Vegan Maldives is really something and you will love it

Having had the opportunity to visit the Maldives many times over the past ten years, now in 2024 we are happy to say that the Maldives is a vegan friendly destination. It wasn’t easy at first, when extensive research was required pre-trip to make sure we were choosing a resort that could not only satisfy our dietary needs, but that we would be happy and impressed with the plant-based food served to us. That task is now much easier as many Maldivian resorts are adding plant-based dishes and menus to their extensive culinary offerings. You only need to google ‘vegan Maldives’ and the proof is there, many options that cater to different budgets where as a vegan, you will certainly not go hungry on your next trip to this unique destination. On our recent trip, we enjoyed the vegan Maldives at four different resorts, each one different from the other, but with one thing in common, vegan and plant-based food that will make you smile.

JA Manafaru

JA Manafaru is located in the northern islands of the Maldives, and this tropical island resort offers luxury, tranquility and escape to anyone who chooses to stay. In addition to a selection of beautiful beachfront properties and overwater villas, this exclusive resort features stunning views, crystal clear waters, spa treatments, and well-thought-out wellness programs that embody their innovative concept of ‘Wellness Your Way’ where everyone is treated equally, and no one misses.

The concept of ‘Wellness Your Way’ at JA Manafaru is unique and truly amazing, all your dietary needs will be catered for as there are multi-course meals on each menu. The wide and exciting vegan options saw us enjoy dishes including crispy ‘fish’ fillets in a cherry tomato stew served with fresh lemon and fried sour dough alongside the Andiamo lake. While the many vegan desserts on offer include a piece of divine chocolate with almond butter, caramel, sea salt flakes and vanilla coconut ice cream. And when Chef Moosa personally delivered freshly baked vegan croissants to our table at breakfast, we knew we were going to love our stay at JA Manafaru and we certainly did.

Six Senses Kanuhura

Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, Six Senses Kanuhura offers guests the ultimate in sustainable luxury and barefoot beauty, it’s everything you’d expect and more at one of the newest resorts from the multi-award winning Six Senses company. The island is blessed with turquoise waters and lush tropical greenery, living in harmony with the perfect blend of modern design and traditional beauty found throughout this magnificent place. Six Senses Kanuhura is a hot spot where modern luxury meets mother nature, and your luxury travel dreams are sure to come true.

Six Sense has made a commitment to eventually include 50% plant-based options on their menus and this is something that makes us smile. What also made us smile was the love that was evident in the team of talented chefs who ensured that we were taken on a series of culinary journeys during our stay. From the string hoppers (a Sri Lankan breakfast that is probably one of our all-time favourites) served for breakfast, to dishes that champion both tomatoes and carrots, the vegan food at Six Senses Kanuhura was outstanding. Chef Manuel surprised us with how delicious tomatoes can be, while Chef Rajesh presented a carrot masterpiece that tasted even better than it looked. Outstanding on every level.

Mirihi Island Resort

Mirihi Island Resort is a hidden gem located in the South Ari Atoll of the smallest tropical islands, boasting an intimate setting and unspoiled natural beauty. Located on a beautiful beach or over crystal clear water, the 36 villas and suites are simple and elegant, this is about living somewhere where luxury comes from your unique space and not the size of your flat screen TV. Choose Mirihi Island Resort and choose to enjoy the natural beauty of this small but luxurious place in this wonderful Maldivian paradise. Rest assured, once they get to know that the meaty and talented Chef Felix will keep things interesting with their ‘off the menu’ plant creations.

The sand-filled Dhonveli restaurant is among the culinary delights at Mirihi Island Resort, and is blessed with stunning sea views from its expansive setting. This is where we indulged in a delicious vegan breakfast including waffles, pancakes, noodle soup and Sri Lankan hoppers served with creamy curry and seeni sambal. Our lunches were equally long and leisurely, as we worked our way through the vegan menu items including the delicious jackfruit and avocado tacos. Sweet desserts are also available such as rosemary and coconut panna cotta, as well as rosemary and vanilla flavor which goes well with the sweet and savory mango.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, making it an ideal choice for those wishing to explore the region’s rich marine biodiversity. It is also the perfect choice for luxury travel lovers who enjoy luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, delicious dining and refined spa treatments. By focusing on wellness and relaxation, you can be sure to enjoy a memorable escape that will leave you refreshed and with an enhanced sense of well-being.

During our stay at the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort the philosophy of ‘Eat Well’ was ever present, from the orange juice press in our villa to the inclusion of a special menu, it was very easy to eat well as carnivorous guests and that is exactly what we did. . With the kind support of Chef Min and his team we enjoyed meals including tofu scramble, noodle soup and avocado toast for our breakfast, while lunch included pad krapow, Indian style curries and Beyond Burger. A special vegan menu was made for us when we dined at The Pearl (a signature Japanese restaurant) that included tempura, miso soup and katsu curry, and of course we made sure to sample the vegan avocado cake with cream from the all-day dining menu . Becoming a vegetarian in the Maldives is very easy when you choose to stay at the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

What’s next for vegan travel in the Maldives? Of course there will be more resorts developing their menus to cater to the growing number of guests who can eat meat or enjoy plant based food, this in itself is exciting and we can’t wait to hear what they create. But will we see a vegan resort in the Maldives anytime soon? Well, there are already a lot of vegan restaurants, and we are sure that as the demand for vegan food continues to increase worldwide, there will be a fully vegan place in the Maldives in the not too distant future.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is the founder of Vegan Food Quest who writes about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia focusing on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and other top golf courses across the region.