The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives is Now a Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

Where: P.O. Box 2062, Manafaru Island - Haa Alifu Atoll , Maldives

The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives recently joined the Waldorf Astoria Collection and got a new moniker, The Beach House Maldives. But the name isn't the only change that guests will see at the hotel.

As part of the Waldorf Astoria changeover, the hotel is going back to its roots and emphasizing Maldivian culture. Subtle changes will be shown in the decor, like the Maldivian architecture-inspired beds made of teak wood, and the spa will offer new treatments based on Maldivian holistic beliefs. But what we really want to check out is the Maldivian tea service in the new gallery featuring Indian Ocean artists.

Bileh Meeru Kurun, or high tea, is actually a longtime tradition on the islands. Maldivian kings often sat down for a cuppa and some noshes. For the hotel's service, Maldivian ingredients give the traditional English teatime treats a tropical twist. You'll get goodies like breadfruit cake, finger sandwiches that include samosas, fish pastries and a Maldivian pine nut and coconut scone.

As for the drinks, a selection of hot teas and local juices that are supposed to be enriched with holistic properties are served. Gandhakoalhi Oshu Fani, a basil seed juice, helps enlight the senses, and Kulhifenu Sai is a spiced tea that's used for its healing and rejuvenating power. There's also jasmine water and bilinbi (bilimagu) juice. Ingredients like the basil and bilinbi fruit are grown on property.

Aside from hosting the high teas, the art gallery will feature work from local visiting artists, who will also give demonstrations to guests. A local painter is in residence now and visits from a silversmith and some craftsmen are on tap.

[Photo: The Beach House Maldives]

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