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Nika Island Resort experiments with wine, coral pairing

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Nika Island Resort and Spa has hosted an original experiment, pairing an array of native corals with wine.

Titled “Metafore” and held with the technical support of leading winer supplier Grape Expectations, the event witnessed white, red and black corals being paired with a special selection of wines according to their colour, pattern and biological peculiarities. The experiment allowed Nika not only to offer its guests a curious selection of wines, but also to bridge the art of wine making with coral, a typical Maldivian thing of beauty.

Edoardo Caccin, External Director at Nika explains: “a metaphor is a literary figure of speech used to describe a subject by comparing it to something else. The comparison gives the qualities of one thing to another that is usually unrelated. We asked ourselves: if coral could be wine, which wine would it be?”

Dora Dzurjak, Grape Expectations’ sommelier and wine educator, guided Nika’s guests through witty and ambitious associations.

The beautiful and sophisticated pattern of Brain Coral was paired with the white wine Weinhaus Ress Rheingau Riesling Trocken.

As far as red wine was involved, Dora made a match between Sileni estates The Plateau Pinot Noir and the Organ Pipe Coral. The sommelier’s inspiration came from its unique hard skeleton of calcium carbonate containing many organ pipe-like tubes.

The marvellous Black Coral closed the show.

Black Coral is among the oldest living organisms on the planet, around 4,265 years old. They show that the growth rates are as low as four to 35 micro-metres per year and that the longevity of this coral is on the order of thousands of years.

Emiliana ‘Novas’ Carmenére-Cabernet Sauvignon was the perfect match for this coral, complete with an entertaining story. The sommelier managed to create a bridge between two very dark-skinned and tannic varietals, which blended together beautifully to the distinctive dark brown colour of the skeleton of black coral.

“It’s clear that heritage, culture and creativity are the pillars underpinning all the projects that Nika Island is currently promoting,” Edoardo said.

Edoardo Caccin, External Director at Nika, with Dora Dzurjak, Grape Expectations’ sommelier and wine educator. PHOTO/ NIKA

The event was part of a recently launched series called “Nostalgia: the Maldives that used to be”, which aims to promote local culture and heritage.

Located in North Ari Atoll, Nika is a milestone of the Maldives hospitality industry.

The deserted island of Kudafolhudhu turned into a resort back in 1983. Since its inception, the philosophy and values that shaped this unique boutique resort are the same: privacy, natural sophistication and local heritage.

All of its 43 villas have been built according to the traditional Maldivian architectural style. Being one of the first resorts built in the country, everything on the island has been built using coral blocks, coconut palm trunks and palm leaves. A collection of antiques and unique Maldivian pieces of art decorate the interiors of all the villas.

Nika is a perfect example of a boutique hotel that breaks the dynamics of big international brands that are reshaping the Maldivian hospitality industry. Nika is a heady mix of Italian lifestyle and Maldivian traditions; a unique platform where heritage and natural beauty meet together.

Photos: Ahmed Razeen

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Beach Club at SAii Lagoon Maldives to host Diwali celebrations

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Every year, the Beach Club at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton is known to deliver its popular Diwali extravagance for the guests as well as the visitors to Crossroads Maldives. This year too, The Beach Club at SAii Lagoon Maldives has announced two remarkable events that will live up to the true spirit of the Diwali the auspicious celebrations of lights, love, and harmony.

On the 11th of November mark the calendars for a Diwali Pool Party at the Beach Club from 02.00 pm until 06.00pm. Dive into the celebration as you enjoy the mesmerising beats spun by the talented DJ while relishing in the beautiful views of our pristine lagoon. Special highlights of the event include a Live Indian Chat Corner, thrilling beach games with exciting prizes, and the entrance is complimentary for children below the age of eleven. With the frequent ferry schedule from the Marina at Crossroads Maldives, this fantastic Diwali celebration is accessible to all visitors, making it a perfect destination to soak in the festivities.

As the sun sets on this magical day, continue the celebrations with a sumptuous Diwali Indian Dinner Buffet with a live performance by a sensational saxophonist performance from 18:30 to 22:00. This incredible line-up of events, promises a delectable journey through authentic Indian cuisine accompanied by the soothing melodies of the saxophone setting the perfect ambiance to elevate your weekend mood.

The Beach Club at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton is where the vibrant colours of Diwali meet the tranquil blues of the Indian Ocean, creating an enchanting atmosphere that you won’t want to miss this weekend.

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Celebrate Diwali at COMO Cocoa Island

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Celebrate the magic of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights at COMO Cocoa Island from November 9th to 12th. Join the resort for a celebration steeped in culture and joy, as the resort illuminates the island with the spirit of togetherness.

Over the four days, indulge in a culinary journey through India’s diverse flavours with a specially curated menus by Executive Chef Kadek and his team. Starting on November 9th, savour the rich and satisfying Thali Set Dinner, offering a diverse array of dishes. A traditional Indian-style tea time will be served at Faru Bar, featuring Masala Chai paired with an Indian-style sweet tea set from November 10th to 12th. On November 11th, enjoy a sumptuous Three-Course Indian Set Lunch, complemented by the delightful treat of mango lassi. The grand finale on November 12th features a Special Diwali Set Menu, immersing you in India’s culinary heritage.

In addition, a special programme of Diwali activities have also been designed for families with little ones, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

Nestled in the picturesque South Malé Atoll, COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate island retreat featuring 33 overwater villas set against the backdrop of a stunning turquoise lagoon. The island boasts an exceptional house reef teeming with rich marine life, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Maldives. The resort houses an award-winning COMO Shambhala for those seeking for relaxation, which combines the ancient healing and contemporary science

Stay at COMO Cocoa Island this Diwali and enjoy an exclusive room rate with complimentary full-board and return shared speedboat transfer for two adults. Additionally, guests can participate in an activity of their choice during their stay, which includes turtle snorkelling, a sunset cruise, or sunset fishing. Complimentary room upgrades are also available upon arrival, subject to availability.

Book direct with the resort and receive a US$150 resort credit to indulge in more unforgettable experiences during your stay.

For more information on COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives or to book the next stay, please visit https://www.comohotels.com/maldives/como-cocoa-island

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Experience radiant Diwali celebration at Amari Raaya Maldives

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Amari Raaya Maldives is set to light up this year’s Diwali festivities with a remarkable program designed to captivate guests of all ages. From exclusive cuisines to myriad of Diwali-themed activities, the celebrations at Amari Raaya Maldives are set to be truly memorable.

During the Diwali promotional period, guests can relish daily Indian cuisine corner curated by the resort’s Executive Chef , Yogender Pal (Chef Yogi) at Amaya Food Gallery. This culinary experience spotlights an array of vegetarian delights and live cooking stations. With his remarkable background in speciality restaurants and innovative dining concepts, Chef Yogi’s culinary expertise has gained global recognition. Accompanied by a team of skilled chefs, Amari Raaya Maldives offers exceptional buffet options dedicated to showcasing the finest of Indian cuisine.

Wellness enthusiasts can partake in daily sunset yoga sessions deigned to enhance the sense of well-being, set against the backdrop of the tranquil beach and expansive ocean. Whether a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, its an ideal way to rejuvenate while savouring the mesmerising Maldivian sunset.

On November 12th, Amari Raaya Maldives, offers a vibrant array of Diwali celebrations to guests. To start off the festivities, a Rangoli Art competition will be held at Artist Zone offering a chance to create intricate and colourful designs that embody the spirit of Diwali.

As a special transformation of the resorts renowned “Amari Ritual, the resort has crafted a heart-warming and lively Diya lighting ceremony. This unique twist of the ritual combines the warmth of traditional custom with a touch of modern elegance. Guests will gather to bask in the glow of the Diyas (traditional oil lamps) perfectly complemented with cocktails and delectable canapés, creating a warm and lively atmosphere at the resort’s Village Hub.

Enjoy a mouth-watering Indian Gala dinner at Amaya Food Gallery, offering a delightful fusion of Indian flavours and aromas that pay homage to cuisine’s rich diversity. To conclude this remarkable evening, guests will be invited to Ampers&nd, where live entertainment will enhance the joyous spirit of the occasion.

Celebrate, connect and embrace the joyful celebration in the company of fellow guests and the resort’s dedicated team members at Amari Raaya Maldives with an incredible discount up to 40% on villas, along with additional perks.

For more details, please visit www.amari.com/raaya-maldives/special-offers or contact the resort directly at reservations.raaya@amari.com

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