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Embark on transcontinental island-hopping adventure with Bodegas Viñátigo Winery, THE OZEN COLLECTION

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Experience the magical wine tradition of the Canary Islands with an exquisite three-night masterclass conducted by Juan Jesus Mendez and his son Jorge of the Bodegas Viñátigo Winery, followed by a restaurant take-over at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 21 to 27 November.

In a true match made in heaven, THE OZEN COLLECTION brings to its Maldivian shores the marvellous wine drinking rituals of the Canary Islands, a charming Spanish region that brims with the vitality of balmy, coastal life. It will be an enriching journey from one island to another across oceans—all through the sip of a drink!

Pioneering tastes through passionate wine programmes

At THE OZEN COLLECTION, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are the leaders in the entire Maldivian archipelago offering a unique and inspiring set of wine-tasting experiences to our guests. Through multiple events and endeavours, we curate artisanal wine and champagne masterclasses, tasting sessions, and thematic culinary journeys with handpicked, premium, and artisanal brands from around the world. We thoroughly enjoy the process of inculcating this culture at both our resorts. And, with our collaboration with Bodegas Viñátigo, we are one step closer to realising our goal of being authentic leaders in this segment in the Maldives.

Only the most remarkable flavours

So significant and historical are the wines from the Canary Islands that even the great bard Shakespeare couldn’t resist their charm! The region’s indigenous wine, Malvasía, captured his fancy and even found mention in several of his works. During the height of the British Empire’s fortunes, this wine was exported to England in droves. However, after its fall, this toasted, amber-coloured drink with balanced and intense aromas almost faded into oblivion. Nowadays, it is seeing a renewed interest from connoisseurs. This epicurean delight is being brought to THE OZEN COLLECTION resorts in an exclusive masterclass-and-gastronomy combination through Bodegas Viñátigo, one of the most revered wineries from this Spanish region.

Bodegas Viñátigo wines are marked by a characteristic volcanic minerality with a hint of salinity due to the influence of the Atlantic trade winds. Three nights of decadent bliss await those who embark on this delicious adventure at the following two resorts:

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

From 21 to 23 November 2022, guests will be regaled in the carefree island lifestyle at GIN IS IN, where Mr Mendez will take them through the charming wine collection from Bodegas Viñátigo. This will be followed by an immersive wine-and-food pairing experience at the newly unveiled Hudhu Bay. On the menu are lively, colourful varietals like Marmajuelo, Vijariego Negro, and Tintilla. These will be placed alongside matching foods that go with them as beautifully as the sunsets and Indian Ocean vistas do in the Maldives. What’s more, there’s a bespoke giveaway for each guest, too. A charming event for connoisseurs of cuvées!

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI

A private and privileged affair with Bodegas Viñátigo wines will unfold at the resort from 25 to 27 November 2022. First, Mr Mendez and Jorge will take guests through the notes and nuances of the niche parcel wines that they’ve curated for the experience at the Tasting Lounge. Then, guests will be ushered into a world of gastronomic bliss at the timeless culinary destination, ORIGINƎ, where each course will be paired with Mr Mendez’s special cuvées. The list includes prestigious bottles of Maipe, Pino Valois, Laderas de Teno, and unmatched merriment. To top it all, there’s a thoughtful gift by which guests can remember this memorable experience. It will be an event oozing affluence for wine afficionados.

Awards

The Nautilus Maldives honoured in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards

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In an increasingly fast-paced world, The Nautilus Maldives stands as a sanctuary where time slows and moments linger — a place that continues to capture the attention of discerning travellers. This haven of unhurried living has once again been recognised in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, as voted by readers in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The accolade reaffirms the island’s quiet ability to enchant. With just 26 exclusive ocean and beach houses, The Nautilus offers complete privacy and a philosophy built entirely around individual freedom. Dining is available whenever a guest desires, and experiences unfold as inspiration strikes. A secluded sandbank transforms into a private dining room, and the Maldivian night sky becomes a stage for endless wonder.

“To be recognised again by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers is deeply meaningful,” said Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “Our guests come seeking beauty, but what they discover and cherish is freedom — the freedom to design their own rhythm and to create moments that are theirs alone.”

At The Nautilus, luxury is defined as liberation. Guests may drift through the UNESCO-protected waters of Baa Atoll, indulge in a Solasta Spa ritual without time limits, or share vintage champagne beneath a canopy of stars. Each stay unfolds as a personal narrative — unscripted, unhurried, and unforgettable.

Now in its thirty-eighth year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards remain among the most respected distinctions in global travel. The results, drawn exclusively from readers’ experiences and opinions, continue to represent one of the industry’s most prestigious marks of excellence.

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Entertainment

Amilla Maldives embarks on ‘Around the World in Wonder’ festive journey

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Amilla Maldives will host a festive season celebration titled ‘Around the World in Wonder’ from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to experience a colourful exploration of global culture, curiosity, and joy.

Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration takes guests on a journey across continents, with each day dedicated to a different country and its unique flavours, music, and traditions. The journey begins and concludes in the United Kingdom, tracing a route through the Maldives, Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Japan, China, India, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, and Singapore, culminating in a grand finale on New Year’s Eve.

Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December will feature island-wide festivities, including guided tours, tree planting, coconut painting, Maldivian cooking demonstrations, and a cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony. On 23 December, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will adopt an Italian flair with a Venetian-themed celebration, complete with mask-making workshops, Viennese waltz, wine tasting, the Venetian Masquerade Ball, and a special ‘Treasure of the Sea’ dinner.

France will take centre stage on 24 December, featuring the Dance of the Can Can, gingerbread house making, mime face painting, a Christmas Eve buffet, and an aerial hoop performance. The following day, 25 December, will celebrate Argentina with the arrival of Santa Claus, a festive brunch infused with tango rhythms, dance workshops, magic shows, and a lively tango dinner performance.

The festivities will reach their climax on 31 December, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party leading into the spectacular Global Carnival Event. The evening will feature live performances by the Hamilton Band, complemented by bongo drummers, saxophonists, acrobats, and fire dancers. The grand countdown and after party will usher in 2026 with music, energy, and celebration.

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Awards

Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.

Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.

Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:

  • Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
  • Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
  • AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
  • Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
  • Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
  • The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
  • Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.

The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.

General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”

The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.

Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.

With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.

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