Niyama Private Islands Maldives

In the morning: smoothies and juice blends, gourmet crostinis topped with overflowing flavours, eggs 12 ways or design your own. At lunch and dinner: Mediterranean-inspired salads, sandwiches, seafood, pasta from the indulgent to the gluten free, pizzas, Asian delights surrounded by tropical splendour. ‘Thakuru’ waiters circulate with water, sunblock, iPads, towels and refreshments of coconunts, fruit skewers and icy popsicles.

Barefoot dining on white sands. Cocktail lounging on plush bean bags and a drifting ceiling of clouds. As night falls, a beach club stirs, the DJ sending chilled beats through sea breeze. The stars shine day and night in glowing cocktails. Try the smoking cocktail Meduse or concoctions born of house-aged liquors in on-island oak barrels with fruit infusions, floral liqueur or organic twists. Plus sheesha and seashells by the seashore.

Modern fine dining, set half a kilometre out in the ocean and accessible only by boat.

Flaky pastries start the morning. Follow with fruit salads made to order from the familiar and tropical exotics, or an omelette comprising fine cheeses and a chiffonade of garden-fresh herbs. From the extensive breakfast buffet to a la carte lunches and dinners, Epicure offers infinity poolside indulgence at its most chic, casual and delicious. Tipple with a selection of 18 teas and 260 wine labels.

Step into the light. A rooftop lounge suspends you in nature. The sun’s rays flit through glass walls and the Indian Ocean is laid out before you. Feel the heat of passion, paired with the delicious chilled cocktails of home-aged rum. Settle into a cosy couch. Sip a cool cocktail or sparkling wine and watch the sky begin to glow orange, then pink. As the sun sets, the pulse quickens and the music rises.

Climb into your tree house for an unforgettable dining high. Navigate the jungle on a labyrinth of wooden walkways to your private perch in the tree tops. Chilled sculptures of sashimi arrive in a globe of ice. Avant-garde presentations by Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian chefs grace your table in one of the most spectacular restaurants in the Maldives. Explore the surreal six metres up or tucked between serpentine vines at the forest floor. For a theatrical meal, the teppanyaki table is the most desired in the house. Pair your meal with recommendations by the Sake Master. Taste the world’s most expensive coffee, Black Ivory. Experience the sweet finale of Nest’s signature dessert: Luwak Coffee Brûlée, rich cream custard infused with a secret recipe featuring Kopi Luwak essence and accompanied by roasted banana ice cream.

Gourmet picnics on a deserted island for two. A bonfire and the sizzling aroma of mahi by water’s edge. Capture the bold, the imaginative, with unique dining experiences to order. Brought to life by your private chef and Thakuru - beyond expectations. Toes buried in sand, deliciously cool. Sunset’s hues spread in front of you, dancing on the horizon. Enjoy a menu inspired by the riches of the ocean.

Underwater playground for subaquatic destination dining. Reach Subsix by speedboat and descend a dramatic three-tier staircase. Italian abstract chandeliers illuminate the descent like shining coral. In the depths, hide away in the swooping curves of the clam-inspired bar, tucked into the soft anemone chairs beneath the soft waves of capiz shells draped from the ceiling. Dive into Champagne breakfasts, lunches, gourmet dinners and glow parties illuminating the night alongside the theatre of the reef.

Take away a smoothie or rich brewed coffee. Peruse a selection of antipasti, Panini, ciabatta, pastries and other easy eating delights. Seeking a sweet indulgence? Ask the barista to whip up milkshake of homemade ice cream, or go a bit healthier with frozen yoghurt and succulent fresh fruits.

A Maasai warrior welcomes you with a Dawa, East Africa’s signature cocktail. Select your pleasure from a menu fusing African, Central and South American tribal cuisines, elevated with a fine dining touch. Hidden in the walls of the boma, dine on signatures like the Big Afrikaaner - smoky grilled OP with lime wedges, margarita salt and the spice of chipotle. Soak up the atmosphere after dinner with a Jebena coffee pot of African beans ground and roasted on site - from the deep mocha of Ethiopian Harra to fragrant Yrigacheffe to selections from hills and highlands across the continent.