Elevating the “Well-Living” Culinary Narrative
JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first and only dedicated wellbeing island, has officially appointed Antonia Mitic as its new Director of Food & Beverage. This strategic hire marks a new chapter for the resort’s “well-living” philosophy, focusing on the seamless integration of high-end gastronomy with biological health.
Mitic joins the Raa Atoll sanctuary directly from her role as General Manager and F&B Strategist at Sindalah (NEOM), where she pioneered the culinary identity for Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious ultra-luxury island project.
A Portfolio of Strategic Innovation
With a career spanning two decades across the UK, UAE, and Europe, Mitic brings a “concept-first” approach to the Maldivian luxury landscape. Her expertise lies in creating dining journeys that are both intellectually engaging and operationally flawless.
| Strategic Focus | Key Objective |
| Concept Refinement | Aligning Mediterranean and Japanese menus with the resort’s Four Pillars (Mind, Skin, Microbiome, Energy). |
| Earth-to-Table 2.0 | Enhancing ingredient traceability and local sourcing from Maldivian small-scale farms and fisheries. |
| Service Excellence | Elevating the “Jadugar” (butler) interaction within private and destination dining. |
| Innovation | Introducing next-generation non-alcoholic beverage programs and zero-waste kitchen protocols. |
The JOALI BEING Culinary Ecosystem
Mitic will oversee an award-winning portfolio that rejects the traditional “dietary restriction” model of wellness in favor of “Weightless Indulgence.”
- FLOW: The interactive heartbeat of the island, featuring three signature kitchens:
- Plantae: Focused on vegetarian and vegan innovation for gut health (Microbiome).
- Su: Dedicated to ocean-to-table pescatarian excellence.
- B’Well: The signature JOALI BEING kitchen featuring nutrient-dense meat and poultry.
- Yutori: A Michelin-partnered Japanese restaurant (with Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto) inspired by the concept of “spaciousness” and mental clarity.
- MOJO: The poolside tropical sanctuary for Mediterranean-inspired lunches and sunset sundowners.
- SAI Tea Lounge: A therapeutic hub featuring over 60 rare, organic brews and resident tea sommeliers.
From NEOM to the Maldives: A Global Perspective
Mitic’s background at Sindalah-where she launched six premium venues including an exclusive yacht club-positions her to handle the increasingly sophisticated demands of the Maldives’ UHNW (Ultra-High-Net-Worth) clientele. Her leadership is expected to strengthen JOALI BEING’s appeal to “purposeful luxury” travelers who view food as both medicine and a source of profound joy.
“Antonia’s appointment reflects our focus on strengthening leadership in key operational areas as the resort continues to expand its wellness-led hospitality offering.” – JOALI BEING Management
B2B Strategy: Why This Appointment Matters
For travel advisors and trade partners, this leadership evolution confirms JOALI BEING’s status as a “Gastronomy + Wellness” leader:
- Repeat Visitor Driver: New culinary concepts and pop-up collaborations under Mitic will give repeat guests fresh reasons to return.
- Sustainability Credentials: Her focus on Earth-to-Table initiatives supports the growing demand for transparent and eco-conscious supply chains.
- Cross-Sector Appeal: The refined F&B direction bridges the gap between traditional luxury foodies and hardcore wellness seekers.
Partner with Lets Go Maldives (LGM)
As a preferred partner of JOALI BEING, Lets Go Maldives (LGM) provides the insider access and contracted rates necessary to curate these transformational journeys.
Ready to book a “Weightless” culinary retreat? Contact Lets Go Maldives (LGM) today for 2026 B2B rates, exclusive “Gate of Zero” arrival experiences, and priority bookings for the Culinary Learning Centre workshops.
