Vegan Maldives is really a thing and you’re going to love it

Having had the opportunity to travel to the Maldives multiple times during the past ten years, now in 2024 we are happy to say that the Maldives is indeed a vegan friendly destination. It wasn’t easy at first, when extensive research was needed pre trip to ensure that we selected a resort that could not only cater for our dietary requirements, but that we would be excited and impressed by the plant based food that we were served. That task is now much easier as more and more Maldivian resorts add vegan and plant based dishes and menus to their extensive culinary offerings. You only need to google ‘vegan Maldives’ and the proof is there, multiple options catering to varying budgets where as a vegan, you will most certainly not go hungry on your next trip to this unique destination. On our most recent trip, we enjoyed a vegan Maldives experience at four different resorts, each as unique as each other, but with one thing in common, vegan and plant based food that will make you smile.

JA Manafaru

JA Manafaru is nestled in the pristine northern atolls of the Maldives, and this tropical island sanctuary offers luxury, tranquility and escapism to anyone who chooses to stay. In addition to a selection of stunning beachfront and overwater villas, this exclusive resort boasts breathtaking views, crystal clear waters, therapeutic spa treatments, and thoughtfully created wellness programmes that include their innovative ‘Wellness Your Way’ dining concept where everyone is treated equally, and no one misses out.

The ‘Wellness Your Way’ concept at JA Manafaru is unique and truly wonderful, all of your dietary needs will be catered for as there are adapted dishes for multiple diets on each and every menu. The extensive and exciting vegan options saw us enjoying dishes including crispy ‘fish’ fillets in a cherry tomato stew served with fresh lemon and toasted sour dough next to the pool at Andiamo. Whilst the many vegan desserts on offer included a divine chocolate fudge slice 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 during breakfast, we just knew we were going to love our stay at JA Manafaru and we most certainly did.

Six Senses Kanuhura

Located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Six Senses Kanuhura offers guests the finest in sustainable luxury and barefoot elegance, it is everything you would expect and more at one of the newest resorts from the multi award winning Six Senses brand. The island is blessed with vibrant turquoise waters and verdant tropical greenery, which live in harmony with the perfect blend of contemporary design and traditional charm found throughout this stunning resort. Six Senses Kanuhura is a tropical haven where modern comforts meet mother nature, and your luxury vacation dreams will most certainly come true.

Six Senses have made a commitment to eventually feature 50% plant based options on their menus and this is something that makes us smile. What also made us smile was the passion that was clearly present from the talented team of chefs who ensured that we were taken on a series of creative culinary journeys during our stay. From string hoppers (the Sri Lankan breakfast staple which happens to be one of our all time favourites) that were served during breakfast, to dishes which championed both tomatoes and carrots, the vegan food at Six Senses Kanuhura was outstanding. Chef Manuel amazed us with just how delicious tomatoes can be, whilst Chef Rajesh presented a carrot masterpiece that tasted even better than it looked. Outstanding on every single level.

Mirihi Island Resort

Mirihi Island Resort is a hidden gem set in the South Ari Atoll on the tiniest of tropical islands, boasting an intimate atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty. Located on the picture perfect beach or over the crystal clear waters, the 36 villas and suites are simple and elegant, this is all about staying somewhere where the luxury comes from your unique location and not the size of your flat screen TV. Choose Mirihi Island Resort and choose to enjoy the natural charm of this small yet luxurious resort in this breathtaking Maldivian paradise. Rest assured, once they know that you are vegan Chef Felix and his talented him will keep things exciting with their ‘off menu’ plant based creations.

The traditional sand floored restaurant Dhonveli is at the heart of all things culinary at Mirihi Island Resort, and is blessed with fabulous views of the ocean from its spacious decking area. This is where we feasted on sumptuous vegan breakfasts including waffles, pancakes, noodle soup and Sri Lankan hoppers served with creamy curry and seeni sambal. Our lunches were equally as long and leisurely, as we worked our way through the vegan menu items including the tastiest of jackfruit and avocado tacos. Delightful desserts were also on offer such as a rosemary and coconut panna cotta, with the rosemary and vanilla flavours pairing perfectly with the juicy and sweet mango.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, which makes it the perfect option for those who wish to explore the rich marine biodiversity of the region. It’s also the perfect option for luxury travel lovers who enjoy luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, gourmet dining and refined spa treatments. With a focus on wellness and relaxation, you can be sure that you will enjoy a memorable escape which will leave you rejuvenated and with an enhanced sense of well being.

During our stay at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort the ‘Eat Well’ philosophy was ever present, from the fresh orange juice press in our villa to the special menu inclusions, it was very easy to eat well as vegan guests and that’s exactly what we did. With the kind support of Chef Min and his team we enjoyed dishes including tofu scramble, noodle soup and avocado toast for our breakfasts, whilst lunches featured pad krapow, Indian style curries and even a Beyond Burger. A special vegan menu was created for us whilst dining at The Pearl (their signature Japanese restaurant) which included tempura, miso soup and katsu curry, and we certainly made sure to sample the vegan avocado creamy cake on the all day dining menu. Being vegan in the Maldives is oh so simple when you choose to stay at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

What next for vegan travel in the Maldives? Of course there will be more resorts that will develop their menus to cater for the ever growing number of guests who are either vegan or enjoy plant based food, this in itself is exciting and we can’t wait to experience what they create. But will we see a vegan resort in the Maldives any time soon? Well, there are already a number of vegan restaurants, and we are pretty sure as the demand for vegan food continues to expand globally, there will indeed be a fully vegan resort in the Maldives in the not too distant future.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.