Tree-top Dining At Six Senses

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. October 14, 2008

AUGUST 23, 2006. Soneva Fushi located in the Maldives North Baa Atoll is introducing the ultimate Robinson Crusoe (dining) experience, which would have wowed the seafaring adventurer turned author himself.

The island of Kunfunadhoo, the largest resort islands in the archipelago - 45 hectares or 100 acres - is also one of the most heavily naturally jungled islands and offers just 65 very private accommodations.

With focus on the reality of the destination, this latest dining experience sits four metres, or more than thirteen feet, above the organic garden and affords views across the jungle canopy, from every angle. Arrival is through the garden, where plantings such as papaya, mango, fig, passion fruit, banana and lime are becoming established, interspersed with vegetable patches, plus herbs and spice plots. A stairway leads up to a suspended rope and plank bridge, across which guests access the vast timber construction, which is the restaurant.

The main restaurant platform measures 200 square metres, or more than 2,000 square feet, plus an 85 square metre, or 900 square feet, terrace. In the centre of the main platform is a sunken kitchen and dispense bar, completely open to the restaurant on all four sides.

Around the perimeter of the platform are just eight tables, with seating being Soneva signature daybeds and huge cushions. Additional seating is on the terrace.

A walkway leads off the main platform out to a tower upon which sits a washroom and toilet, designed with a glass wall offering more personal views over the tree tops. This could be described as the best seat in the house. Leading off the other side of the main platform is another walkway which ramps up to a tower-topped observatory, complete with telescope. Star gazing in the clear Maldivian night sky could not be better.

The menu at the organic garden restaurant changes daily, and features the freshest produce imaginable, with a focus on fruit, vegetables and fish, plus some organic meats. A desert menu is enhanced with a selection of Soneva's own home made ice creams and sorbets. The wine list features a selection of wines, which are also available by the glass.

The Soneva Fushi organic garden restaurant currently opens for dinner. The innovative design and ecologically orientated timber construction, are a testaments to the Soneva philosophy of Intelligent Luxury.