Treat yourself to the Maldivian experience in Turkey. Bijal, the most luxurious resort in Maldives, offers a unique concept and Michelin-starred menus
Maldivian vision in Turkey
Following the success of its pair of JOALI and JOALI Being resorts in the Maldives, the company has taken its philosophy of ultra high-end 21st century hotel management to its home country. Businesswoman Esin Güral Argat has brought the experience of two Maldivian temples of well-binging to Bijal by combining luxury with playfulness, which plays a major role in her latest hotel project. Guests have access to a ceramics workshop and art studio, a fitness room with a Pilates studio, a personal concierge to arrange tours of the area, a place to watch movies and barbecue or go on treasure hunts, and in-room games right in the villas. For some, the somewhat unusual strategy here proves to be a brilliant visionary and entrepreneurial move. With rates starting at €2,500 per night in high season, Bijal is officially the most exclusive resort in the country less than a year after opening.
Culinary games
Bijal's culinary facilities consist of three restaurants and, as with the villas and activities available to guests, the concept of playfulness, which emphasises the joie de vivre, is paramount. A relaxed seafood-focused experience is offered by the Japanese teppanyaki spot on the beach. The latter, by the way, is private, affording resort guests unprecedented privacy in a tourist-ridden area. Just a few steps from the sea, guests can visit the Beach House restaurant, which hides in the shade of tall pine trees. On the other, more formal side of the dining spectrum is the Club House by the resort's main pool. Bijal's specialty is also its exceptional organic breakfasts, which are a great way to start the day. The advantage of the new spot on the Turkish Riviera is the truly lush vegetation, which even in the hottest summer months creates a pleasant climate for undisturbed gourmet delights.
From the very beginning of the resort's development, Güral Argat has emphasised quality culinary experiences, which is why Michelin-starred chefs are behind the menus of all three restaurants, and guest chefs from around the world regularly enrich the permanent menu. To make matters worse, this spring, Bijal recruited Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser to its permanent culinary team, adding his renowned love of nature to the resort's gastronomic offerings.
Au natural
Falser grew up on a farm in South Tyrol and his culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in nature and the principle that local and natural ingredients are essential to creating meaningful cuisine. Thanks to his masterful approach to tradition, Falser achieved a Michelin star in his first year at the Johanesstube gourmet restaurant. Years of experience and renowned culinary skills led Falser to work with Esin Güral Argat at the JOALI resort, from where his next steps naturally led to Bijal.
Falser's concepts for the Club House and Beach House restaurants reflect the resort's vision through innovative menus that combine natural and local ingredients with a playful and sophisticated approach that is reflected in the flavours and plating. Under his culinary direction, Club House restaurant brings Italian fine dining in symphony with international concepts in the breathtaking scenery of the Turkish coast.
The Club House restaurant's à la carte menu is slightly different at lunch than in the evening, offering more than three dozen dishes including pastas, risottos, soups, as well as steaks and seafood. Working with ingredients typical of his native country, Falser invites guests on a gastronomic journey across Italy's regions. We were intrigued, for example, by the veal cheeks braised in Chianti with delicate potato cream, baby vegetables and raw green asparagus salad, the ravioli with woodpecker, lemon, ricotta and raw yellow tomato sauce, or the homemade potato gnocchi with squid stewed in tomatoes with zucchini pearls and basil oil.
The Beach House restaurant invites guests to an intimate gastronomic adventure on the beach, where fresh seafood and local recipes can be indulged in. Dinner here can be extended into the night hours, then enjoy local wines or a drink at the small poolside bar to the sound of the lapping sea. Although Chef Falser runs several restaurants around the world, he comes to Bijal regularly every month.
It's not just culinary experiences
The Bijal Resort is also the perfect place for those looking for more than just relaxation. Guests can enjoy various activities such as private cruises where they can take in the beauty of the Turkish coastline, or enjoy a private barbecue with family and friends. The resort also offers cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare traditional Turkish dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs. In short, Bijal is a place where luxury, comfort and gastronomic experiences are perfectly combined. This exclusive resort offers everything you need for an unforgettable holiday, whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or culinary delight.
