Gastronomy
Year-round Epicurean Delights: JOALI Maldives announces series of visiting culinary experts
JOALI Maldives is partnering with the finest culinary experts from around the world to create unparalleled gastronomical experiences. Over the course of the coming months, the resort promises a range of events curated to elevate the stay at the property.
The resort is well-known for its diverse range of dining options to choose from; throughout the year guests can savour Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, Italian cuisine, and Levantine cuisine. In addition to this, the resort also has noteworthy seasonal experiences, such as the recent pop-up of Le Petit Chef, an immersive theatrical dining experience.
JOALI Maldives strongly believes in the important role gastronomy plays in making a luxurious stay and is dedicated to continuously bring new experiences for their guests. This exclusive series of collaborations aims to bring exceptional flavours to the discerning palates of the resort’s esteemed patrons and explore the joys of gastronomy.
This series will feature a rotation of acclaimed chefs and culinary connoisseurs, each bringing their expertise, unique styles, and creations.
11 August 2023 – La Scolca Wine Dinner
JOALI Maldives hosts an exclusive wine dinner with Wine Maker and CEO Chiara Soldati, featuring a meticulously curated wine selection from La Scolca.
The premium wines from La Scolca paired with a menu crafted specially for the dinner by the world-class chefs of JOALI Maldives is guaranteed to elevate the dining experience.
14 October – Sake Dinner
Partnering with renowned Japanese Sake breweries such as Shirataki, Tochikura and Ginrei Gassan, JOALI Maldives invites guests for a special sake dinner. The breweries are selected based on their craftsmanship and innovation, and brewing techniques. Set in the Japanese-Peruvian restaurant of the resort – Saoke – the dinner is sure to transport guests through a nostalgic journey of Japanese heritage on Maldivian shores.
15 to 22 October 2023 – Ekaterina Alehina
Ekaterina Alehina is the founder-chef of Biologie in Moscow and the first female chef in Russia to be awarded a Michelin star. Based on the concept of “circular gastronomy”, Biologie serves mindful recipes with a strong accent on sustainability.
Chef Alehina will be at JOALI Maldives from 15 to 22 October 2023, and guests can enjoy a specially curated experience with her during this period.
15 to 22 November 2023 – Theodor Falser
Multi award-winning Michelin star recipient Chef Theodor Falser has worked closely with JOALI Maldives, having been the culinary consultant for the resort’s Italian restaurant – Bellinis. Chef Theodor is passionate about wild herbs and regional products, and throughout his remarkable career, he has discovered different tastes from a variety of cultures.
JOALI Maldives is delighted to welcome back Chef Theodor from 15 to 22 November 2023 and March 2024, allowing our guests to indulge in his exquisite creations once again.
18 to 25 December 2023 – Nina Tarasova
With over 10 years of experience in the culinary sphere, Chef Nina Tarasova is a well-known for her confectionary skills. She trained in France but works in Russia and frequently represents the country in different international festivals and forums. Chef Nina also conducts training and masterclasses both in Russia and abroad.
From 18 to 25 December 2023, Chef Nina joins JOALI Maldives to celebrate the festive season in style. Her dedication and culinary mastery is sure to leave an indelible impression for the guests.
10 to 17 January 2024 – Alex Webb
After impressing the world with his showstopping dishes on BBC’s ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’, trailblazing Chef Alex Webb ultimately won the show in 2020. His main mantra is “food should be an experience”, and his dishes are well-known for its creative flair and presentation.
From 10 to 17 January 2024, embark on an extraordinary culinary journey with Chef Webb as he draws inspiration from travels and the nostalgic flavours of his childhood. A unique culinary experience awaits all guests at JOALI Maldives.
20 to 27 February 2024 – Hidemasa Yamamoto
Hailing from Japan and trained in France and Italy, Chef Yamamoto has garnered multiple culinary accolades during his illustrious career including multiple Michelin-star ratings. His dishes are well known for their exquisite flavours and meticulous attention to detail. Chef Yamamoto has worked closely with JOALI Maldives, curating the menu at Saoke, the resort’s acclaimed Japanese-Peruvian Restaurant.
JOALI Maldives is excited to welcome Chef Yamamoto back from 20 to 27 February 2024, a visit that promises exceptional and innovative fusion of flavours to guests.
The line-up of experts spanning the following months promises an unparalleled celebration of culinary excellence. Each expert brings in a range from contemporary interpretation to traditional classics, promising gustatory delights that is sure to elevate your stay in JOALI Maldives.
For further details and booking, please visit joali.com
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn, one of the most prominent figures in Moscow’s contemporary bar scene, from 2nd to 10th May 2026.
Vyacheslav is the Bar Manager of The Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Carlton, Moscow, one of the city’s most sophisticated social destinations. He began his career at the award-winning City Space Bar, recognised both in Russia and internationally, before contributing to a number of standout bar and restaurant projects at Lucky Group.
Renowned for crafting modern classics with precision and narrative depth, Vyacheslav’s cocktails reflect refined technique, contemporary elegance, and a strong sense of place. Each creation tells a story-balancing innovation with timeless style, elegance and style.
During his residency at Lily Beach, guests will experience a curated cocktail menu inspired by Moscow’s dynamic bar culture, reimagined within the island’s luxury setting. Exclusive evening showcases and limited-edition signatures will highlight his artistry.
This special collaboration underscores Lily Beach’s commitment to delivering elevated culinary and beverage experiences -where global expertise meets barefoot Maldivian luxury.
At Lily Beach the Platinum Plan seamlessly unites exceptional dining with premium inclusions, creating one of the Maldives’ most distinguished all-inclusive experiences. Guests indulge in diverse buffet and à la carte offerings across multiple restaurants, complemented by an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits, signature cocktails, and a replenished minibar. Elevating the culinary journey further, Les Turquoise d’Aqua proudly received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024, underscoring the resort’s commitment to world-class wine curation. From elegant beachfront dinners to relaxed overwater settings, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to deliver refined flavour, variety, and effortless luxury.
For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website.
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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