The Cultural Tapestry of Milaidhoo: Exploring Maldivian Traditions

Milaidhoo Maldives is genuine of heart, a tranquil island that honours its heritage. Originally, Milaidhoo was a paradise-picnic spot for divers. The small island was a hidden gem consisting of a white, powdery soft beach fringed by a turquoise lagoon and a coral reef teeming with tropical fish.

This unspoiled stretch of land was the inspiration behind Milaidhoo’s uniquely Maldivian style and character. From the Maldivian designed villas to the restaurants that honour Maldivian heritage to the innately friendly islanders, you won’t find another resort of its kind in the Maldives. 

Milaidhoo is owned by Universal Enterprises Pvt Ltd and operated by Universal Resorts, a Maldivian family company. A pioneering company that has led the development of the tourism industry in the Maldives for over 50 years.

Thoughtfully constructed and designed

With so much that is artificial in the modern world, Milaidhoo represents the real, natural world as it might have been in the days of the Sultans. The resort has fifty overwater and beach pool villas and luxury residences, custom-designed for comfort by renowned Maldivian architect, Mohamed Shafeeq. Rooted in local island traditions; the architecture and interior design incorporates local wood and palm thatched roofs.

Traditional Maldivian crafts are an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. In the main square in front of the reception area, several hanging chairs represent the local village tradition of gathering in public. Other quirky details include an old spa door featuring brain coral stone elements. All over the resort you will discover beautiful, authentic lacquerware (liyelaa jehun). Wood is carved into different objects which are coated with layers of different coloured lacquer. Once the lacquer coating is finished, it is polished with dry leaves.

Each villa offers seamless indoor-outdoor living, and the interiors are inspired by the simplicity and natural beauty of island life. A neutral palate is naturally enhanced by a mix of textures and thoughtful touches. Sliding doors accentuate the free-flowing space, revealing sweeping views of lush nature or turquoise water. The style is re-invented luxury, where guests feel a sense of belonging, experiencing bare-foot informality within a natural tropical island setting. Custom-made furnishings and unique designs are Maldivian inspired, made by local craftsmen specifically for the resort. Milaidhoo captures the culture, the spirit and the heritage of the Maldives blended with modern comforts.

Past and Present

As an island nation, the culture of the Maldives revolves around the sea and its island lifestyle. Historically, the Maldives was a key port for ancient Spice Route traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia. They carried shipments of cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, ginger and pepper. Maldivian ba’theli cargo boats sailed throughout the archipelago bartering cowrie shells for exotic spices, rice, ceramics, and silk. They traded coconuts, sun-dried fish, cordage, and sails woven from coconut fibre. Cargo carriers shared their nautical knowledge, customs, and cuisine with fellow traders.

Ba’theli, Milaidhoo’s signature overwater restaurant pays homage to the Spice Route’s old-time mariners. The restaurant consists of three interlinked traditional ba’theli cargo boats offering diners a six-course Maldivian heritage degustation tasting menu. Highlights include Havaadhuli Mas, an island-spiced Maldivian yellow fin tuna loin, Kullha fila mustard leaf and copra essence, Moodhumas Kiru Garudhiya – freshly poached fish and shellfish, flavoured with island spices and curry leaf foam. There are also dishes of Maldivian lobster curry, Northern archipelago slow braised lamb curry, Southern Maldivian chicken curry, pumpkin and local leaf salad served with traditional steamed rice, chapatti and condiments. A dinner on board Ba’theli is like a voyage through the cuisine of the Maldives, providing a meaningful experience and memorable moment while staying at Milaidhoo.

Culinary traditions

Island spices include cumin, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and coriander. They can be used all together or one at a time together with curry leaves. Curry leaves and fresh coconut are essential components of every Maldivian dish. Going back centuries, side dishes consisted of sweet potatoes, yams and breadfruit. Rice was only introduced later by Spice Route traders.

Maldivian cuisine has fish, usually tuna, as its base inspiration. Combined with onions, chillies, grated coconut and lime juice, fish served with rice forms the basis of the local diet. Tuna can be freshly cooked, boiled, smoked (valhoamas), or sun dried (hikimas).

Cooking styles and traditions are influenced by Arab, Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. Some local favourites include Mas huni, smoked shredded tuna served with grated coconut, lime, chilli and onion. Fihunu mas is a barbecued local fish which is basted with a chilli sauce.

Music and dance

Guests are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Maldivian culture with uplifting Bodu Beru performances. Bodu Beru is performed by an all-male ensemble of about fifteen performers, including four drummers, a lead singer and cast of male dancers dressed in traditional black and white sarongs. The melodic lyrics are sung in Dhivehi, the local dialect and tell stories of island life. The dance itself involves swaying of the hips and arms to the tempo of the music.

Bandiyaa jehun is a folkdance performed by an all-female ensemble melodiously beating on metal pots while singing and swaying decorously. Malaafaiy Negun, also performed by women is known for its graceful movements accompanied by rhythmic drumming and singing. Thaara Neshun is performed by a large group of men, usually seated facing each other in a line, while playing tambourines and singing. Two or three dancers, dance up and down the line.

Dhivehi Festivals

A joyous festival in the Maldives is Eid al-Adha which falls on the tenth day of the last month of the Islamic calendar. A four-day celebration of music, dancing, and culinary traditions. Koadi Kendun is an ancient ritual celebrated on the eve of Eid. Decorated Koadi’s (wooden sticks festively decorated using palm fronds), are central to the evening celebrations. Male and female islanders playfully try and keep their Koadi safe, despite several attempts to chop them down. The successful Koadi-fellers, who only reveal their identity at the end of the evening, participate in a traditional parade (Alhi Dheli Maali) the next day.

Maldivian’s celebrate and honour Islamic Holy Month and if you’re staying at Milaidhoo over Ramadan, you may spend enjoyable evenings listening to live Arabic entertainment and tasting popular Iftar and Ghabga dishes.

Embracing local culture and customs is a wonderful part of the travel experience. It provides you with a deeper understanding of the Maldives and gives you and your loved ones a more genuine experience. To discover the Maldives for yourself, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 960 660 7788 so we may help you plan an authentic adventure. For the latest news and to follow the story of our small island, subscribe to our newsletter.