From Garden to Gourmet: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Revives Its Signature Spice Garden Experience

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is delighted to announce the unveiling of its newly refurbished Spice Garden, an inspiring reflection of sustainability, sensorial exploration, and culinary innovation. Under the loving care of in-house horticulturalist Zabih and culinary guidance of Executive Chef Frank, this verdant paradise has been the heart's pulse of the resort's garden-to-table concept, inspiring directly the upgrade of the guest dining experience, most notably the newly elevated Lazy Lunch menu.

Found on the resort grounds, the Spice Garden is now a lively center of organic spices, herbs, and edible flowers that now end up on the plate within hours of their growth. This newly cultivated home produce has transformed the culinary reality at Alila Kothaifaru, particularly in the Lazy Lunch menu, where seasonal variety and true flavors now dominate.

Our new Spice Garden menu has allowed us to incorporate even more locally sourced produce into the Lazy Lunch," explains Executive Chef Frank. "Using fresh-picked herbs and produce maximises flavour, boosts nutritional value, and brings the garden-to-table concept to life. And it provides our chefs with the freedom to create menus according to the seasons, always serving up something new and interesting.".

To further bring our guests along this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has added a free activity for our guests—the Spice Garden Walk, guided by Maldivian horticulturist Zabih, whose passion and commitment have made the garden an outdoor classroom and scented haven. Guests are encouraged to touch, smell, and taste some of the spices and herbs of the tropics as they learn about their source, applications, and influence on the immediate environment.

"Reconnecting with nature is what Spice Garden is all about," explains Zabih. "By appealing to the senses, we want to create deep and lingering impressions that enhance each visitor's enjoyment of what they eat and the world around them."

Whereas the tour and Lazy Lunch are distinct activities, both complement one another in terms of providing an all-around experience, from understanding how ingredients are cultivated to enjoying their taste in well-prepared meals. The garden remains a source of inspiration for seasonal food, highlighting the resort's focus on sustainability, health, and locally sourced ingredients.

General Manager Thomas continues, "At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, we're not just about creating memorable experiences, but meaningful ones. The Spice Garden is our dedication to sustainability and cultural exchange, and a means of tracing the journey from garden to plate and presenting that experience to our guests in an immersive format. It's these considerate details that make a stay with us feel intimate, elevated, and wonderfully distinctive."

Whether strolling the scented pathways of the garden or enjoying a sun-filled lunchfull of just-picked goodness, visitors are encouraged to revel in the intersection of food, landscape, and place—the point being every bite is a toast to island abundance.