Drink

Constance’s Maldives resorts defend World’s Best Wine Lists Awards

Published

7 years ago

December 27, 2018

Constance Halaveli Maldives and Constance Moofushi Maldive have won World’s Best Wine Lists Awards for another year.

Awarding three stars to Constance Halaveli for the fourth year, judges noted that a great deal of time and thought has been given to the wine list at the resort, where an interesting and fruitful selection of by-the-glass options are available, including Mas Amiel 1975 Maury and Niepoort Colheita 2001, in addition to a plethora of full bottle options divided into various chapters.

A few of the stand-out options in Constance Halaveli’s wine list includes Billecart-Salmon’s single-vineyard Blanc de Noirs Clos St Hilaire 1998, and Deutz Cuvée William Deutz and Blanc de Blancs 1988. Amongst more familiar but equally special prestige cuvées are Dom Pérignon, Roederer Cristal, and Cristal Rosé.

The wine lists embraces classic famous names but also clever and intriguing alternatives that are equally worthy of their place. Top Burgundy growers include Carillon, Lamy, and Roulot, while there is a special section devoted to Sauzet premiers and grands crus. There is good and great red Burgundy, all the way up to the giddy heights of Domaine de la Vougeraie Musigny, and an extensive selection of Lucien Lemoine grands crus, from Clos de la Roche and Clos St-Denis, to Latricières-Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Bèze, and Richebourg. Wines from the Rhône include Château Grillet and a segment dedicated to three different Condrieu cuvées from Georges Vernay.

Overall there’s a strong European influence, France and Italy being the areas of greatest strength: six consecutive vintages of Domaine de la Grange des Pères from Southern France; Right Back classics including legendary Château Beauséjour Duffau Lagarosse 1990; and Super-Tuscans Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Tassinaia, and Tignanello. But there are also exciting representatives from the southern hemisphere, such as Australia’s Shaw + Smith, D’Arenberg, Leeuwin Estate, and Torbreck, and from South Africa five vintages of Eben Sadie’s Palladius and several of his Old Vines Series. To cap off what would be a charming and tranquil gastronomic experience, there is a collection of good sweet wines, including five vintages of Château Gilette Crème de Tête Sauternes back to 1961 and Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance.

Designed to reflect the curved shape of a traditional Maldivian dhoni, Constance Halaveli Maldives is located in the North Male Atoll and is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. The resort offers beach and water villas, family villas and a presidential villa, which can include luxurious amenities of private terraces, plunge pools and more.

A range of superb fine wine-and-dining options are available, as the resort features five restaurants and bars, including the Asian and European fusion cuisine of Jing and Jahaz. A variety of traditional Japanese sushi rolls, sashimi and Maoki’s are served up at Kaika Sushi Bar, where guests can dine inside or on the terrace. Meeru provides beach dining for guests, where the remarkably white sand contrasts with the lush green forest of the island, complemented by the aqua blue ocean. During the evening, a selection of fresh seafood and meats from the à la carte menu can be grilled in front of guests, bringing authentic gastronomy to the shoreline.

Meanwhile, Constance’s second property in the Maldives, Constance Moofushi was awarded two stars in the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards for the third year.

Judges stressed that Constance Moofushi’s focus on environmental elements is extended to the wine list as well, where helpful symbols identify organic and biodynamic wines; the former indicates that the wine producer is pursuing sustainability concepts with minor environmental impacts and strict organic principles, while the latter signifies adherence to the ideas of the founding father of biodynamics, Rudolf Steiner.

The wine list identifies a vast selection of sommelier favorites, as well as providing helpful tasting notes on many of the eclectic, well-selected mid-range wines on the list, not only those offered by the glass.

The extensive Sommelier Selection ascends the giddy heights of Champagnes such as Deutz Amour de Deutz, Billecart-Salmon Clos St Hilaire, Cristal, and Salon, or white Burgundies including Lamy St-Aubins, Roulot Meursaults, and Carillon and Sauzet Puligny-Montrachets, including Montrachet itself. The list spans the globe, ensuring that producers both famous and less familiar, grand and boutique, are recognized. Options for rosé, for instance, cover France, New Zealand, and South Africa, in the form of a Côte de Provence Château Barbanau L’instant 2014, Marlborough Ata Rangi Summer 2014, and Marianne Estate 2014 from Western Cape.

“Constance Moofushi Maldives honors wine as one of the most civilized beverages in the world, one that ‘offers a greater range of enjoyment and appreciation than possibly any other purely sensory thing’,” the judges said.

Constance Moofushi, located in the South Ari Atoll and accessible by a 25-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, strikes the balance between luxury and simplicity, while upholding ecological principles across the resort. A variety of beach, water and senior residences that make up the 110 villas throughout the resort embraces ecological thatched roofing. The interior embodies fresh and contemporary décor with the idyllic backdrop of the aqua lagoons of the Indian Ocean.

Two restaurants and two bars provide multiple options for a unique culinary experience tailored to all age groups. Alizée offers an à la carte menu and is situated only a few meters from the sea on the bleached sand, serving up freshly cooked food from a beach grill in a peaceful and casual atmosphere. Manta restaurant embraces a worldwide cuisine concept, where the main focus is the interaction between chefs and guests as they journey through the international buffet. The sand-floored restaurant extends out over the water, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape’s crystal-clear waters during their meal, adding to the ambiance.

Now in its fifth year, the World’s Best Wine Lists awards by The World of Fine Wine celebrate the importance of a good selection of wine from around the world, and has become as coveted as Michelin star ratings.

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Drink

Thomas Ling returns to The St. Regis Maldives for two-day sake series

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

m@ldives

This October, guests of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort are invited to immerse themselves in the refined world of Japanese gastronomy as Thomas Ling, Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador and internationally acclaimed sake authority, returns for an exclusive two day sake experience celebrating culture, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry.

Curated on the secluded shores of Vommuli Island, the experience offers discerning traveler intimate access to one of Japan’s most respected voices in the world of Nihonshu, set against a backdrop of pristine natural beauty and serene seclusion.

Conferred by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan as a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador—an honour shared among a select circle of global culinary luminaries including Nobu Matsuhisa and Tetsuya Wakuda—Thomas Ling has further received the Ambassador’s Commendation Award from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With more than 24 years of refined expertise, he is celebrated for his dedication to promoting Japan’s “Kokushu,” the national collective heritage beverages of sake, shochu, and awamori, while safeguarding the cultural traditions that define them.

This collaboration forms part of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s Tastemaker Series, which brings together influential global talents to one of the Maldives’ most captivating private island destinations. The programme continues to define the resort as a place where creativity, excellence, and cultural expression converge, offering guests rare opportunities to connect with leading voices across culinary arts, fine wine, mixology, wellness, and sport.

A Curated Programme of Japanese Artistry

The experience begins on 5 October with an intimate Sake Masterclass hosted at T•Pan, the resort’s refined Japanese dining venue. Designed for a maximum of just 12 guests, the complimentary session offers an in depth exploration of premium sakes, guided by Ling’s expert commentary on brewing techniques, regional expression, and cultural significance.

The programme begins on 5 October with an intimate Sake Masterclass at T•Pan, hosted by Thomas Ling. Taking place from 15:00 to 16:00, the complimentary experience is limited to 12 guests, offering a rare opportunity to explore premium sakes through expert insight into craftsmanship, regional expression, and cultural significance.

On 6 October, guests are invited to indulge in a meticulously curated four course Sake Pairing Dinner at Orientale, where contemporary Japanese cuisine is elevated through thoughtful pairings that enhance flavour, texture, and balance. Designed as a one night only experience, the evening celebrates harmony between dish and drink in the spirit of true omotenashi.

The Four Course Sake Pairing Dinner will be served from 19:00 to 22:30, priced at USD 295++ per person.

For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.

Drink

Felice Capasso returns to The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive November residency

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

m@ldives

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set to welcome back celebrated mixologist Felice Capasso, Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, for a series of exclusive appearances this November as part of the resort’s distinguished Tastemaker Series.

Renowned for his refined technique and imaginative approach to flavour, Capasso will host a curated programme of intimate masterclasses and a signature bar takeover, inviting guests to explore the artistry behind world class cocktails in one of the Maldives’ most iconic settings.

Taking place at the resort’s dramatic overwater Whale Bar, inspired by the graceful form of a whale shark and suspended above the turquoise lagoon, guests will experience Capasso’s award winning style against sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s private coral reef. His appearances will reflect the balance of classical precision and contemporary creativity that has defined his global reputation.

The programme begins on 7 November, with a complimentary Master Cocktail Class at the Whale Bar, where Capasso will guide guests through the foundations of modern mixology, sharing insights into technique, balance and storytelling behind exceptional drinks.

On 9 November, a more intimate Master Cocktail Class with Canapés will be hosted at T•Pan, the resort’s signature overwater teppanyaki venue. Limited in capacity, this exclusive session pairs Capasso’s bespoke cocktails with refined culinary accompaniments, creating a multi sensory tasting experience.

The series culminates on 10 November with a three hour Bar Takeover at the Whale Bar, where Capasso will debut a specially curated cocktail menu crafted exclusively for the evening. Guests can enjoy innovative flavour combinations, refined presentation, and the vibrant energy of a world class bartender in residence.

Situated on a private natural island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is celebrated for its iconic architecture, bespoke St. Regis Butler Service, and exceptional hospitality. The resort features 77 villas—33 on the beach and 44 overwater—each with a private infinity pool and uninterrupted ocean views. At its pinnacle sits the John Jacob Astor Estate, the Maldives’ largest three bedroom overwater villa, offering expansive living spaces, a private spa suite, and a 92 square meter infinity pool.

Felice Capasso’s residency continues the legacy of the Tastemaker Series, which brings leading global talents across mixology, gastronomy, fine wine, wellness and sport to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. The programme is designed to offer guests privileged access to influential voices shaping contemporary culture, creativity and craftsmanship.

Event Details

Master Cocktail Class | Whale Bar (Complimentary experience): 7 November | 15:00 – 16:00
Intimate Master Cocktail Class with Canapés | T•Pan: 9 November | 15:00 – 16:00
Bar Takeover | Whale Bar: 10 November | 17:00 – 20:00

For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.

Drink

Kevin Armstrong to appear at The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive December residency

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

m@ldives

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Kevin Armstrong, owner of London’s acclaimed Satan’s Whiskers Cocktail Bar, for an exclusive two-day appearance this December as part of the resort’s celebrated Tastemaker Series.

A globally respected figure in modern cocktail culture, Armstrong brings more than 25 years of beverage, business, and operational expertise to the Maldives, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the philosophy and precision behind one of the world’s most influential cocktail bars.

Events will take place at the resort’s signature Whale Bar, a striking overwater destination inspired by the form of a whale shark and set above the turquoise lagoon with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Known for its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, Whale Bar provides the perfect setting for Armstrong’s meticulous, method driven approach to cocktails.

On 7 December, guests are invited to a Master Gin & Martini Class, a complimentary session exploring the elegance, balance, and technique behind two of cocktail culture’s most enduring styles. Drawing on his deep knowledge of classic preparation and modern execution, Armstrong will guide guests through flavour, structure, and best practice, offering insight into how simplicity, when done well, becomes exceptional.

Across 8 and 9 December, Armstrong will take over the Whale Bar for two evenings, presenting a Satan’s Whiskers Bar Takeover. Guests can enjoy a specially curated menu of cocktails inspired by the bar’s celebrated ethos—focused on quality, consistency, and method—while experiencing the energy and craftsmanship of a true London institution reimagined in a Maldivian setting.

Kevin Armstrong is the founder and owner of Satan’s Whiskers, a multi award winning cocktail bar in East London, consistently recognized among the best bars in the world. An entrepreneur, educator and consultant, he is co author of Round Building, a respected guide to practical bartending technique. His career includes senior beverage and operations roles with some of London’s most influential hospitality brands, including Milk & Honey, as well as extensive experience across restaurants, street food markets, festivals, and large scale events.

Armstrong’s work in bar design, consultancy, and bartender education has seen him deliver seminars in over 30 countries and contribute to the opening of more than a dozen venues worldwide. Fiercely passionate about beverage quality and execution, his approach continues to champion clarity of flavor, disciplined technique, and exceptional guest experience.

Set on a private natural island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is renowned for its Iconic design, bespoke St. Regis Butler Service, and exceptional hospitality. The resort offers an all villa experience, with both beach and overwater villas featuring private infinity pools and uninterrupted ocean views. At its pinnacle sits the John Jacob Astor Estate, the Maldives’ largest three bedroom overwater villa.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential global talents in mixology, gastronomy, fine wine, wellness and culture to one of the Maldives’ most captivating private island destinations, offering guests rare access to the world’s leading creative voices.

Event Details: