The world’s youngest ocean is the birthplace of some of history’s oldest maritime traditions, which have spawned cultures of welcoming inclusion. Centuries before the rise of Rome, Arab traders plied these waters in sailing dhows laden with valuable cargoes of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and in the process spread influences of the sultanas to the ancient kingdoms of rajahs and emperors. More recently, European sea power forged expansive trade routes across these waters to link East and West adding yet more cultural complexity to island nations that have long histories as societal melting pots.
Flavors of the region draw from the bounty of the ocean, the tang of tropical fruits, and the sweet heat of curries, sambals, and chutneys. Today, these islands are home to some of the world’s most sought- after resorts, some set over-water on private islands, others tucked into landscapes often described as the Garden of Eden.
