Barceló Nasandhura Malé Appoints F&B Director Akaki and Executive Chef David Yanes to Lead Culinary Vision

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has appointed Food & Beverage Director Akaki and Executive Chef David Yanes to lead its culinary direction, combining global gastronomy with Maldivian flavours and internationally inspired dining experiences.

Chef David Yanes, a Spanish culinary professional with extensive experience within Barceló Hotel Group, currently leads the culinary vision at Barceló Nasandhura Malé. His approach is centered on creating a vibrant, multi-concept dining experience that reflects both global gastronomy and the rich flavours of the Maldives.

At Nasandhura, Chef Yanes curates a diverse range of culinary offerings across the hotel’s dining venues, combining international cuisine with locally inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy everything from Asian and Mediterranean specialties to refined European classics, alongside Maldivian flavours that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. His menus emphasize balance, variety, and accessibility, ensuring a dynamic experience for both international travelers and the local community.

A defining element of his culinary direction is the focus on interactive and immersive dining. Live cooking stations, themed buffet nights, and seasonal culinary events create engaging experiences, while signature dishes often centered around premium seafood and globally inspired techniques bring creativity and visual appeal to each service.

Each outlet under his leadership maintains a distinct identity: B Heaven offers a more relaxed, all-day dining experience with approachable international favourites and comfort-driven selections at Oivaru Restaurant, while Alimas introduces a bold, contemporary concept with vibrant flavours and a more social, energetic atmosphere. Together, these venues create a well-rounded culinary journey within the hotel, catering to a wide range of guest preferences.

Prior to his current role, Chef Yanes built a strong operational and creative foundation within Barceló properties, including leading large-scale culinary operations in Ibiza and the Canary Islands, where he managed high-volume service and diverse international guest profiles. His earlier experience in London, working across both a Mexican restaurant group and a French pâtisserie, further shaped his technical versatility and global perspective.

With this blend of international experience and a forward-thinking culinary approach, Chef Yanes continues to position Barceló Nasandhura Malé as a dynamic dining destination in the city.

Akaki, Food & Beverage Director at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, brings over 15 years of international hospitality experience across Georgia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and the Maldives, within luxury environments. His global exposure shapes a well-rounded and culturally attuned approach to food and beverage, reflected in the hotel’s diverse and engaging dining landscape.

At Nasandhura, he oversees a multi-concept F&B offering that caters to both international travelers and the local community. Across venues such as Oivaru Restaurant, B Heaven, and Alimas, guests can experience a wide spectrum of culinary styles from expansive international buffets and live cooking stations to relaxed all-day dining and more contemporary, socially driven concepts. The overall approach emphasizes variety, accessibility, and consistency, while maintaining a sense of identity within each outlet. 

A key highlight of his role is the development and execution of large-scale dining experiences and signature events that bring energy and excitement to the hotel. The hotel regularly hosts themed buffet nights, interactive culinary showcases, and seasonal promotions that celebrate global cuisines and local influences.

Major occasions such as New Year’s Eve, festive holidays, and special calendar events are elevated into immersive experiences, featuring curated menus, live entertainment, and visually engaging setups that transform dining into a memorable social occasion. These events play a central role in positioning the hotel as a lively gathering destination in Malé.

While maintaining a focus on operational consistency, Akaki supports a service culture that ensures smooth delivery across all venues and high-volume experiences. His approach contributes to creating an environment where guests can enjoy seamless, well-orchestrated dining moments regardless of the setting or occasion.

Through this direction, Barceló Nasandhura Malé continues to strengthen its identity as a dynamic culinary and social hub, offering a compelling mix of everyday dining and standout experiences that resonate with both residents and visitors alike.