Food
JOALI BEING launches Yutori: exquisite Japanese restaurant celebrating culinary wellness and biophilic design

JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, has unveiled a new Japanese restaurant conceptualised by the Michelin-acclaimed talents of Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto. The restaurant, named Yutori, embodies a sense of wellbeing in daily life and is set in a tranquil overwater sanctuary at JOALI BEING. Scheduled to open on 21st October 2024, the launch will feature a special appearance by the renowned Japanese Sake Master, Natsuki Kikuya.
Yutori is inspired by the Japanese concept of spaciousness, inviting guests to experience a setting where they can truly savour peace and serenity. Surrounded by the infinite movement of the ocean and shaded by a bamboo-thatched roof, Yutori stands as an island in itself. The restaurant’s design and architecture are rooted in JOALI BEING’s principles of biophilic design, integrating nature and harmony through positive energy flow. Yutori also includes an interactive sushi bar, with live music harmonised to the rhythm of ocean waves and a gentle sea breeze. General Manager Graeme Freeman remarked, “Yutori is a mindfully crafted experience that further enhances the unique culinary offerings at JOALI BEING. We are excited to bring Yutori to life, as we continue to elevate our guest journey through transformational experiences. Transcending over water in a beautiful 360-degree setting, our new Japanese dining experience reflects natural elegance, balance, and harmony—inviting our guests to immerse in the joy of wellbeing and true weightlessness.”

Yutori, a true epitome of Japanese charm and elegance, welcomes guests of all ages at JOALI BEING to enjoy an exemplary à la carte menu on selective evenings for dinner. The menu, crafted with the finest ingredients from both land and sea, aligns with the wellbeing island’s Earth-to-Table and Ocean-to-Table culinary philosophy, which emphasises ingredient traceability, fresh locally harvested food, and support for small farms with sustainable sourcing. Each dish highlights the best of Japanese culinary craftsmanship, adhering to the principles of authentic Japanese cuisine—balance, harmony, and respect for nature. Guests can indulge in a variety of gastronomic delights, ranging from Zensai appetisers, Sashimi, Sushi, and Temaki hand rolls to sensory salads, Robata grills such as Charcoal-grilled Wagyu and Seafood Toban Yaki, and exquisite desserts of Japanese heritage.
The culinary arts at Yutori are led by Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto, a recipient of multiple Michelin stars and winner of the Global Chef Award by the World Gourmet Summit. Born in Japan and trained in France and Italy, Chef Yamamoto has honed his craft over an illustrious four-decade career that spans the globe. He holds the distinction of serving three generations of American presidents at the legendary Jockey Club in Washington, D.C., and has also worked in the renowned kitchens of Roger Verge in Provence and Chez Nous Hama in San Francisco.

The grand opening of Yutori will also feature a traditional ‘Kagami Biraki’ ritual, performed by Japanese Sake Master Natsuki Kikuya—a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and shared joy. Kikuya previously served as a Sake Sommelier for Zuma and Roka restaurants in London, and has consulted for several prominent establishments in the UK, including Sushi Kanesaka London, Namaiki London, and Kioku Bar. Her accolades include the ‘Sake Samurai Award 2015’ by the Japan Sake Brewers Association and the ‘Woman of the Year 2024’ award under the Innovator Category by Code Hospitality.
At JOALI BEING, all culinary experiences are curated with the assistance of the island’s nutritionists, offering a range of healthy yet indulgent dining options. The FLOW dining space features three distinctive open-plan kitchens. MOJO, the island’s tropical beach sanctuary, is set on a three-layered sundeck and provides an ideal setting for lunch and sundowners by the pool. Guests can explore an impressive range of brews and join tea ceremonies with the resident Tea Sommelier at the SAI tea lounge. In addition, Teppanyaki dining at the Gate of Zero offers artistry grills against a stunning backdrop. Bespoke dining arrangements are available throughout the island, from private sandbanks to the inviting Turtle Treehouse, as well as interactive nutritional cooking classes at the Culinary Learning Centre.
Cooking
Savour July: Exceptional dining awaits at Barceló Nasandhura Male

Located in the vibrant heart of Malé, Barceló Nasandhura is fast becoming a sought-after destination for dining, casual coffee catchups, and laid-back city experiences. This July, guests are invited to indulge in a series of exclusive promotions across the hotel’s distinctive food and beverage outlets, the perfect opportunity to discover what’s on offer.
At Oivaru, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant located on the 3rd Floor, guests can treat themselves to an irresistible Chocolate Dessert Station, available during dinner service from 4th to 7th July only. A decadent addition to the renowned international buffet, it promises to satisfy every sweet tooth. To complement the dining experience, enjoy live music on selected evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed, flavorful night out.
To mark World Chocolate Day on 7th July, a special Chocolate Indulgence Station will be set up in the Nasandhura Lobby from 4 PM to 8 PM. Featuring free tastings and handcrafted desserts by the hotel’s renowned pastry chef, the experience is open to all guests and walk-ins. Guests can also purchase limited-edition treats while enjoying a beautifully styled chocolate-themed setup designed for sweet moments and social sharing.
Alimas Coffee Lounge is the ideal spot to escape the city heat. From 20th to 26th July, enjoy 10% off all ice creams, making it the perfect excuse to cool down with a sweet treat in style.
For those seeking elevated views and an unforgettable ambience, B.Heaven, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, offers signature mocktails and light bites, best savored with panoramic sunset vistas. On selected evenings, the energy rises with live DJ performances, making it the perfect setting to unwind, socialize, or celebrate under the stars.
This July, Barceló Nasandhura invites you to experience a taste of Malé’s most exciting culinary and social destination.
Featured
JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.
Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.
As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”
Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.
Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”
This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.
Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.
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Jumeirah Olhahali Island welcomes Shimmers’ Chef Emanuele for exclusive culinary residency this July

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced a culinary residency in collaboration with Chef Emanuele De Leo, Head Chef of the award-winning Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam in Dubai. Taking place from 7 to 10 July 2025, this exclusive experience will bring the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to the Maldives through a specially curated tasting-style menu.
Following a stint as Sous Chef at L’Olivo at Al Mahara, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Chef Emanuele took up his position as Head Chef at Shimmers in 2023. There, he leads the kitchen, where his menu pays homage to his Sicilian heritage, while embracing bold, contemporary interpretations of classic Mediterranean cuisine. Under his direction, Shimmers has earned recognition from Gault&Millau UAE in 2025, a testament of the restaurant’s elevated dining experience and Chef Emanuele’s distinctive culinary vision. With a strong focus on seasonality, he draws inspiration from the freshest market produce, transforming each ingredient into flavour-driven, elegantly presented creations.

For his residency at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Chef Emanuele has crafted a bespoke menu that fuses Greek influences with his Sicilian roots, showcasing refined coastal flavours and thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients. In true Shimmers fashion, the evening will be presented as a series of small, shareable plates, designed to bring guests together around the table. Highlights include a fresh cauliflower salad, zingy tuna tartare, and grilled octopus with Santorini fava. These are followed by indulgent mains such as slow-braised beef cheek paired with celery purée and red wine jus, alongside orzo with red prawns, lemon, and caviar. The experience concludes, with a duo of desserts: Greek yoghurt ice cream and orange crème brûlée, offering a refreshing and indulgent finale.
The exclusive dinner experience with Chef Emanuele is priced at USD 195 plus taxes per person. For more information or to reserve, visit the Jumeirah Olhahali Island website here.
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