed before.
We were guided to the duplex treatment suite, where our Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience was tailored to our individual needs. The dedicated team had already prepared and tailored a divine coconut oil-based treatment for me, and mum opted for the treatment, which was designed to de-stress the mind. The suite was the ultimate chill zone, equipped with a private cold plunge pool, loungers, a steam room and a shower where you could choose different natural sounds to complement your mood.