SALA, Dusit Thani Maldives' restaurant that raises the bar with every dish in terms of nutrient-dense plant-based food that is prepared with locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce from the resort's organic gardens.
SALA is headed by Executive Chef Jan Van de Voorde, who has successfully worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Belgium and the Netherlands and with boutique health retreats in Ibiza. Gourmet, 'plant-powered' dining at the restaurant will be inspired by Chef Jan's passion for organic, healthy food and his expertise in marrying European and Asian flavors to create healthy, holistic well-being.
SALA was inspired by the years Chef Jan spent in Ibiza from 2020 to 2022, where he explored plant-based food and gained firsthand experience of how it transformed his health. For Chef Jan, this way of cooking and eating left him stronger and in better health than before, full of energy and life itself. Bringing this philosophy to Dusit Thani Maldives, SALA offers dishes rich with flavor to nourish the body and soul.
With the tree of life philosophy from Dusit to embrace the philosophy that reiterates the importance of staying closer to nature and serving community, SALA approaches 'seed-to-plate'. This concept evolves from the resort's overall aim of bridging luxury with sustainability.
Some of the restaurant's other notable dishes appear in the SALA menu, including Grilled King Oyster Mushroom with pea puree and Creamy Mushroom Soup, which has white truffle oil added. For a different kind of sweet treat, Coconut Sorbet made with coconuts from local farms and seasonal berries offers a healthy indulgence. Innovative drinks to serve with the meal include the Kombucha Mojito and the Pineapple & Ginger Kefir for health-conscious refreshment laden with probiotics and nutrients.
General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives Jean-Louis Ripoche mentioned that SALA is a huge addition to resort efforts in creating healthy, sustainable ways of living with a quest for the most perfect culinary experience. Ripoche assured that he was extremely confident that the detail in this custom-crafted menu and restaurant setting would strike profoundly the health-aware traveler who would be going in for a transformational dining experience.
There, on the second floor of a Thai-style pavilion, SALA presents mindful dining at its ultimate, be it a lazy afternoon or a bewitching evening over turquoise waters of Baa Atoll.
Dusit Thani Maldives marks the opening of SALA with the "Plant and Pamper Retreat," carefully woven as a wellness experience that will integrate gastronomy with relaxation and mindful living.
Upon booking directly, guests can enjoy complimentary daily breakfast at The Market Restaurant, lunch and dinner at SALA, a private yoga session, and two 60-minute massages until 31 October, 2025, for stays until 31 March, 2025.
