Garden elegance and culinary artistry unfold at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

On June 20th, 2025, the JW Garden at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort came alive with the spirit of summer and sustainability, as the resort hosted its signature Garden Party. The elegant evening, set in the serene sanctuary of the newly JW Garden, was hosted by General Manager Srikanth Devarapalli and attended by resort guests and invitees.

The event was not only a celebration of the summer solstice, but also marked the launch of its signature Garden Party at JW Garden, a cornerstone of JW Marriott’s commitment to wellbeing, sustainability, and culinary excellence. The JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Resort, which opened its doors on 16th January 2025, is the latest addition to the JW Marriott family in the Maldives to introduce this immersive garden experience.

A Tribute to Alice Marriott’s Legacy

The JW Garden is inspired by Alice Marriott’s love of gardening, echoing her belief in the healing power of nature and its role in nurturing the human spirit. Tucked away within the resort’s lush tropical landscape, the garden grows fresh herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers used in the resort’s culinary creations. More than just a source of ingredients, it is a space that invites guests to slow down, connect with nature, and appreciate the beauty of seasonal, sustainable living.

This ethos was evident throughout the evening. Guests strolled through garden paths, enjoyed conversations under the setting sun, and savored a specially curated menu that highlighted ingredients from the JW Garden itself.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in the Garden

The menu for the evening paid homage to the garden’s bounty and the chefs’ creativity. The six-course offering was a celebration of locally inspired, globally influenced flavors:

Small Bite

• Home-Made Cheese Canapés featuring Maldivian chili & dill cheese on crispy coconut, mustard leaf & basil ricotta on eggplant chip, and spinach & mint cream cheese on herb tartlet.

Garden Bread

• Roots of the Garden – a trio of basil, spinach, and dill sourdough breads, served with garden herbs butter, yogurt mint sauce, and tomato herb pesto.

Local Trio

• From the Ocean with Respect – a selection of sustainably sourced seafood: home-smoked red snapper carpaccio, air-dried tuna, and grilled butterfish.

Sorbet

• A refreshing Coconut pandan sorbet provided a palate cleanser with tropical flair.

Grilled Confits

• Elemental Fire Earth, Smoke, Soul – featuring corn-fed chicken with garden chili glaze, Angus beef tenderloin with basil and eggplant jus, and creamy spinach potatoes.

Sweet

• A trio of inventive desserts: Tuna bonito floss macaron, Coconut palm sugar tartlet, and Taro banana cake.

Each dish told a story of place, purpose, and passion, thoughtfully presented in the tranquil garden setting.

A Global Commitment to Local Wisdom

What makes the JW Garden program remarkable is its global scale. Across JW Marriott properties worldwide, these gardens are shaped by local horticultural wisdom, cultural traditions, and the collaboration between gardeners, chefs, and associates. They are a living example of JW Marriott’s philosophy of mindful, nourishing hospitality.

In the Maldives, where the connection to nature is both profound and essential, the JW Garden is a meaningful addition. It not only supplies fresh produce to the kitchen, but also creates opportunities for guest engagement, education, and environmental stewardship.

A Night to Remember

The Garden Party at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort was more than an event—it was an experience of intentional luxury, rooted in nature and inspired by tradition. It served as a beautiful reminder that sustainability and sophistication can go hand in hand, especially when hospitality embraces the seasons and honors its surroundings.

As the stars appeared above the JW Garden, guests left with full hearts and nourished palates, having experienced a truly extraordinary evening of culinary celebration and connection.