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Vakkaru Maldives gets Wine Spectator Award, welcomes head sommelier with launch of immersive wine experiences

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At Vakkaru Maldives, oenophiles will find there’s no better place to toast the start of 2021 than in Vakkaru Reserve.

Fresh from winning a major accolade from the American magazine Wine Spectator, with a new head sommelier in place and showcasing a number of fresh new initiatives, the resort’s wine cellar will be a focal point for special wine and dine experiences throughout the year.

Originally from Argentina and a mixologist and sommelier who has worked at luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants worldwide, Vakkaru Maldives’ new Head Sommelier Lucas Girod will have overall responsibility for the cellar’s $500,000 collection.

Extending to 520 labels, it runs from old world to new world wines, and features rare vintages such as 1974 and 1985 Château Cheval Blanc, 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, 2002 Krug Clos du Mesnil and 2009 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé, alongside1990 Sassicala, 2002 Chateau d’Yquem and Tiganello vintages running from 2006 to 2014.

It was the diversity and sophistication of the collection that prompted Wine Spectator to extend its Best of Award of Excellence to Vakkaru Reserve in the magazine’s most recent Restaurant Awards.

The awards recognise the achievements of nearly 3,800 restaurants across 80 countries and territories, with the coveted Best of Award of Excellence designations specifically celebrating venues “for serious wine lovers, that show a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team”.

In what is one of the most comprehensive global surveys of its kind, Vakkaru is one of only 10 resorts in the Maldives and 1,387 venues internationally to hold the honour.

This is the first year Vakkaru Reserve joined this prestigious list, making it one of only two resorts in the Maldives and 139 new entries to be elevated to that position within the last year.

“It’s incredibly exciting to join Vakkaru Maldives, where the resort’s $500,000 investment in exceptional international wines and the recent Wine Spectator award show just how seriously the team takes the pleasures of eating and drinking,” Girod said.

“This is one of the finest wine collections to be found in the Indian Ocean and I’m looking forward to sharing it in new and creative ways with all those who come to visit us.”

The award is the latest affirmation of the ambitious steps being taken by Vakkaru to build one of the Indian Ocean’s most unique and notable wine cellars and guests keen to experience what makes the Reserve so special will find a number of new experiences.

Under Girod’s stewardship, Wine Tasting in the Sea sessions will invite guests to dip enjoy a relaxed, barefoot outdoor tasting immersed in the beauty of the resort’s lagoon.

More uniquely Maldivian memories can be made during intimate tasting sessions on a sandbank, where intriguing wines will be juxtaposed with the calm beauty of the Indian Ocean.

For true wine connoisseurs, Top Wines of the World tastings will see Girod introduce premier crus from Bordeaux & Burgundy and a selection of Brunellos and Barolos alongside a range of top new world vintages, all to be served with fine cheeses and premium cold cuts.

Those launches will complement the indulgent experiences already offered at Vakkaru Reserve, where the resort’s best wines are left tantalisingly on display.

The wine cellar accommodates up to 10 guests at its indoor seating area for intimate dinners.

Encased by palm trees and beautifully illuminated by candlelight as darkness falls, the outdoor dining table seats eight and is a popular meeting place for friends who want to sample Vakkaru Reserve’s cigar collection alongside its wines.

Whether enjoyed inside or out, decadent dinners at Vakkaru Reserve might feature Maldivian lobster terrine to start, and a mains of fillet mignon and foie gras with honey mustard vegetables accompanied by a flight of champagne and different styles of wines.

Should guests simply want to drop in to casually sample whatever might take their fancy, that too can be arranged.

“We are delighted to welcome Lucas Girod as Vakkaru Maldives’ Head Sommelier,” General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives Iain McCormack said.

“Offering superlative drinking and dining experiences has always been a priority for all of us here, and it is a passion that he shares. We look forward to giving Vakkaru Reserve guests plenty of reason to cheer good times and good fortune over the months to come.”

Nestled in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru is a timeless sanctuary intuitively designed for guests seeking unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences.

A scenic 30- minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches, unique deep blue holes and spectacular marine biodiversity.

The 113 beautifully-appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect the surrounding tropical nature and Maldivian charms.

Indulgent dining choices, a world-class wine cellar – home to a curated selection of fine vintage and non-vintage offerings from Old to New World — as well as curated leisure activities and amenities create enriched experiences for everyone.

For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.

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Centara Hotels & Resorts marks Valentine’s Day with island-wide celebrations in Maldives

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is marking Valentine’s Day across its four Maldivian resorts with a collection of curated experiences designed to reflect different expressions of romance, from wellness and gastronomy to shared adventure and quiet celebration. Set within the Maldives’ natural environment of open horizons, white-sand beaches and private island settings, each property presents a tailored programme for couples seeking time together in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives will mark Valentine’s Day on 14 February with a programme of romance-themed experiences set within its island surroundings at The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts. The day is designed around shared activities and curated moments intended to encourage connection and creativity.

Evening celebrations begin at Coco Drift with the Salaan Galaan Valentine’s Soirée, followed by a four-course beachfront dinner accompanied by selected beverages, personalised cocktails, live entertainment and musical serenades. The celebrations conclude with an intimate sip-and-paint session under the night sky.

Couples may also unwind with the Grand Valentine’s Ritual at Spa Cenvaree, a 105-minute treatment comprising a massage and body wrap designed for shared relaxation. Guests can further personalise the occasion by arranging fresh floral bouquets through the front office.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Valentine’s Day is presented through a full-day programme of shared experiences set in North Malé Atoll. Activities include sunrise yoga, a tree-planting ceremony and henna art, offering couples a blend of relaxation and meaningful engagement.

The evening programme centres on a mixology masterclass, followed by a candlelit dinner at Sailhouse Beach featuring seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, desserts and free-flowing beverages. The night concludes with an outdoor movie screening beneath the stars.

Spa Cenvaree complements the celebrations with a Valentine’s Indulgence ritual, a 120-minute couples’ treatment that includes a body scrub, massage and bath ritual paired with sparkling beverages. Floral arrangements may also be arranged through the front office.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

From 10 to 14 February, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives will host a series of Valentine’s experiences designed to reflect personal moments and shared celebration. Highlights include vow renewal ceremonies at Reef Beach and private canapé and champagne experiences at Aqua Bar.

On Valentine’s Day, couples may begin with a floating breakfast served in-villa, followed by a choice of dining experiences ranging from international buffet dining to a four-course gourmet dinner at the Love Hut, complete with sparkling beverages and floral arrangements. Additional options include a three-course beachfront dinner at Reef Beach, a relaxed BBQ and movie night at North Beach, and an evening DJ programme at Coral Lounge.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only resort in North Malé Atoll, will host a refined Valentine’s celebration on the evening of 14 February. The highlight is a seven-course beachfront dinner at Waves Beach, paired with sparkling beverages and accompanied by live music.

The evening continues with an after-dinner beach gathering, extending the celebrations in a relaxed setting. Guests may also opt for a package that includes an in-villa breakfast with sparkling beverages the following morning.

Across its Maldivian portfolio, Centara Hotels & Resorts presents Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for couples to celebrate through shared experiences, thoughtful dining and time spent together in distinctive island settings.

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Art, wine and storytelling take centre stage at Milaidhoo Maldives

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Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a four-day creative residency this March that brings together art, wine and storytelling in a series of intimate island experiences guided by internationally recognised curator Vera Alkhova.

From 25 to 28 March 2026, the resort will present the Art Spirit Residency, welcoming Alkhova, founder of Art Spirit, to its private island setting in the heart of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The residency is designed as a relaxed exploration of creativity, taste and inspiration, set against Milaidhoo’s natural surroundings.

An art consultant, curator and educator, Alkhova is known for making contemporary art accessible through storytelling rather than theory. Through Art Spirit, she curates immersive experiences that encourage dialogue and personal interpretation, including her established programme How to Read Contemporary Art. Her residency at Milaidhoo is structured around conversation-led sessions rather than formal lectures, with the aim of sharing art in an engaging and approachable way.

Taking place during the same month as International Women’s Day, the residency also reflects on the creative contributions of women. This theme is most clearly expressed in the opening experience, Women in Art, which highlights female voices and influence within contemporary artistic expression.

The programme also aligns with Milaidhoo’s focus on gastronomy and fine wine. Each experience is paired with carefully selected wines and hosted within the resort’s restaurants, where the evening themes are reflected in ingredient-led menus. The format is intentionally informal, in keeping with the atmosphere of the boutique island resort.

Programme highlights include:

  • Wednesday, 25 March – Art Stories & Wine Tasting | Women in Art
  • Friday, 27 March – An Artist’s Table | Wine and Art Dinner | Love of the Painter and His Muses
  • Saturday, 28 March – Art Stories & Wine Tasting | Marine Life

With Alkhova’s curated insights and Milaidhoo’s considered hospitality, the Art Spirit Residency brings together art, wine and shared conversation in a setting designed to encourage reflection and connection.

Milaidhoo Maldives is accessible via a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport, or by a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll followed by a 15-minute speedboat journey to the island.

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St. Regis Maldives Vommuli welcomes Glynn Purnell for Tastemaker Series

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Glynn Purnell, the Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and television personality known as “The Yummy Brummie”, will bring his modern British cooking to the Indian Ocean this April as part of the Tastemaker Series at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

With a career spanning more than 35 years, two Michelin-starred restaurants and a long-standing presence on British television, Purnell’s residency will take place from 3 to 6 April. His ingredient-led approach will be presented through a curated programme that includes a signature tasting dinner, an intimate cooking class and a closing experience hosted at The Whale Bar, offering guests the opportunity to engage with his cuisine in an informal setting.

Purnell began his culinary career at the age of 14 through a hotel kitchen work placement before refining his skills at the Metropole Hotel and at Simpson’s Restaurant, where he contributed to the restaurant’s first Michelin star. His professional training also includes working alongside chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, as well as experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Purnell later made history by earning Birmingham’s first Michelin star for Jessica’s in 2005, followed by a Michelin star for Purnell’s, which the restaurant has retained since 2009.

In addition to his restaurant work, Purnell is a well-known figure on British television. He has won Great British Menu twice and has returned to the programme as a mentor. His television appearances also include Saturday Kitchen, and he co-presented My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4.

Recognised for combining technical precision with an approachable style, Purnell’s residency forms part of the St. Regis Maldives’ 2026 Tastemaker Series, a programme designed to showcase international culinary talent through immersive guest experiences. His emphasis on seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable practices aligns with the resort’s broader commitment to considered luxury and culinary quality.

Set on Vommuli Island, the residency offers guests the opportunity to experience contemporary British gastronomy in a distinctive island setting, with rare access to one of the UK’s most influential chefs.

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