KERTEN HOSPITALITY EXPANDS AWARD-WINNING BRAND JOONTOS WITH OPENING IN KUWAIT | News
Global lifestyle hospitality group Kerten Hospitality has announced the opening of Joontos at the Ray Hotel by Cloud 7 in Mangaf, Kuwait, marking the next chapter in the growth of one of the Group’s most celebrated culinary concepts.
Following the success of the original Joontos at Dar Tantora The House Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia – which earned a prestigious Bib Gourmand award in the first Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia 2025 – the new opening brings the brand’s philosophy of connection, craftsmanship and shared dining experiences to a new audience in the Arabian Gulf.
Joontos takes its name from the Spanish word ‘juntos’ meaning ‘together’ and was created from the belief that the most memorable meals are those shared with others. The concept celebrates food as a universal language and brings people together through generous dishes, authentic flavors and meaningful hospitality.
At the heart of Joontos is a culinary philosophy developed by Jaume Puigengolas, Corporate Executive Chef at Kerten Hospitality, whose international career has been shaped by cultures, traditions and ingredients from across Europe, the Middle East and beyond. “The idea behind Joontos is very simple,” says chef Jaume. “No matter where we travel in the world, the moments we remember most often happen around a table. Joontos was created to celebrate those moments of connection. It’s not about extravagance or complexity; it’s about exceptional ingredients, honest cooking, craftsmanship and bringing people together through food.”
While the AlUla location draws deeply from the oasis environment and Nabataean heritage, the new opening in Kuwait allows the concept to evolve further, integrating broader culinary influences while remaining rooted in the same values of authenticity, seasonality and hospitality.
Guests can expect a menu designed for sharing, featuring handmade bread crafted through long fermentation, house-made preparations, seasonal ingredients and dishes inspired by culinary traditions from around the world. Ancient cooking techniques, preservation methods and a strong respect for local producers still form the basis of the Joontos experience.
The expansion reflects Kerten Hospitality’s broader vision of creating hospitality concepts that go beyond traditional dining and become meaningful cultural and social experiences.
“Joontos represents everything we believe great hospitality should be,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “It is rooted in people, places and real human connections. The Michelin recognition in Saudi Arabia has shown that guests are increasingly looking for authenticity and substance alongside quality. As we continue to expand in the region, we see enormous opportunity for concepts like Joontos that create memorable experiences while remaining deeply connected to local communities and cultures.”
The opening also reinforces Kerten Hospitality’s growing investment in its own food and beverage brands, which play a central role in the group’s destination-focused hospitality model. Within her portfolio, Kerten develops restaurants, cafes and social spaces designed to become community anchors and support both hotel guests and the local public.
Located at the newly opened Ray Hotel by Cloud 7 in Mangaf, Joontos joins a growing portfolio of Kerten-managed concepts across the GCC, Europe and North Africa, as the lifestyle hospitality group continues to expand its ecosystem of hospitality, wellness, retail and cultural experiences.
From Michelin-recognized dining in AlUla to a new coastal destination in Kuwait, Joontos continues to demonstrate how food can transcend the plate, creating spaces where stories, cultures and communities come together.
For more information, please visit: https://kertenhospitality.com/foodbev/joontos/
