Traditionally, the hotel buffet is perhaps seen as the most basic (but undoubtedly yum) option in most resort set-ups, right? The Island Kitchen, found at the central hub of the Westin, is anything but that. In fact, it’s a buffet at breakfast time – but what a buffet it is. Small but mighty, choose from fluffy eggs cooked to order, fresh yoghurt, fruit and pastries or freshly-made pancakes and waffles… and in line with the hotel’s wellness ethos, a plentiful choice of green juices and smoothies.
At lunch and dinnertime, the Island Kitchen moves over to an à la carte menu, which undoubtedly offered some of our favourite dishes of the whole trip. A fusion between Asian, Indian and local flavours, highlights were the sticky glazed pork belly and roasted octopus with black rice, as well as the most moreish calamari I’ve ever had (one of my regular re-orders during our stay, FYI). I’m not a big drinker, so I was extra impressed with the choice of fresh juices, smoothies and mocktails. A beloved Maldivian local dish, the fragrant tuna curry, is a must-try, too.
Courtesy of Fiona Ward
Courtesy of Fiona Ward
Impressively, the Westin is also home to an even more elevated food offering – Japanese restaurant The Pearl – which offers a five-course tasting menu, overlooking the ocean from an atmospheric decked area. Only open for dinner, I had to pinch myself (again) as I watched the sun go down from our alfresco table – by dessert, we were stargazing. Here, we enjoyed ultra-fresh sashimi, crispy tempura and tender meat skewers, rounding out the meal with smooth matcha ice cream. Although it was a memorable experience, my only criticism here would be whether I felt the refinement of the food matched the expectation of a ‘tasting’ menu – which was sold as a more luxe dining option out of all the restaurants.
Our favourite dining experience at the Westin actually took us completely by surprise. One lunchtime, during a tropical downpour – they do happen in the Maldives, of course, although our experience was brief – we strolled with our umbrellas to Hawker, the hotel’s casual beach restaurant.
Here, the kitchen is open and the vibe is chill, so I suppose I thought the food might be a little more low-key too. I was right, sort of. Undoubtedly, the menu is perhaps a little more rustic – think hot soups and stir fries, again with Asian influence – but the flavours are big. My husband’s Tom Yum soup was the best he’s had outside of Thailand, hot and sour with extra chilli and lemongrass, while my nasi goreng was ultra flavourful, too. A shoutout to my ‘Maldivian Lassi’ too, a local take on the Indian yoghurt drink with added coriander, coconut water, lime and honey. I still think about it now.
Courtesy of Fiona Ward
What to do at the Westin Maldives
Despite its secluded location, there’s plenty to keep you busy on Miriandhoo, if you so wish. I was super impressed by the wellness activities on offer – from the hotel’s luxe gym to the regularly scheduled yoga classes.