A300man - it is a matter of basic comfort and, more importantly, safety. Eating when your body clock says it wants to eat and having enough liquids are fairly basic requirements.
I have no issue with what EK has done provided that he above is covered and not limited. This is not an all you can eat/drink buffet vacation hotel (as is Mauritius) so of course the hotel wants to restrict their deal. It just does not work in this case.
Either provide adequate food and drink or return to the per diems. This is nothing more than someone in ops trying to make their 'savings' quota and it is dangerous.