By If you have spent any time at the tourist-haven that is Maafushi (a mere 40 minutes away from Velana International Airport), you would have come across Arena Beach Hotel. Speak of Arena and you will see they are well-known for panoramic views of the bay, bedazzling infinity pool and even better service (seriously! every single person is so genuine and nice here). Step on the island and mingle with guests and you will also realize why nearly every single person spoke so highly of their signature dinner buffet.
and even better service (seriously! every single person is so genuine and nice here). Step on the island and mingle with guests and you will also realize why nearly every single person spoke so highly of their signature dinner buffet.
“I can’t wait to hit the buffet after jet-skis”, a member of our party said excitedly at our early check-in. Upon inquiring about the buffet, one of the staff took the time to show us a massive outdoor/indoor dining area with lush greenery and azure waves as its backdrop. “People from several other places on the island come all the way here especially for our buffet. Sometimes from Male’ as well. Tonight there will be live music. See you there”, we were waved off by a smiling face.
Come nighttime, a famished party still swaying slightly from the stunning waves that day in the ocean made their way to the promised delicacies. A warm, dimly lit balmy night with the hum of waves and chatter mingled as we approached an array of appetizing aromas.
From the warming soup to the wide availability of truly fresh salads and the live pasta station with a very very generous helping of the grill, we dug in without a second’s pause. While the food alone was stellar with the variety of options dizzying, we found what makes this buffet different from any we have seen is owed to the sense of community.
The staff at any given time found moments to have a relaxed chat with guests and actually paused and listened after asking us how our day went. Guests themselves were smiling from ear to ear and helping serve each other in good cheer with all strangeness forgotten. Finish off with an excellent helping of mocktails and coffee with their decadent desserts and the evening was only made better when we inched closer to enjoy the live music that just began.