Home>Blog>NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort launches maritime-inspired tasting concept Caravela
27 May 2026
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort launches maritime-inspired tasting concept Caravela
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has introduced Caravela, a narrative-driven fine dining concept that combines Spanish culinary heritage with Maldivian ingredients through a multi-course tasting experience inspired by historic maritime expeditions.
For chefs and culinary professionals in the Maldives, the concept highlights the growing role of storytelling, destination identity and experiential gastronomy within luxury hospitality dining programmes.
Located in Baa Atoll, the newly launched experience accommodates up to 12 guests per seating and is centred around a communal dining table designed to encourage interaction and shared discovery.
The concept takes its name from the caravel, the Portuguese sailing vessel used during the Age of Discovery between the 14th and 17th centuries. Each menu is structured as a culinary voyage, with dishes reflecting the regions, ingredients and trade routes associated with historical expeditions.
The inaugural menu, The Atlantic Voyage of 1487, follows the route of explorers travelling from Iberia along the African coast towards the Cape of Storms in search of a sea route to India.
The five-course tasting menu opens with First Light of the Atlantic, featuring King Crab fritters with ikura and lime-yuzu vinaigrette. The second course, Winds of the Cantabrian Sea, presents torched Maldivian tuna loin paired with escabeche and Moroccan-inspired spices.
The journey continues with Crossing the Madeira Currents, combining local job fish with confit plantain purée and prawn coral tuile, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on combining local seafood with internationally influenced techniques and flavour profiles.
A green apple sorbet inspired by African Wambugu apples serves as the palate cleanser before the main course, Benguela Shores at Dusk — a 12-hour sous vide pork belly glazed with smoky chilli and Spanish chorizo jus.
Dessert, titled Triumphant Return to Iberian Coast, features olive oil cake paired with port wine and blood orange gel enclosed in a sugar sphere inspired by the Armillary Sphere, a historic symbol of Portuguese navigation. Petit fours including caramelised torrija, coffee chocolate bonbon and South African milk tart conclude the dining experience.
Future editions of Caravela are planned to continue the maritime storytelling concept, with upcoming menus including The Pacific Voyage of 1492 and The Indian Ocean Voyage of 1498. Each menu will introduce different regional influences and culinary narratives linked to historic exploration routes.
The concept was developed under the direction of Resort Manager Melroy Fernandes in collaboration with the resort’s culinary team. Fernandes, who is also a Master Sommelier, curated the accompanying wine pairing programme alongside the resort’s sommelier team.
Commenting on the launch, Fernandes said the experience was designed to create a deeper connection between cuisine, history and culture.
“NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is designed for travellers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences,” he said.
“Caravela offers a journey of a different kind, one that connects history, culture and cuisine in a truly immersive way.”
The Atlantic Voyage tasting menu with wine pairings is priced at USD 190++ per guest and is available through prior reservation.
