Ambassador of Germany, Jens Ploetner, Pays Courtesy Call on Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed
Ambassador of Germany to the Maldives, Mr. Jens Ploetner, has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed. The meeting was held this afternoon at the President’s Office.
Meeting between German Ambassador Ploetner and Maldives’ President Nasheed
In the meeting, President Nasheed and Ambassador Ploetner discussed the friendly relationship between the two countries and ways to strengthen the current relationship between the Maldives and Germany. Mr. Ploetner gave additional details on the President’s upcoming official visit to Germany.
The President was joined at the meeting by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy to the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Political Advisor to the President Hassan Afeef.
The Nautilus Two Liveaboard in Maldives is one of the newest safari ships in the country. This high-tech vessel is fully equipped with all the luxuries of a first class resort, ensuring that comfort is not compromised during the entire Maldives liveaboard adventure.
With a hull that is entirely built out of wood, the Nautilus Two Maldives Liveaboard follows time-tested construction methods, which guarantees premium safety that you deserve.
Nautilus Two Maldives Liveaboard Accommodations
The Nautilus Two Liveaboard was built in 2008, with its design and engineering dedicated to comfort and safety. This state-of-the-art Maldives tourist vessel has 12 spacious guest cabins, each equipped with lots of storage space, not to mention a comfortable private shower and bath.
Each guest accommodation has a double and single sized bed, exterior windows, power supply, and air-c0nditioning. You won’t have to worry about messy rooms and dirty towels as the Nautilus Two Maldives Liveaboard has 24/7 room and towel service.
Diving in the Maldives Nautilus Two
This luxurious Maldives liveaboard is partnered with a private scuba diving dhoni, facilitated by a couple of PADI professionals. If you’re new to diving or in the mood to enhance your underwater skills, there are also a number of courses you can avail on board.
In this city where there is clearly a lack of specialty restaurants for famous cuisine around the world. The restaurant known as the Poppadums is alluring and quite unique.
The Poppadums‘ tables are set out in a “L” shaped fashion which helps in making the place, even though small from being cramped and stuffy.
Unexpectedly there was only few people at the Poppadums during lunch time, but this small lot really looks like its enjoying the food. The menu of Poppadums is typically one you would find on most Indian restaurants. But in a way this restaurants gives away something more of a promising feel that typical food will not taste typical. Let us find out shall we?
With curiosity and excitement we settled for a feast that includes both the old and new fusion Indian delicacies. First on the table was a rather common drink, called a mango lassi which was quite refreshing on a very hot day and it is a tropical island. The mango lassi unfortunately was a little bit on the green mango side a bit sour and no too sweet. Although this fault can easily slide away because the season obviously dictates that ripe mangoes are somewhat hard to find.
For the main meal there are servings of naan bread, chicken biriyani and masala and raita.
The naan bread is the stable in Indian cuisine it is made from unleavened bread and cooked in a rather odd jar like stove, which requires a lot of skill to operate. Make sure you get to see how naan is cooked and made when you get a chance if reflects hundreds of years of Indian culture that defies the ages. The naan was amazing and was served on silver dishes.
Biryani is well as you can expect the taste was typically Indian and it fails to inspire new sensations on our palate. The presentation was also just as how you would expect friend rice with a lot of herbs would look like. But it is within suspicion that everything was not cooked to fuse flavors properly. Poor indeed.
The raita which the Poppadums is known for this side of town is good, but it does not really make up for the fault in the biryani and the naan, which were really important in enjoying Indian cuisine.
We believe that we may just have been on a case of bad timing or was just served a bad batch. Either way we shall see when be get back and hopefully next time the food will be better.
Located beside the Bank of Maldives at Lotus Golhi. The Aioli is open from 9:30am till Midnight.
Aioli is a what they call a french kind of sauce that is oil that is held together by other sauces to create a unique texture. It is usually a mainstay at fine dining cuisines.
As we enter the Aioli restaurant at lunch time, we are greeted by huge mango trees and a few gossiping folks that are quite fond of the place. After a good look at the Aioli restaurant one cannot resist to stare at the large desert counter at the end of the restaurant filled with yummy looking sweets, macaroons and brownies. Our heads focused on that table and swooned as we headed up the winding stairs to our tables.
Those folks really enjoy the sun I said to myself as I saw a handful of patrons outside the balcony under the midday sun. It does not get more tropical than that, The large trees swaying with the wind keeps the air breezy and cool. Still we thought that a glass paneled air conditioned room big enough for 40 people was still a good idea.
Upon gazing on the menu we realized that despite its name Aioli is not a Italian restaurant. Its menu items is composed of a diverse variety of cuisine from mexican fajitas, Thai delicacies, vegetarian items, country style chicken and pasta, also country style chicken curry which is a local specialty but highlighted amongst them all is the exquisite looking Black Angus rump steak. And then comes the dessert page, which are all detailed out in preparation which gives the customer the guts to expand and try new things should the terminologies appeal to them. The menus also explain different degrees on how to use heat.
A quick note regarding the waitresses which where very smart and charming upholding black uniforms that blend well with the fine dining ambiance.
The cool drinks are amazing and they arrive quickly. The watermelon and home made lemonade were quite a treat on a hot sunny afternoon. So did the smooth papaya juice.
The lamb chops were served with zucchini and a colorful array of potatoes, red and green bell peppers. We did notice that the orange sauce attributed moisture to the dry chops. The explanation on the menu did no good here I suppose maybe it should be put somewhere inside the kitchen and not the menu.
Thai chicken was cooked rather well and was tasty and succulent but I do not know about the sidings it came with like the rice and pak choy leaves cooked in garlic. But all in all it was pleasant.
For dessert we decided to go for the classic creme brulee, it came in a Italian panna cotta with chocolate sauce and a green cherry. Both desserts looked delicious and they were upon tasting them. I could note a few faults but I think I will let it slide because the experience was truly unique and deserving for any tourist that may come to wander at the Aioli restaurant.
Dine like you were in Paris at the Azur restaurant!
Located at the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel Maldives, The Azur restaurant provides a great view of the nearby beautiful islands. Dine with a azure blue skyline of the Maldives.
The Azur restaurant is a fusion restaurant that uses Japanese flavors and incorporates it with French and Maldivian cuisine. The restaurant in addition to the great big spectacular view of the neighboring islands has a infinity pool where diners can experience a more formal approach in dining.
We took our seats near the infinity pool and it is there where were greeted by the charming waitress who with a big smile gave us the menu which was surprised us to say the least. The menu has a total of about 20 items it was very slim but I assumed at once that the menu was made by a excellent chef that managed to create a unique fusion of culinary greatness.
The appetizers upon gazing again at the splendid menu was more on the Japanese side with items involving tofu, tuna, wasabi, shitake mushrooms, noodles and duck.
Of course refreshments were first to arrive, kick starting our gastronomic quest at the Azur. The strawberry and banana smoothie was really good, thick and refreshing!
Seared scallops as appetizers which were delightful and a serving of Kushiyaki beef and sesame tuna were served on hotplates which was not only yummy but also visual treat. The tuna served with nori cooked medium well was very succulent and tasted very fresh. The flavor of the shitake mushrooms and the vegetables heightened the experience even more. Colorful in presentation with unforgettable great taste. The beef was cooked to perfection and was marvelous, and was obviously a product of precise culinary skills. Apple pickles add a great contrast to the great beefy flavor of the steak.
If is quite expected that after such a gastronomic experience one would immediately think about dessert. Unfortunately the Azur does not have one, It probably chose to be purist on this end bringing together only the best the Maldives could offer. We can just speculate at this point was nonetheless, The dining experience at the Azur is a must for anyone prancing along the Maldives.
The Farivalhu Restaurant is located within the cluster of establishments and buildings at the Central Hotel at Rahdhebai Magu.
The Farivalhu is nestled at the huge terrace of the hotel which is usually a function room for receptions and events. The smoking area, like it or not has the best view in the restaurant and it is where we have opted to be seated. The smoking area is elevated and is able to seat up to 18 people.
Upon attending at the Farivalhu’s menu we take our time sweeping our eyes through almost 300 entries involving Indian, Italian, Chinese and vegetarian cuisine. Eventually choices have been met and expectations were set.
First to arrive as usual are our drinks which were garnished in such a way to be really enticing. Unfortunately the taste did not match the garnishing, The mango juice for example was a sour watery paste that obviously meant not so fresh fruit.
The main course arrived fish steak in pepper sauce along with, chicken Parmesan and prawn macaroni in tomato sauce. The dishes ooze with mediocrity and disappointment, the french fries served with the fish steak were soggy and suggest that they have been reheated. A shred of lettuce and beetroot is ever so present as a garnish on all the dished, It is unclear but then maybe it is the symbol of the Farivalhu or who knows? Because even the green salad was not done right, the dressing was overpowering and poorly served. Then we altogether figured out and was not a wee bit surprised that the Parmesan chicken was overcooked because it was already chewy and gummy. Adding insult to culinary injury is the fish, which looked fresh but it was treacherous. It was in every way a travesty when you serve stale fish when the restaurant was a few minutes away from fresh fish. The pepper sauce was a nice revelation though but that’s about it, the sauce was the only thing noteworthy. The macaroni with prawns was served not with macaroni but with penne. I really think there was a monkey loose at the kitchen…because if not overcooked dished were undercooked it was like the restaurant was playing a practical joke. Even the coffee was burnt and bitter.
With all the disappointments we have consumed at the Farivalhu, Atleast we can point out the great staff who served great care and art. Disheartening as it may be the food at the Farivalhu put its great view and scenery to waste.
A new and improved Seagull Cafe awaits those who want to taste its famous gelato!
One of the most popular outdoor cafes in the Male the Seagull Cafe makes its own homemade Italian ice cream!
Now with better interiors and ambiance, new and old patrons of the Seagull Cafe have much to rejoice. One of the most popular outdoor cafes in the Male is now bigger and better so to speak.
Upon arriving at the Seagull Cafe we chose to be seated at the sunlit upper deck, we saw the upper deck and found it quite inviting. Just around the Seagull Cafe is a great big Jambolan tree wherein the restaurant’s roof has deliberately built in such a way not to harm or occlude the tree’s branches.
Of course the feel of “resort cafe” is instant once inside the Seagull Cafe. With rustic and mood lighting along with the tone of wood and paintings of island life along the walls of the Seagull Cafe make it a cozy place to be in. The folks could not be more diverse as we could see all ages prancing around the cafe.
On our tables we were handed with two menus, one with the food and drinks and one with for the ice cream. There is great big list of drinks as most cafe’s should sport. The hazelnut milkshake in particular which I tried was heavenly, smooth creamy and nutty. Tropical fruit smoothies are also a must try, they are served with milk, yogurt and finely crushed ice that wont give your utensils a hard time.
The food much to our amazement arrives really fast. The honey mustard chicken offers a delightful zing and is a must try. Fries were great and so were the vegetable sidings. A Thai delicacy is up next a cuttlefish salad, fried cuttlefish served with Thai chilies and other spices to complete a harmonious hot and sour tangy lime flavor it was such a delight! and so was the salmon cooked to perfection possible the best salmon in the Male’ the salmon with some freshly squeezed lime juice brings about a heavenly fusion of flavor that explodes in your mouth. The experience is also heighten with nice noodles, chili sauce and bok choy.
But the highlight of the Seagull Cafe is and will always be its ice cream. It was one packed flavorsome chocolate ice cream for me. It really does own the championship belt for having the best ice cream in the Male’
Seagull Café House is located at Fareedhee Magu. It’s open from 9am to 12am except on Fridays, when it is open from 4pm to 12am.
Breakfast à la Maldivienne is located near the Villingilli ferry terminal. The Breakfast à la Maldivienne stand out amongst the squeezed together teashops in this part of town.
Teashops like most hawker places are usually famous for one or two special dishes or drinks that go together so well its legendary. As the name suggests the Breakfast à la Maldivienne is fast becoming to be known as one of the best places that serves breakfast in the Maldives. The Breakfast à la Maldivienne hides within a canopy of leaves and is quite hard to locate if you are not farmiliar with the area or would not look hard enough.The Breakfast à la Maldivienne is particularly one with palm trees and adored with powder white sand. Once inside a surprisingly cherry red interior greets its customers even the tables and fans are red.
Breakfast à la Maldivienne at 9am is when the people get all piling. As we sat on out table outside under the shade of the palm trees, we see people fresh off start their mornings here.
We opt for a serving of flat bread with grated coconut called Huni roshi and Tuna and grated coconut called Mashuni. The service and the way the food arrives are your table is definitely noteworthy. One can sense that a system has been developed by a skilled manager of sorts. The Breakfast à la Maldivienne huni roshi is top notch and served hot of the pan. It was crispy and sweet just as it should be a delightful coconut dish. The mashuni however is perfect with all the ingredients fusing together to make an impression on your palate, that says this is the flavor of Maldivian cuisine and it is heavenly.
The way the dishes are prepared and served are very straightforward and no room for fancy cut outs.
I fancied the Kurumba which is coconut juice from young coconuts, served chilled with shavings of coconut meat that has the consistency of syrup. Perfect drink for a sunny day.
The small cafe is well served by the four highly efficient waiters wearing white shirts and black pants. Tip them well you’ll be surprised on how quickly they serve and clean up.
Now for some sweets and coffee. The waiter serves small portions of hedika which are sweets and different kinds of rice cakes. Alas the strong delightful aroma of the coffee is too much to resist. The Italian Lavazza coffee was very impressive and was frothy and full flavored.
It is no surprise and we now understand why people swarm for breakfast or more like brunch at the Breakfast à la Maldivienne and the other neighboring stalls. The food is just delightful and is a perfect way to start your day. I’m pretty sure I’ll be trying out the other teashops next time and see what surprises are in store.
The newly-launched liveaboard, Theia, is currently cruising the Maldives, having set off on Wednesday, February 24 with 9 scuba divers. The orientation dive was held at Maagiri Thila, and a second dive on the first day was held at Boduhithi Thila.
Boduhithi Thila Dive Site Map
Manta Rays Spotted at Rasfari North
After the dive at Boduhithi Thila, Theia cruised on to Rasfari North, where guests were able to snorkel with some manta rays. This had been a great day’s diving and everyone was excited for more exciting dives throughout the rest of the week.
Rasdhoo Atoll: Day 2 of Theia Cruise
The second day of the Theia dive trip began at Rasdhoo Madivaru in the Rasdhoo Atoll, a dive site known for hammerhead sharks, manta rays, reef sharks and other large species. The Rasdhoo Madivaru dive started early in the morning, just before 6.00 a.m., which is the best time of the day to see the hammerhead sharks.
Rasdhoo Madivaru Dive Site
Maaya Thila Dive Site
After a successful morning hammerhead dive at Rasdhoo Thila, the guests took another short dive at Bathala Maaga Kan Thila and later two dives at Maaya Thila. Maaya Thila is one of the most popular dive spots in the Maldives, famed for grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and turtles. The site is also regarded as the best night diving spot in the whole archipelago. Divers on Theia were lucky enough to do an afternoon and a night dive here at Maaya Thila, making for an unusual four dives in one day!!! That’s what you can achieve when you wake up early! Reports of both Maaya Thila dives were excellent, including reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, moray eels (swimming freely in the night dive)
Theia Liveaboard
Theia Liveaboard continues to cruise the Maldives for the next few days. Check back here for more diving reports and updates. After she returns from this cruise, the next cruise sets off on March 3. There are many more cruise dates confirmed for this brand new luxury diving liveaboard.
Scuba diving in Maldives can be divided into two seasons, the northeast and southwest. There are major differences in these diving periods, such as conditions of current and visibility, as well as the availability of marine life sightings in certain areas.
Before planning your holiday in the breath-taking paradise islands of Maldives, it would be wise to have a general idea about these diving seasons. The good news is that Maldives is good for all year round diving, so it really doesn’t matter what dates on the calendar you plan to have your vacation. A memorable scuba diving experience in Maldives is guaranteed to happen whenever you visit this tropical paradise.
The Maldives Southwest Diving Season
Scuba diving during the southwest diving season in Maldives often sees lower water temperatures. Due to this significant change in underwater conditions, creatures such as grey reef sharks and hammerheads tend to occur in shallower waters, congregating in larger numbers.
The northeast diving season is during Maldives summer. This period sees great underwater visibility and lots of pelagic species in the eastern side of the atolls.
Calm weather during the months of February to April allow divers to dive with ease, as there is no disturbance from current and wind. The Maldives northeast diving season in the western side offers sightings of whale sharks and manta rays.
For Maldives resort and liveaboard booking information, click here.
