Male’, Maldives, 7th January 2024 – Following an impressive makeover, Nature’s Playground unveils the relaunch of Nest, a dining hotspot at Niyama Private Islands Maldives. Recognized for its exceptional cuisine and stunning vistas, Nest offers an adventurous culinary escapade amidst the resort’s lush greenery and lofty treetops. The revamped design draws inspiration from the Maldives’ vibrant wildlife and plant life.
Nestled within the island’s verdant jungle, the restaurant sits at the heart of the resort on Play Island. Accessible via a wooden pathway winding through the forest, it is nestled under the sprawling branches of the island’s banyan trees, some aged over 45 years. Guests ascend spiral stairs and cross bamboo-railed bridges to reach this unique dining spot.
In November 2013, Poole Associates, a Singapore-based design firm, collaborated with landscape architect Drew Anderson of TOPO Design Singapore to materialize a distinctive concept inspired by the majestic Banyan trees. The vision was a treetop restaurant harmoniously integrated with the trees, resulting in the creation of Nest.
The outcome is a remarkable multi-tiered treehouse featuring labyrinthine wooden paths, dining pods surrounded by lush foliage, and charming thatched huts. Tables are set amidst dense greenery on the forest floor or elevated six meters high in the treetops, offering an unparalleled dining experience.
Dining huts, including one with a teppan table, provide shelter under cavernous rooftops. Inside, guests are greeted by a soaring vaulted ceiling made of latticed beams and bamboo. At table level, touches of red lacquer and woven green furnishings blend oriental influences with an island aesthetic. The teppan background features woods for guests to write wishes on, inspired by Japan.
Executive Chef Thierry Vergnault headlines the culinary experience at Niyama Private Islands Maldives. With an illustrious career in prestigious global establishments, Chef Thierry’s cuisine seamlessly fuses Asian and international flavors, delivering an avant-garde dining encounter for guests.
Chef Thierry’s commitment to sourcing premium local and international ingredients ensures each Nest dish epitomizes authenticity, innovation, and excellence. His passion for exploring new culinary techniques results in an exciting menu that caters to even the most discerning palate.
Notable menu highlights include the Sautéed Wagyu Beef Bo Lok Lak and the Singaporean Chili Lobster, showcasing innovative and tantalizing flavors.
The cocktail menu draws inspiration from Asia’s traditional ingredients, cultivated in-house in the Spice Garden, with an additional creative touch from Mathew Atkinson, Founder of Bruff Drinks Agency.
Chief Engineer Michael Selvin, leveraging extensive luxury hospitality experience, ensures that Nest Treetop Restaurant surpasses expectations, reflecting an unwavering commitment to service excellence and an intimate understanding of guest preferences.
“We’re excited to announce the reopening of Nest, our Asian Restaurant,” expressed Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “The redesigned venue, combined with Chef Thierry Vergnault’s culinary expertise, promises an unparalleled journey of flavors and sensations. We invite all to immerse in this extraordinary dining experience amidst the beauty of the Maldives.”
The Nest Restaurant’s reopening marks a thrilling new chapter in Niyama Private Islands Maldives’ culinary offerings. Guests are encouraged to experience the magical tranquility and exceptional cuisine it has become known for. The restaurant operates à la carte from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with Teppanyaki lunch hours from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Teppanyaki Dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For further details or reservations, please contact +960 664 4111, visit niyama.com, or email [email protected].