Connect with us

Gastronomy

Year-round Epicurean Delights: JOALI Maldives announces series of visiting culinary experts

Published

on

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

Cooking

The St. Regis Maldives announces exciting culinary journey with renowned Chef Jolly

Published

on

Over the turquoise waters of the Dhaalu Atoll, a rare culinary voyage is about to unfold as The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the celebrated Chef Surjan Singh, fondly known as Chef Jolly, for two-month pop-up residency from mid-October to mid-December 2025. This immersive celebration of Indian cuisine coincides with the festive spirit of Diwali, blending tradition with contemporary flair in a truly unforgettable island setting.

A beloved TV personality on MasterChef India, Chef Jolly brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to this special collaboration. Celebrated for his ability to blend royal Indian heritage with everyday comfort food, he unveils a vibrant menu inspired by his travels, culinary roots, and the rich tapestry of the Indian subcontinent.

Guests can expect standout creations such as Lamb Ghee Roast served on Malabar Bread Tacos, Cafreal Tiger Prawns, and his signature Butter Chicken. Each dish will be accompanied by fragrant biryanis, hand-rolled breads, toasted spices, and house-made chutneys—all carefully plated to evoke both nostalgia and discovery. A bespoke cocktail list brings further depth to the experience, with Indian-inspired blends such as The Great Indian and Imli Margarita, along with thoughtfully curated wines and low-ABV selections.

“Food is memory. It’s emotion. It’s a journey,” shares Chef Jolly. “To bring the vibrancy and soul of Indian cuisine to The St. Regis Maldives is a true privilege. Each dish tells a story, one of tradition, reinvention, and joy.”

As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the exclusive opportunity to bid on an extraordinary Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience. The package includes a five-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from October 19 to 24, with daily breakfast at Alba, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Jolly himself, and a curated wellness experience featuring a signature massage and the renowned Blue Hole hydrotherapy journey at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Malé International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to farewell.

Tucked away on its own private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a destination that embodies barefoot luxury and discreet glamour. Its striking architecture, an elegant harmony of tropical modernism and local inspiration—blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the atoll. The resort features 77 spacious villas, each offering panoramic ocean views or lush jungle surroundings, along with personalized St. Regis Butler Service. From restorative treatments at the award-winning Iridium Spa to yachting adventures aboard the resort’s private Azimut Flybridge, the experience is curated for those who seek both indulgence and escape.

This limited-time pop-up isn’t just a dining event, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the unmatched power of storytelling through food. It’s where the timeless rituals of Indian hospitality meet the barefoot luxury of the Maldives.

Members can now bid for a Curated Culinary Experience with Chef Jolly and a five-night stay in at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort from now until 25 August through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. For more information, visit stregismaldives.com.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Sustainability in bloom at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ newly transformed Spice Garden

Published

on

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled its newly reimagined Spice Garden, a vibrant embodiment of sustainability, sensory exploration, and culinary innovation. Under the expert care of in-house horticulturist Zabih and the culinary guidance of Executive Chef Frank, the revitalised garden has become central to the resort’s garden-to-table ethos, shaping the evolution of the guest dining journey—most notably reflected in the enhanced Lazy Lunch menu.

Set within the resort’s grounds, the Spice Garden has undergone a significant transformation into a flourishing haven of organic herbs, spices, and edible plants, many of which now appear on the menu just hours after being harvested. This abundance of fresh, homegrown produce has redefined the resort’s culinary landscape, with seasonal ingredients and authentic flavours now taking pride of place, particularly in the Lazy Lunch offering.

The new direction has allowed for even greater incorporation of local harvests into the menu, with freshly picked herbs and vegetables enriching the taste and nutritional value of each dish. This approach also grants the chefs the freedom to adapt the menu according to the changing seasons, continuously presenting guests with something innovative and exciting.

To bring guests closer to this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru has introduced a complimentary Spice Garden Walk, led by horticulturist Zabih. With his deep passion and careful stewardship, the garden has become a sensory-rich learning environment. Guests are encouraged to touch, smell, and taste a variety of tropical herbs and spices while learning about their origins, culinary uses, and environmental significance.

Zabih views the garden as an invitation to reconnect with nature, offering guests an experience that engages all the senses and fosters a deeper appreciation for the ingredients behind each meal. The garden walk and Lazy Lunch, though distinct experiences, together offer a comprehensive exploration of the journey from soil to plate.

Seasonal menus continue to draw inspiration from the garden, reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainability, wellness, and the use of locally sourced ingredients. General Manager Thomas affirms this vision, highlighting the Spice Garden as a symbol of the resort’s commitment to meaningful guest experiences. He notes that it reflects a broader aim to blend sustainability with cultural authenticity, offering visitors a more personal and enriching stay.

Whether strolling through the fragrant pathways of the garden or enjoying a sunlit lunch featuring ingredients harvested mere moments earlier, guests are invited to savour the harmony between cuisine, nature, and place—making every bite a celebration of the island’s rich natural abundance.

Continue Reading

Drink

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s Nautilus Bar returns: An icon reimagined

Published

on

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has unveiled the newly renovated Nautilus Bar, a reimagined oceanfront haven designed to capture the timeless elegance of the nautilus shell and the laid-back luxury of island life. Elevated, refined, and more inviting than ever, this refreshed space is set to reclaim its spot as the resort’s most coveted destination for sunset cocktails and starlit conversations.

Perfectly poised above the turquoise waters, the new Nautilus Bar blends sophisticated barefoot charm with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views, offering a multisensory experience that is both serene and indulgent. Guests can expect a menu as vibrant as the views, from craft cocktails and tropical bites to wholesome smoothies and indulgent milkshakes. Every element has been thoughtfully curated to evoke a sense of relaxation and connection with the island’s natural rhythm.

“Perched above the ocean with nothing but the horizon in view, The Nautilus Bar is one of those rare places where time seems to slow down. It is not just a bar—it is where you can swing gently in a hammock, sip a perfectly crafted cocktail, and lose yourself in the colours of a Maldivian sunset. It is one of my favourite spots on the island, and I truly believe it captures the soul of what makes Sun Siyam Vilu Reef so special,” shared Thoha Yoosuf, Resort Manager, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

This transformation was thoughtfully envisioned by Studio Sixty7, whose designers Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol reimagined every detail to honor the laid-back spirit of the Maldives with contemporary refinement.

“Our design ethos was all about creating a home-away-from-home feeling, only with your feet in the white sands. Fully upholstered lounge chairs and oversized, low-slung sofas invite guests to unwind in a relaxed, barefoot-luxury setting. At the heart of the space is an organically carved bar set into white plaster walls, with Calacatta marble countertops and bespoke joinery adding a subtle sense of indulgence. To create visual impact, we introduced oversized rope pendants that draw the eye upward and emphasise the generous scale of the space. The relaxed aesthetic continues onto the extended decking, where new hanging nets and pops of bright aqua add energy against the neutral backdrop, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings. It’s a space where guests can fully immerse themselves in peace and tranquility, while still experiencing the refined spirit of Maldivian luxury,” explain Lee & Jose, Founders and Creative Directors of Studio Sixty7.

Whether you arrive for an early evening apéritif, a hammock-side escape, or a quiet moment beneath the stars, The Nautilus Bar invites guests to pause, savor, and simply be.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.