In a heartfelt tribute to nature, community, and the spirit of renewal, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa and the newly opened JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort marked the summer solstice on June 20, 2025 with a JW Marriott signature Garden Party. Set within the lush JW Garden, the evening brought together guests and resort management for an immersive celebration of the longest day of the year.

A signature tradition celebrated across JW Marriott hotels around the world, the Garden Party honours the legacy of JW Marriott founders J. Willard and Alice Marriott, who found inspiration in the outdoors and the restorative power of nature. At the center of the event is the JW Garden, a peaceful sanctuary nestled within each resort’s grounds. Edible flowers, herbs, and vegetables are cultivated sustainably and thoughtfully incorporated into the resort’s culinary experiences. The JW Garden offers a mindful space that encourages guests to pause, reconnect with the natural world, and embrace the simple pleasures of seasonal living.

Sunset Connections at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

In the remote Shaviyani Atoll, General Manager Mohit Dembla hosted an intimate Garden Party in the resort’s vibrant JW Garden. Guests mingled over botanical-inspired cocktails and a curated selection of canapés, soaking in the atmosphere of calm, connection, and understated elegance that defines the JW experience. Highlights from the garden-inspired menu included spicy tuna served with JW Garden cucumber, smoked salmon on brioche, creamy cucumber topped with crushed dry nuts, and fresh rice paper rolls with prawns paired with an aromatic JW herb dip.

As a parting gift, each guest received a butterfly pea flower tea bag, handpicked from the JW Garden. Celebrated for its vibrant blue hue and gentle floral notes, the tea served as a thoughtful gesture—an infusion of the evening’s connection to nature and wellbeing.

Nature remained at the center of the celebration. From the carefully tended herbs and blooms to the ingredients infused in every bite and sip, the evening served as a quiet reflection of the grounding joy that comes from living in harmony with nature.

A Celebration of Renewal at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, General Manager Srikanth Devarapalli and his team welcomed guests to a soulful evening at JW Garden during golden hour. Surrounded by the scents of fresh basil and the sounds of swaying palms, guests were guided through a cocktail hour followed by an elegant six-course dinner, a tribute to the bounty of the island and the creativity of the culinary team.

Every dish told a story. From homemade cheese canapés layered with local herbs and coconut, to the “Roots of the Garden” a trio of basil, spinach, and dill sourdough breads served with garden herbs butter, the menu offered an edible exploration of the garden’s offerings. Sustainably sourced seafood showcased the resort’s respect for the ocean, while “Elemental Fire Earth, Smoke, Soul” brought together grilled confits with garden chili glaze and eggplant jus. A trio of desserts, including a tuna bonito floss macaron, ended the experience on a whimsical note. Each guest departed with a thoughtful gift: a jar of handcrafted passionfruit jam and a bottle of locally sourced coconut oil, a keepsake infused with the island’s flavours and spirit.

A Moment to Reflect and Renew

At both resorts, guests were invited to participate in a poetic tradition: Seed Paper Wishes. Each guest was given a piece of plantable paper on which to write a wish for the second half of the year. The papers were then planted in the JW Garden, symbolising hope, growth, and renewal.

“There’s something timeless and grounding about marking the solstice with community, nature, and intention,” said Mohit Dembla, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. “The Garden Party reminds us that luxury is not defined by what we consume, but by how we feel. It is about creating space for connection to ourselves and the world around us.”

Building on that sentiment, Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, shared, “The JW Garden captures a spirit of presence and connection. It invites us to savor life’s simple pleasures and reconnect with what truly nourishes us. Hosting our first Garden Party brought that spirit to life in a meaningful way for our guests.”

As dusk settled on the longest day of the year, guests across both JW resorts departed with full hearts, light spirits, and the grounding presence of nature still in the air. The inaugural Garden Party marked a true celebration of abundance, renewal, and the mindful joy of living well.

To learn more about the resorts, please visit jwmarriottmaldives.com and jwmarriottkaafuatoll.com.