What the Maldivians do with freshly caught seafood is what the French do with sauces. In a word: wonderful. Whether cooked in restaurants and resort kitchens or merely barbecued on the beach, Maldivian chefs are in a word - fantastic! - and right up there with the 'Jamies' and 'Gordons' of the world, specialising in preparing simple fresh food to produce first class mouth watering gastronomic results.

Food
During your stay you're sure to have fresh tuna, swordfish, grouper, red snapper - or for a small extra cost: sensational rock lobster. Surprisingly, perhaps, there is far more to Maldivian cuisine than what comes out of the sea. New Zealand lamb dishes are memorable. Pork, lamb and fish curries can be fiery or mild, but always delicious. In fact, curry leaves are added to many specialities. Also recommended are kavaabu – snacks made from rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices.

Wine
Red and white wines, many from renowned Australian and New Zealand estates, are excellent and affordable - averaging about £15 for a bottle of good red or white wine. It's also comforting to know that beautifully prepared and presented buffets in resorts offer superb quality and excellent variety. In the Maldives, you're often invited to dine with friends – old and new – or have a quite, candlelit dinner for two on the beach.

Meal and Drink Plans
All the resorts are self contained and usually have more than one restaurant, which serve a good variety of cuisine(s) generally excellent 'modern European' and a good range of generic Asian food. Breakfast is almost always included in the tariff with an extensive breakfast ranging from a full cooked breakfast, fresh tropical fruits, cereals, pastries and cold meats. Most resorts also offer the option of half-board, which is breakfast and dinner (usually buffet), and full board which is breakfast, lunch and dinner. We would recommend the half board plan as an excellent 'value for money' option as lunch is normally not required on holidays (especially after a large breakfast!) and you can usually splash out on a a la carte dinner for a small extra fixed price if you require a really special meal! Various drink packages and plans are also available which we would recommend if you like a daily glass or 2 of wine.

Drinks
With rare exception, the only bars are in the resorts, where you'll find a good selection of alcoholic drinks, including excellent wines from all over the world including wonderful NZ, South African and Australian New World Wines. Spirits. Everything: single malt whiskies, gin, vodka, sherry, port, brandy, and many more. And of course a cooling beer on the terrace at sunset after a hard day on the beach. Imported or local beer. Of course! It all tastes superb after a hard day on the beach!

One drink you MUST try is  the islands' most popular cocktail concoction: the innocently named - but packing a punch like a mule- the Maldive Lady. It is delicious, moorish, addictive -  and way more powerful than its taste implies! Ingredients vary from bartender to bartender - so don't ask - just enjoy.

Nightlife
Although nightlife is relatively low key, resort entertainment varies from disco to folk entertainment, the odd film to a Maldivian cultural show, including exciting fire dancing. After all - your here to relax...!

Please note: during the month of Ramadan, alcohol is forbidden and served in resort bars and restaurants only but your in room mini bar is replenished daily.