The Maldives is a dreamy destination where escaping the pressures of every day life is simple. You’ve seen the pictures, you know what we mean. In fact, you may have been lucky enough to visit previously and if so, you know exactly what we mean. From the picture postcard beaches with the whitest of sand and unimaginably blue oceans, the Maldives is one of the most unique and extraordinary countries on this wonderful planet. But of course, even with the stunning natural beauty and some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, without an array of creative and delicious plant-based food, this dream destination could easily turn into your holiday nightmare.
Fear not, we’ve got you covered with four vegan friendly resorts in the Maldives that have adapted their culinary offerings, to cater for those of us who are partial to a generous slice of vegan luxury whilst on vacation.
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
As a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Amilla Maldives is a unique and independent luxury resort in Baa Atoll, one of the most breathtaking locations in the Maldives. This pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (where snorkelling with magnificent manta rays is not to be missed) offers the perfect home for a resort who have sustainability and respecting the environment as two of their core values. With a selection of modern and stylish pool villas to choose from, or vast and luxurious residences with up to eight bedrooms, Amilla Maldives is sure to making your wildest Maldivian dreams come true.
When one of your favourite vegan friendly luxury resorts in the Maldives starts to collaborate with visiting vegan chefs and restaurateurs, you know that they’re serious about remaining at the forefront of the fast growing vegan luxury travel market. Spending time at the resort just confirms with us just how committed these guys are, Amilla Maldives is a bonafide vegan luxury paradise. Their ‘Wellness Your Way’ concept means that every restaurant has a vegan and vegetarian menu, each boasting an extensive selection of delicious and nutritious plant based delights. Did someone mention vegan sushi and the most decadent of vegan chocolate cake?
Cora Cora Maldives
Having opened towards the end of 2021, Cora Cora Maldives is one of the newest luxury resorts to open their doors in the Maldives. Boasting a vibrant and colourful collection of more than 100 beach villas or water residences and multiple restaurants, Cora Cora Maldives has received rave reviews since their debut. Championing the often overlooked Maldivian history and culture, the resort features an art gallery and museum showcasing more than 400 artefacts from the region, the first of its kind on a private island in the Maldives. Expect fun to be at the fore during your stay at Cora Cora, this intimate resort is the perfect place to spend your ‘freedom time’, where you will be welcomed like one of the family by the friendly and personable team.
At Cora Cora Maldives, their MOKSHA initiative has taken wellness to the next level. With a motto of ‘natural, real and unfiltered’ this balanced wellbeing concept includes spa treatments, nutritious smoothies, wellness shots and MOKSHA cuisine, featuring multiple plant based and vegan creations. This approach to embracing the benefits of plant based food is found throughout the resort, with delightful and delicious options readily available. Upon request, we were even able to join a vegan demo at ‘Ginger Moon’, their pan-Asian restaurant with an all female staff team. We loved the multi cuisine approach at ‘Ginger Moon’, and we enjoyed learning from the talented and passionate chefs who were happy to share their secrets with us. A special thanks to the team at ‘My Coffee’, who made ‘off menu’ cheese and tomato toasties for us with Violife vegan cheese… yes, they have Violife at Cora Cora Maldives!
Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives is the original private island in the Maldives. Opening in October 1972 it was the first ever Maldivian resort and it proved to be an absolute hit right from the outset, being fully booked for the first year. As we now approach the 50th anniversary of Kurumba Maldives, it still remains one of the most popular resorts in the Maldives. Being just a few minutes private boat ride from the international airport is super convenient after your international flight, but rest assured once you arrive on the palm fringed island you could be a million miles away from the airport and bustling city of Male. A successful blend of “natural growth, proud perseverance, and heartfelt service” have ensured that Kurumba Maldives remain at the forefront of luxury travel to the Maldives.
Kurumba Maldives have continued to adapt and develop their culinary offering in line with their ever changing guests’ desires. The eight restaurants now offer vegan menu items at each and every one, meaning the only decision you need to make is deciding just where to eat next. Our recent visit to Kurumba Maldives was one full of plant based food from every corner of the globe. We dined on veganised versions of our favourite cuisines including Thai, Indian and Sri Lankan, but our favourite meal was at ‘Al Qasr’ where we enjoyed a delightful array of Arabic dishes. We even enjoyed a Beyond Meat burger during our stay at Kurumba Maldives, and whatever you do, don’t miss out on the delightful coconut sorbet which we ate at every opportunity.
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LUX* South Ari Atoll
With a luxurious selection of pavillions and villas where “simplicity meets elegance” situated along four kilometres of pristine coastline, or over the exquisite turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers something for everyone. Quite simply, not only will you find the perfect ‘home’ for your holiday but you will love the multitude of culinary offerings, the integrated approach to health and wellbeing, and of course the opportunity to explore the surrounding protected marine environment which is home to a myriad of reef fish, rays, turtles, dolphins and even whale sharks. From the moment that your seaplane touches down in the mesmerising lagoon, your holiday begins. Trust us when we say that you just won’t want to leave when the time comes…
The ‘Keen on Green’ concept at LUX* South Ari Atoll makes life as a vegan guest, or anyone who wishes to eat more healthy plant based food, an absolute breeze. Creative and innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes are waiting to be experienced across all of the restaurants, ensuring that you’re never going to miss out, instead you’re going to be eating your way around the island on your very own vegan Maldives culinary adventure. From fresh and flavourful vegan noodle soup that we enjoyed as one of the many vegan breakfast options, to the most sumptuous Indian vegan thali that was an absolute feast, mealtimes at LUX* South Ari Atoll were a true vegan extravaganza.
Each of these vegan friendly luxury resorts in the Maldives offer something different in terms of accommodation, service and facilities. They each have their own unique style and brand which is omnipresent throughout your stay. But what they all have in common, is that they have gone above and beyond to embrace the demand for vegan and plant based food meaning you certainly won’t go hungry if you choose any of them for your next destination!
Paul Eyers is Founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.
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