Drink
Constance’s Maldives resorts defend World’s Best Wine Lists Awards
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.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, mixology has been taken to the next level with the introduction of the Chef’s Garden, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevate every cocktail. The private island resort’s mixologists now have direct access to an array of herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables, allowing them to hand-select the freshest ingredients for garnishing and creating cocktails. This direct farm-to-glass approach ensures that every drink is bursting with vibrant flavours, enhancing the guest experience with unparalleled freshness.
To mark the unveiling of the Chef’s Garden, Milaidhoo introduces the Garden Elixir, a signature cocktail created by the resort’s talented mixologists. This drink features Botanist Gin, celebrated for its complex herbal and spice notes, and is enhanced with freshly harvested herbs from the garden. The Garden Elixir captures the essence of the Maldives, offering a refreshing, aromatic experience that is as unique as the island itself.
The Chef’s Garden is not only a source of fresh ingredients but also an interactive space for guests. Visitors are encouraged to explore the garden, learn about the local vegetation, and discover the culinary and mixological benefits of these plants. The tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for cooking and cocktail-making classes led by resident chefs and mixologists, or even private dining experiences under the stars, adding another enchanting dimension to the resort’s diverse dining options.
Executive Chef Ken Gundu, the visionary behind the Chef’s Garden, emphasises the importance of growing local produce in the Maldives. “In an island setting like ours, cultivating our own vegetables is essential to ensuring freshness and offering guests a sustainable, healthier dining and drinking experience. The Chef’s Garden allows us to deliver the highest quality ingredients, straight from the garden to the plate and glass. Our kitchen and bar are proud to showcase this level of freshness,” says Gundu.
Milaidhoo’s commitment to sustainability is furthered by the Chef’s Garden, which reduces the need for imported ingredients, cutting the resort’s carbon footprint and supporting eco-friendly practices. By growing much of its own produce, Milaidhoo not only helps to meet daily food requirements but also ensures guests enjoy the most natural and wholesome ingredients.
While Milaidhoo is famed for its stunning marine life in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, the island’s commitment to sustainability through initiatives like the Chef’s Garden showcases its inner beauty. This project highlights Milaidhoo’s dedication to eco-conscious tourism and its harmonious connection with the environment. By integrating local agriculture into its culinary operations, Milaidhoo continues to lead the way in sustainable luxury and culinary innovation.
Reethi Beach Resort recently captured the festive spirit of Oktoberfest with a vibrant themed dinner, blending Bavarian charm with an island twist. Guests indulged in a specially curated menu featuring classic German delicacies like Beer Glazed Brats and Sauerkraut, German Red Cabbage, Bavarian Pretzels, and Gourmet Beer Cheese. The evening was further elevated with a special beer bucket promotion and lively Oktoberfest tunes that filled the air, creating an authentic yet distinctive dining experience.
“Our goal was to offer an evening that not only celebrated the essence of Oktoberfest but also reflected the diverse cultures and backgrounds of our guests at Reethi Beach,” shared Executive Chef Farish, who spearheaded the culinary efforts. “Oktoberfest is about unity, and we wanted to recreate that inclusive spirit through food, ensuring everyone felt part of the celebration, no matter where they’re from.”
Though the event paid homage to the strong presence of German and European guests at the resort, it was designed for all to enjoy. Reethi Beach Resort has the privilege of welcoming many repeat guests from Germany and other parts of Europe, who return year after year to bask in the resort’s warm hospitality and stunning natural surroundings. Their loyalty brings a unique vibrancy to the island, and the resort deeply values their contribution to making Reethi Beach a cherished destination in the Maldives.
“At Reethi Beach, we strive to celebrate various cultures and regions through our themed dinners and events, promoting unity and inclusion,” added General Manager Valentin Osolos. “From Oktoberfest to other celebrations, we aim to create an environment where our beloved guests can embrace the joy of diverse traditions.”
While rooted in German heritage, the Oktoberfest-themed dinner was a celebration for everyone, showcasing Reethi Beach Resort’s commitment to honouring global traditions. The positive feedback received from guests emphasised the resort’s success in making everyone feel at home, while introducing them to new cultural experiences throughout their stay.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has announced a groundbreaking celebration for Global Champagne Day, featuring an exclusive Krug Champagne Dinner at its renowned SEA Underwater Restaurant. Scheduled for October 27, 2024, this event promises a unique culinary and sensory adventure, showcasing exquisite Krug Champagne and gourmet cuisine amidst the stunning underwater landscape of the Maldives.
This event will mark the first time Krug hosts an underwater champagne dinner, creating a historic moment for both the brand and the world of underwater dining. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to engage with Krug’s President, Manuel Reman, who will share insights and stories from the esteemed Champagne House, enriching the experience with the artistry and history of Krug.
Founded by Joseph Krug in 1843, the House of Krug has dedicated itself to crafting the finest Champagne, overcoming annual climate variations to produce beverages of exceptional quality and consistency. The signature Krug Grande Cuvée exemplifies the richness of Champagne terroirs and plots, with each edition reflecting the vision of its founder.
During this exclusive dinner, guests will enjoy a meticulously curated seven-course menu, expertly paired with Krug’s finest Champagnes, including the esteemed Krug Grande Cuvée. The breathtaking views from SEA’s glass-walled underwater dining space will provide an immersive experience with vibrant marine life. This extraordinary evening promises a captivating blend of luxury, history, and unforgettable moments beneath the ocean waves.
-
News1 week agoMaldives sees renewed interest from Indian film stars
-
Island Goers1 week agoMouni Roy’s enchanting birthday celebration in Maldives at Coco Bodu Hithi
-
News1 week agoSonam Kapoor enjoys family holiday in Maldives
-
Tips & Advice1 week agoFlying after scuba diving: Essential guidelines for safe travel
-
Featured1 week agoNH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort maintains prestigious Gold Certification for environmental responsibility
-
Awards1 week agoAngsana Velavaru wins prestigious accolades for sustainable tourism and guest experience excellence
-
Action1 week agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives wins Gold Award for Leading Surf Resort
-
Featured5 days agoSun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives hosts inspiring World Smile Day celebration