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Healthy is no longer boring: JOALI BEING takes wellbeing focused F&B experiences to next level

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Ahmed Shaheen, the esteemed Food and Beverage Manager at JOALI BEING, has transformed his humble beginnings as a room attendant at Paradise Island Resort into a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry. Today, he leads the Food and Beverage team at JOALI BEING, the first luxury wellbeing island of its kind in the world, where he masterfully incorporates the island’s philosophy into every aspect of the dining experience.

Having worked with prestigious resorts such as Four Seasons Resort Maldives, W Maldives, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and Vakkaru Maldives, Shaheen’s dedication to excellence and passion for hospitality have earned him a reputation as an industry leader.

“I’ve always believed in the power of hard work and perseverance,” Shaheen says. “My journey has taught me that with dedication and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.”

At JOALI BEING, Shaheen’s primary focus is guiding his team to create exceptional dining experiences that align with the island’s wellbeing concept.

“Our goal is to provide our guests with a holistic approach to wellbeing, and that includes the food and beverages we serve,” he explains. “Our kitchens are laid out in such a way that there’s no room for cross-contamination. We carefully curate our menus to ensure that they are not only delicious but also nourishing and in harmony with our guests’ wellbeing journey.”

JOALI BEING’s culinary journey embraces an Earth-to-Table initiative, ensuring ingredient traceability and providing fresh, locally harvested, and sustainably sourced foods that support small farms. The island’s culinary philosophy is centred around engaging with unique ingredients in a timeless and respectful manner, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of their origins. Its food offerings create a harmonious path for profound discovery by immersing guests in an environment that encourages personal transformation through unforgettable and thoughtfully curated experiences.

The island’s nutritionists have skilfully crafted all food and beverage options based on its four pillars – Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy – presenting a variety of flavours and cuisines that balance health and indulgence. For guests seeking a more personalised experience, JOALI BEING offers tailored nutrition sessions and collaborative menu recommendations.

“Working closely with wellbeing experts, we develop menus that are both nutritious and indulgent. We believe that wellbeing should be enjoyable, and our culinary offerings reflect that philosophy,” Shaheen says. “Our guests can expect to find dishes that are rich in flavour, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and designed to support their overall wellbeing.”

What sets JOALI BEING’s Food and Beverage service apart from other islands is the attention to detail and the personalised approach to dining.

“We understand that each guest has unique preferences and dietary needs, so we strive to create bespoke dining experiences that cater to their individual tastes while staying true to our philosophy and pillars,” Shaheen shares. “Our team is trained to anticipate our guests’ needs and to go above and beyond to ensure that their dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.”

As a Maldivian himself, Shaheen is passionate about inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals in his home country. His message to young Maldivians who wish to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality is one of encouragement and determination.

“The hospitality industry offers incredible opportunities for growth and personal development,” he says. “My advice to young Maldivians is to be open to learning, embrace challenges, and never give up on your dreams.”

Shaheen’s own career is a testament to the power of perseverance and the opportunities that the hospitality industry can provide. From his early days as a room attendant to his current role as Food and Beverage Manager at JOALI BEING, Shaheen has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence and his passion for creating unforgettable experiences for guests.

As JOALI BEING continues to redefine luxury wellbeing in the Maldives, Ahmed Shaheen’s leadership and vision for the island’s Food and Beverage department will undoubtedly play a crucial role in its success. With his wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to his craft, Shaheen is poised to make a lasting impact on the Maldivian hospitality industry and beyond, all the while making JOALI BEING an ideal destination for your next holiday or vacation.

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Feast for senses: Evolving culinary canvas of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

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At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, dining is not merely a matter of sustenance; it’s a journey of discovery, artistry, and taste that unfolds with every meal. Nestled in the pristine seclusion of the Raa Atoll, this intimate island sanctuary invites long-stay guests to indulge in an ever-changing mosaic of flavours and atmospheres, ensuring no two days—or dining experiences—are ever alike.

Dining, Redefined for the Discerning Palate

Dining at Alila Kothaifaru isn’t defined by one restaurant or one menu. It’s an evolving narrative of taste. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape or an extended sabbatical, each day ushers a new opportunity to be surprised and delighted at the table.

Begin with a Floating Lunch in the privacy of your own pool villa. Picture this: the midday sun shimmering on the water as you recline poolside, savouring a beautifully curated spread. This unhurried pleasure is the perfect way to settle into your island retreat.

Then, head to Pibati Sul Mare, where tradition meets hands-on creativity. The Art of Pizza Making is More than a workshop—it’s a Joyful ritual. Roll the dough, fold your base, scatter fresh toppings, and watch as your creation ts fired to perfection. The reward? A slice of Italy savoured with the gentle breeze of the Indian Ocean.

Sunsets and Sensory Stories

As the sun dips below the horizon, The Shack Sundowner experience awaits. Champagne and caviar, set against a canvas of molten sky and encdless sea, is a ritual best shared, a memory effortlessly mace.

For something theatrically indulgent, Teppanyaki at Umami takes centre stage. Here, expert chefs turn dinner into a performance, grilling, searing, and plating with precision, all while guests soak in the sizzling sights and aromas.

Global Flavours, Local Soul

Each evening, the resort’s culinary offering shifts again. At Yakitori Bar, fragrant skewers sizzle over charcoal flames, echoing the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Mondays serve up the comfort of a rich Indian Thali, while Wednesdays and Sundays bring a quintessential island feast with a Boat to Table BBQ, where the clay’s freshest catch takes price of place.

This signature experience is part of Alila Kothaifaru’s boat-to-table sustainability initiative, which focuses on sourcing fresh seafood locally and responsibly. By collaborating directly with Maldivian fishermen, the resort ensures the shortest journey from ocean to plate. This partnership supports both marine conservation efforts and local livelihoods while providing guests with the freshest possible ingredients.

“Our culinary philosophy is grounded in a deep respect for nature and community,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “With the boat-to-table initiative, we’re not only celebrating the incredible bounty of the Indian Ocean but also championing sustainability, transparency, and authentic island experiences that our guests truly value.”

Friday evenings unfold with The Art of Mezze, a Mediterranean medley of colour, spice, and texture. Meanwhile, Saturdays are reserved for indulgence with La Dolce Vita at Pibati Sul Mare, a flowing celebration of Italian favourites, designed to be lingered over, shared, and remembered.

Never the Same Plate Twice

For long-stay guests, the worry of repetition simply doesn’t exist. With rotating themes, diverse cuisines, and unique dining settings—from barefoot beachfronts to stylish al fresco lounges—each mealtime becomes a new chapter in their Maldivian story.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is not just evolving its food and beverage programme; it’s redefining island dining. With every thoughtfully crafted experience, we invite guests to eat, explore, and engage their senses in the most delicious ways possible.

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Gourmet escape with Singaporean Chef Petrina Loh at Constance Moofushi

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At Constance Moofushi, gastronomy is more than a signature offering—it is a pillar of the guest experience, where refined techniques, local inspiration, and respect for nature, come together to create timeless moments.

In this spirit of culinary excellence, Constance Moofushi hosted Chef Petrina Loh, renowned Singaporean chef and founder of the award-winning restaurant Morsels. Known for her passion for fermentation and bold flavour pairings rooted in Asian fusion, Chef Loh brought her distinctive creative flair to the Maldives for an exclusive collaboration with the resort’s culinary teams.

Throughout her stay, she worked hand-in-hand with the chefs, sharing her philosophy and collaborating on a series of inspired dishes that reflected the Constance Hotel’s culinary identity while introducing fresh perspectives. Her presence on the island was not only a gastronomic highlight for Moofushi’s guests, but also a moment of true enrichment for the teams—fostering creativity, technique, and a renewed sense of inspiration.

“It was a privilege to welcome Chef Petrina Loh to Constance Moofushi,” said Mevin Ramasamy, General Manager. “Her generous approach and alignment with our culinary values brought great energy to our teams and enriched the guest experience. Collaborations like these allow us to grow, while offering gastronomic experience that remains elegant, fresh, and rooted in authenticity.

At Constance Hotels & Resorts, culinary excellence is nurtured through meaningful encounters, and the transmission of savoir-faire. Talents from around the world are regularly invited to share their expertise with the teams. This spirit is embodied in the annual Constance Festival Culinaire-a flagship event celebrating creativity, gastronomy and cross-cultural culinary exchange- and echoed in exclusive culinary invitations such as Chef Petrina Loh’s at Constance Moofushi. Through a growing calendar of gastronomic events, Constance Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its promise: to offer cuisine that inspires, connects, and elevates every stay

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Milaidhoo Maldives unveils Azure: Chic beach shack dining experience

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Milaidhoo Maldives, the renowned luxury boutique resort in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is launching its newest dining concept, Azure.

Offering a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand experience, Azure provides guests with a delightful lunchtime escape in a picturesque beach shack setting, delivering an authentic slice of Maldivian life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Nestled amid lush palm-like screw pines, Azure embodies the essence of barefoot informality. With its relaxed ambiance and idyllic beach location, guests can unwind and savour the simple pleasures of island life while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Open from 12.00 (noon) to 16.00, Azure is the perfect spot for a leisurely midday meal.

Azure’s culinary focus is on fresh, light bites and delectable wood-fired pizzas, crafted with the finest ingredients. A highlight of the menu is the signature Azure pizza, showcasing the unique flavours of Maldivian ingredients, such as tuna carpaccio, lobster, dried fish, herbs from the Chef’s garden (Maldivian Rocket) and a Maldivian chilli tomato sauce as the base.

Guests can also indulge in a selection of refreshing cocktails as well as the ever-popular Provence rosé, a must on a sunny day at the beach.

A standout at Azure is the homemade sorbet, featuring an array of tropical flavours such as creamy coconut, zesty lemon screw pine, fragrant basil and vibrant hibiscus. These invigorating treats provide the perfect ending to a sun-kissed afternoon.

“At Milaidhoo, we encourage our guests to leave formality behind. This new dining experience captures the true spirit of our effortless island luxury,” says Ken Gundu, Executive Chef. “Azure offers you a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the Maldives in a relaxed and informal setting while enjoying exceptional food and drinks.”

Azure’s menu:

  • Light bites: a selection of fresh, seasonal dishes perfect for a light lunch.
  • Wood-fired pizzas: crispy, thin-crust pizzas cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
  • Signature Azure pizza: a unique creation you simply must try, featuring local ingredients from the chef’s garden and the Indian Ocean.
  • Homemade sorbets: when the heat is on, indulge in our uniquely Maldivian sorbet flavours including coconut, lemon screw pine, basil and hibiscus.
  • Provence rosé and cocktails: enjoy a chilled glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail to complement this most relaxing of dining experiences.

Azure invites guests to embrace the laid-back charm of a beach shack, where every meal celebrates culinary delights inspired by the island’s natural beauty.

Milaidhoo is more than just a destination; it’s an island sanctuary where you can write your own story and create memories as unique as you are.

For reservations and more information, please contact the resort at welcome@milaidhoo.com.

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