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A Culinary Welcome in the Maldives
Food
A Culinary Welcome in the Maldives
WRITER: Elwin Chan PHOTOS BY: Alvin Toh
A Culinary Welcome in the Maldives 30. October 2017, by Elwin Chan, Photos by Alvin Toh
“When you drink,you travel the world.”

Gili Lankanfushi is as well-known for its culinary offerings as its idyllic setting. To get an idea of what the luxury resort has to offer in terms of its delectable menu, there is perhaps no better introduction than Gili’s Tasting Journey, a new experience specially created to let guests sample a taste of Gili.

The experience is guided by award-winning sommelier Fabrice Blazquez, who hails from Bordeaux, France. Entertaining, charming, and knowledgeable, Fabrice takes guests on a 90-minute journey across five locations on the island, introducing them to not only the resort’s culinary offerings, but also the different restaurants, destination dining options, and amenities.

Gili's Tasting Journey, which starts at By The Sea restaurant, lets guests sample a taste of Gili.
Guests are accompanied on a 90-minute journey across five locations on the island.
The Underground Wine Cellar has a collection of over 800 varieties of wine.
A breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean, right by the pool.

The journey starts in the early evening at By The Sea, a fusion Japanese restaurant at the edge of the island. Looking over the clear, calm waters, guests are treated to a sophisticated pairing of two distinct types of sake and a taste of the land (beef) and sea (fish). Next, guests are ushered to the poolside, where they enjoy champagne and savoury macaroons with foie gras, matched only by the breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. Midway through the journey, guests enter the Underground Wine Cellar, where they are given an introduction to a curated collection of more than 800 varieties of wine from over 30 regions around the world. “When you drink, you travel the world,” Fabrice says.

From the wine cellar, guests then journey back up to an elevated deck next to the resort’s organic garden. There, seated among the jungle canopy, they sip rare whiskeys paired with smoked local fish, while soaking in the panoramic views of the lush surrounds. Finally, as the sun sets, the journey comes to a perfect finish at the Overwater Bar, where guests get to wind down with one of the island’s refreshing signature cocktails.

What makes a good pairing? “Either you’re making love or you fight. Either way, it’s good,” Fabrice enlightens.

Rare whiskey with smoked local fish.
Coconut sorbet with passion fruit, mango and banana at the Overwater Bar.
A glass of refreshing champagne, served with foie gras macaroons.
Amashi on crackers and beef tataki, paired with excellent sake.
“Dine In Bed, Over The Sea”

In the privacy and comfort of the overwater villas, guests can also savour a scrumptious meal in bed. The resort’s in-villa dining menu has recently been refreshed. The focus is on giving guests the same dining experience as they would in the restaurant, without leaving their villa. The refreshed menu boasts a tantalising selection of traditional Maldivian, Asian, and Western favourites. For breakfast, this includes an impressive assortment of meats, cheeses, chocolates, jams, honeys, cereals, muesli, and eggs cooked to guests’ specific preferences. Favourites include egg hoppers and a heavenly bacon cheddar benedict served on homemade scones. That’s certainly something to wake up to.

Gili Lankanfushi's in-villa dining programme gives guests the same dining experience as they would in the restaurant.
Wake up to bacon cheddar benedict served on homemade scones.

Read more about how at Gili Lankanfushi, guests experience a more discerning level of luxury.