Niyama Private Islands Maldives is reintroducing its Asian dining gem, Nest, with a captivating blend of reimagined jungle ambiance and bold, new flavors.
Nest, nestled deep within the heart of the Play island, elevates the experience of Asian fine dining with its unique setting surrounded by untamed, indigenous flora, creating an immersive and otherworldly atmosphere for guests.
The journey unfolds with a leisurely walk along a meandering boardwalk, winding through the jungle’s lush vines. The enchantment of Nest comes to life beneath the canopy of a mature banyan tree, standing as a testament to decades of growth. On the ground floor, tribal thatched-roof huts converge around the teppanyaki showcase, offering an exciting palette of fiery flavors. Alternatively, guests can ascend a spiral staircase, cross a bridge, and find themselves on a dining platform suspended six meters above the ground.
Originally conceptualized in 2013 by Poole Associates and landscape architect Drew Anderson of TOPO Design, Nest’s design envisioned a multi-level treehouse connected by a network of wooden walkways and bridges that seamlessly integrated with the surrounding trees.
After a decade of operation, Niyama is unveiling an enhanced setting with more lush and dramatic landscaping, meticulously crafted by the resort’s chief engineer, Michael Selvin. Each table is now more fully immersed in nature and exclusivity, with hundreds of lights illuminating the trees at night, evoking an exotic feel reminiscent of the vibrant streets of Saigon, Tokyo, or Bangkok.
Accompanying the revitalized setting is a fresh menu curated by the new Executive Chef, Thierry Vergnault. Delights include the wagyu and sea urchin tataki (Japan), sizzling bo lok lak (Vietnam), and chilli reef lobster sourced from local waters (Singapore).
Chef Thierry’s creations embody a relentless pursuit of novelty, fusing the freshest high-quality ingredients with innovative culinary techniques. The island’s own garden provides rare Asian herbs and spices, influencing an experimental cocktail list crafted by consultant Mathew Atkinson of Bruff Drinks.
Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives, expresses excitement about the revamped Nest, stating, “The reimagined concept, coupled with Chef Thierry Vergnault’s culinary brilliance, promises to take our guest experience to another level, and we invite the adventurous from around the world to come experience the magic of Nest for themselves.”
