Best of the Maldives: Chocolate Art – Sheraton Full Moon

Sheraton Full Moon chocolate scene

 

Another natural aphrodisiac and a romantic way to start any date is chocolate. And Sheraton Full Moon has concocted an elaborate confection with a sub-aquatic theme. The picture above says it all.

Only made with chocolates…Created by our Pastry Chef for one of our loyal divers at Euro-Divers

I reminded me of one of Heston Blumenthal’s signature dishes at the world famous Fat Duck restaurant called ‘Sound of the Sea’ (“[eaten] while listening to to waves crash through an ipod located in a giant sea shell. The dish was presented on a two tier wooden and glass board and was topped with sashimi of brilliantly fresh tuna, halibut and mackerel on top of ‘sand’ made out of spiced tapioca and a shellfish foam”). The Full Moon has confined itself to one main ingredient – chocolate!

Best of the Maldives: Coral Romance – Kuramathi

Venus solar eclipse

It’s that time of year again when the coral polyps become all twitter-pated with this week’s full moon (corals reproduce during the full moon in the summer). Coincidentally, Venus – the Roman goddess of Love – passed in front of the fiery Sun today to stoke even more astronomically romance into the mix.

If you want to celebrate this season of micro-organism orgasmics, then Kuramathi offers a ‘Coral Romance’ excursion

“For ultimate relaxation, tranquillity and some pampering, take a trip to the heavenly island of Kandholhudhu, reached 45 minutes by speedboat. Surrounded by a stunning beach, this small and lush island boasts one of the most beautiful house reefs in the Maldives.”

Romance from the heavens above to the ocean depths below.

Commonwealth Colours

Queens Diamond Jubilee Procession Seaa Cadets iPlayer

   

 

Hip-hip hooray! Hip-hip hooray! Hip-hip hooray!

Three cheers for the Queen and all those who contributed to making her Diamond Jubilee Procession the biggest aquatic event in the world. Something the UK shares with the Maldives is being an island nation whose culture and history is defined by its intimate and powerful relationship with the sea. And celebrating 60 Years of service by Queen Elizabeth was the historic, world-record setting flotilla which included a bit of the Maldives itself. The British Sea Cadets provided their own little armada of boats each sporting a flag from a Commonwealth country. You can see the Maldive colours flying at the front of the pack in the freeze of the iPlayer recording of the day’s proceedings (see clip above paused at minute 2:30.19. For those of you who can’t get BBC iPlayer as it is not available in all countries, here are some great TV reports of the Procession by Sky and CBS).

Also, below is a snap from Flickr where you can see the Maldives flag right in the middle of the picture.

Congratulations to the Queens. Long may her grace and steadfastness reign!

 

Diamond Jubilee Procession Sea Cadets

Best of the Maldives: Reef Innovation – Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Lotus project 2

Banyan Tree Vabinfaru takes a completely different approach to using electronic media to help preserve the environment. Their Lotus Project is pioneering the use of ‘Mineral Accretion’ technology which use low voltage electric currents to stimulate coral growth (thanks John). Sort of an electromyostimulation for reef fitness…

“In November 2001, the Vabbinfaru Lotus was successfully launched. This unique reef restoration project was developed under the supervision of architect Prof. Wolf Hilbertz, coral scientist Dr. Tom Goreau and Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, the marine environmental consultant to Banyan Tree Maldives. The metal structure is two meters high, 12 meters in diameter and shaped in the form of a giant lotus flower…A method invented by Prof. Hilbertz and Dr. Goreau called ‘Mineral Accretion’ now enables us to restore marine habitats by using completely safe low voltage electrical currents to grow solid limestone structures in the sea and making additional energy available for the corals. The energy accelerates the growth and reproduction of corals; it increases their ability to resist environmental stresses and makes them healthier and visibly brighter in color…The Vabbinfaru Lotus is not only a visually appealing object but also combines aesthetics with purpose. It acts as a coral nursery, a ‘Coral Ark’, that maintains a fascinating diversity of species. With its open flower shape the surface area is maximized, inviting the sun to promote the development and growth of the corals. Half a ton of welded construction reinforcing bar was used to build the frame, which was then carried by around 40 volunteers through the shallow lagoon and deposited on the slope of Vabbinfaru’s outer reef. The Lotus is now located at a depth of three to ten meters…It uses around 600 watts of power, which is only a little more than each of the lights on the jetty attracting fish at night.”

Power to the coral!

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Lotus project 1

Best of the Maldives: Eco-Video – Kuramathi

Kuramathi environment video

Happy International Children’s Day!

 

 

The children are our future and in Kuramathi’s latest eco-initiative, they are taking the lead in preserving it. Both in style and in protagonist. Kuramathi has produced a charming animated video on tips for preserving the environment in the Maldives. The style might seem a little…well…childish. But it works it still works on a number of levels. First, it’s not taking itself too seriously which keeps it entertaining and helps keep people from being turned off like some preachy or pedantic approach might do. Secondly, there is no speaking. This means that people from all countries and languages can benefit from it equally. It reminds me of the cartoon videos they now use for the safety briefings on the BA flights. A little cheeky, a lot useful.

“The 10 minute plot revolves around two characters, a father and his son holidaying on a tropical island. While they are lazing around, the father unknowingly and unintentionally harms the environment in each sequence, to which the modern day, ‘eco-aware’ child halts his action, supported by an eco-brochure and corrects him by fast forwarding to the distant future in a thought bubble. The child succeeds in informing his father the right way to protect and preserve the natural surroundings. A brief synopsis of each setting describes how important it is to respect the environment and how we can go about doing it. Each sequence gives off a subliminal message to its viewers. Employing proper snorkelling etiquette by observing the fragile coral garden from a safe distance, dispersing rubbish into litter bins, and respecting nature by not touching shells, corals and other animals are key notable messages portrayed in the movie. This original masterpiece was created by Thomas Krajcovic and Matej Petrek, two Austrian students, who was invited by the Kuramathi team to spend one week on the resort, in order to study the island, and its environment and dynamics, selecting the key messages to embed into the film’s storyboard. Under our senior marine biologists’ guidance, the plot was soon finalized and later taken over by the two students for the production of the film. Due credit is also given to the generous patronage by TUI – world famous European tour operator who supported this initiative by sponsoring the flights for the two students.”

Best of the Maldives: Olive Oil – Anantara Kihavah

Anantara Kihavah olive oil

 

 

“Somelier, what do you have with fragrant bouquet, golden colour and smooth texture.”

Nope, not a guest at the Bubble Lounge seeking a tip on some tipple, but rather at Anantara Kihavah olive oil emporium…

“Casual lunches of crisp salads and traditional pastas are served poolside.  In the evening the upstairs restaurant transforms into a leisurely Italian delice, offering regional specialties skilfully crafted from traditional ingredients.  And expect an Olive Oil Sommelier to explain a selection of olive oil samples with the kind of lexicon usually reserved for wine.”

Their ‘extra virgin’ selection includes…

  • Rustichella d'Abruzzo NOVELLO Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italy
  • PONS Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spain
  • Dandaragan Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Australia
  • Vallaurea Ardoino Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italy
  • Coriole Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, South Australia
  • Ionis Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil (organic), Greece
  • Marmarabirlik Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Turkey
  • Terra Rossa Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Jordan
  • Colonna Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italy
  • Naturbosco Arezzo Black Truffle Oil, Italy
  • TartuFlanghe Piedmont White Truffle Oil, Italy
  • Mongibello Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil (organic), Italy

And the perfect complement, as well as just as pricey as many bottles of champagne per bottle, gourmet balsamic vinegars…

  • La Vecchia Dispensa Balsamic Vinegar 10yr
  • Bellei Balsamic Vinegar of Modena 12yr
  • Champagne Vinegar
  • Cherry Vinegar
  • Percheron Cider Vinegar
  • Komesu Rice Vinegar
  • Raspberry Vinegar
  • Red and White Wine Vinegar

At Kihavah, even a simple salad for lunch is an occasion with style and distinction. Even dieting to keep that swimsuit figure doesn’t mean missing out on gourmet delicacy.

Best of the Maldives: Champagne Bar – Irufushi

Iru Fushi Bubble Lounge

If you would rather see tiny bubbles than fish in your glass, then Iru Fushi’sBubble Lounge” is your sanctuary…

“A true heaven for Champagne and Sparkling Wine lovers. The perfect environment to relax and savour Champagne and Sparkling wine by the glass or by the bottle coupled with fine hors d’oeuvres. Our bubble lounge is a truly romantic, sensual experience.”

Vintage accompaniments include Salmon tartar with grapefruit ponzu and pop corn dust, fresh oyster with dashi caviar, marinated scallion & mint granite, iced d-tom kah gai, kaffir lime infusion and candied chili, peppered white chocolate and Thai basil Peppered white chocolate coated strawberries.

They also serve other sparkling wines from Spain and Italy and have bottles up to Jeroboam size. The most extravagant bottle of bubble is Louis Roederer Crystal Magnum for $1,950.

Best of the Maldives: Spa Glass Floor – Coco Bodu Hithi

Coco Palm Bodu Hithi spa glass floor

You don’t have to be under the ocean to enjoy aquarium views of a tapestry of marine life with the increasingly popular glass floors. Coco Bodu Hithi has added them to their spa rooms to ensure that even face down, the view is as stimulating as their treatments. I’m impressed when spas are attentive enough to such details to provide a bit of a flower arrangement under the treatment table head support. I have even seen spas with glass floors under their tables, but they were just small portals. CBH not only has quite an expansive glass floor (the big spa treatment glass floor that I have come across), but also has etched an enchanting design and added a flowers as well.

Sights, scents and soothing.

Best of the Maldives: Underwater Function Room – Anantara Kihavah Villas

Anantara Kihavah underwater room

Such wonderful things surround you
What more is you lookin’ for?
Under the sea, Under the sea
Darling it’s better
Down where it’s wetter
Take it from me
The Little Mermaid

If you want your social functions immersed in water, then Anantara Kihavah are the latest to add an underwater spectacle to their resort.

The biggest of the underwater rooms in the Maldives extends it to more than a meal or treatment. It is being used for dining, dancing, functions like weddings (see picture below) and special events like wine tastings…

“View and savour the Indian Ocean’s abundance of marine life by descending into a connoisseur journey at the underwater restaurant and wine cellar, ‘Sea’, where guests are indulged with exquisite degustation menus or classic creations and tempted by the resident Wine Sommelier’s perfect accompaniments from a vast array of new and old world selections. Oenophiles will delight in the impressive underwater wine cellar, featuring one of the most balanced and diverse wine collections in the Maldives with over 6,500 bottles and 320 labels from 14 countries. 22 labels are available by the glass and regular tasting sessions offer guests a tantalising journey through the vineyards of the world.”

Sort of a new dimension to going ‘down below’ to see the wine cellar and literally taking special occasions to the next ‘level’.

Anantara Kihavah underwater wedding

Best of the Maldives: Hydroponics Garden – Kuramathi

Kuramathi hydroponic gardeni

The Chelsea Flower Show has become so big that it has spawned the ‘Chelsea Fringe’ which features some more adventurous and unbounded horticultural initiatives. With similar spirit, Kuramathi has developed its own alternative horticultural innovation with its new hydroponics garden

“Set in the centre of the island, the Hydroponics Garden is a remarkable facility which caters 70% of fresh salads to the food outlets on the island. The garden which runs by a greenhouse system consisting of 20 greenhouses produces herbs such as coriander, rocket, green basil, mint, purple basil, dill, sage and lemongrass. This efficient and eco-friendly method facilitates rapid harvesting where plants grow within a month’s time. The greenhouses are categorised by type, for instance 15 greenhouses grow lettuce whilst another 5 grow herbs. Richard Brittaine, Resident Horticulturist who leads the Hydroponic Garden says that the system which is wholly dependent on water is supplied with nutrients that make up the solution necessary for the plants to grow, and the water is changed every 2 months. The facility has been running for nearly 18 months and more plants are planned to be introduced over time.”

Other resorts, like Park Hyatt Hadahaa and Filitheyo, have hydroponic garden facilities, but Kuramathi is the most extensive and ambitious that I have come across yet. For more details and pictures, check out their Facebook page.

Swish!