From 29 December 2024 to 02 January 2025, Jumeirah Olhahali Island invites guests to create lasting memories with an exclusive chef pop-up at Shimmers, its all-day Greek and Mediterranean beachside restaurant. Hosted in collaboration with Jumeirah Capri Palace’s acclaimed 2-Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Olivo, this limited-edition culinary event showcases the vibrant tastes of Italy against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island is delighted to welcome Chef Salvatore Elefante, Executive Chef of Jumeirah Capri Palace, for this extraordinary occasion. Born in Gragnano, Naples—a region celebrated for its pasta—Chef Elefante offers a fresh and innovative take on Mediterranean cuisine, combining authentic flavours with a contemporary twist. With a distinguished career spanning top establishments such as De Russie in Rome and Hotel Rome in Berlin, Chef Elefante has been a vital part of Capri Palace’s culinary excellence since 2007. Today, he leads the kitchen of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Olivo, under the guidance of Executive Culinary Chef Andrea Migliaccio, one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs. In addition, he oversees the operations of Jumeirah Capri Palace’s other esteemed restaurants, Il Riccio and a-Ma-Re Capri.

“This collaboration allows us to extend our passion for Mediterranean cuisine to the stunning setting of Jumeirah Olhahali Island,” says Chef Andrea Migliaccio.

Chef Nonky Tri Wahyuni, Executive Chef at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, adds, “We are thrilled to partner with Chef Salvatore for this unique celebration of flavours. His ability to combine heritage and creativity resonates beautifully with our vision to create exceptional dining experiences for our guests.”

The exclusive set menu will take guests on a culinary journey that begins with a starter of delicate scampo, complemented by zucchini, colonnata’s lard, ribes, and citrus fruits, followed by tagliolini adorned with red prawns, burrata cheese, sea asparagus, and oyster leaf. The experience continues with a signature lobster 'Caprese style', featuring tomatoes, marinated spring onions, rocket, and a refreshing lemon-scented mayonnaise, before concluding with a decadent dessert of wild berries, rice, cherries, raspberries confit, and almond cream, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Priced at USD 275 per guest, or USD 400 with wine pairings, this gastronomic journey offers the ultimate festive indulgence.

The Michelin-starred pop-up at Shimmers joins Jumeirah Olhahali Islands wider festive programme, featuring a curated three-week series of activities that embody the spirit of the island and warmth of the season. From tree lighting ceremonies to bespoke gala dinners, the all-villa resort’s festive offerings aim to elevate and enrich every guest’s holiday moments.

Learn more about the resort’s exclusive festive perks here, and discover the full festive programme here. Follow the journey on Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, with new handle

@JumeirahOlhahaliIsland.