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

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
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.
Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.
Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.
This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.
Featured
Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.
Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.
Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.
Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.
Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.
Featured
Five-course Indian fine dining by Atrangi to feature at Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s June pop-up

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced an exclusive culinary pop-up in collaboration with Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the renowned Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. Scheduled from 7 to 12 June 2025, this special event will feature Atrangi’s Head Chef, Aniket Chatterjee, who will partner with the resort’s culinary team to present a refined five-course dining experience. This unique collaboration aims to reinterpret regional Indian dishes through a contemporary perspective.
Atrangi, inspired by the vision of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, is celebrated for its bold and eclectic approach to Indian cuisine. Ritu Dalmia, a self-taught chef, began her culinary journey by launching Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just twenty-two. Over the years, she has established a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across India and Europe, earning her widespread recognition in the culinary world. Representing her creative vision in the Maldives, Chef Aniket Chatterjee brings a modern sensibility and a profound respect for Indian culinary traditions, promising a dining experience that is both sophisticated and soulful.
For this special occasion, Chef Aniket has curated a bespoke menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian techniques with global influences. Guests will be treated to intimate oceanfront dinners and relaxed beach grills under the stars, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus available.
The dining journey will commence with a playful twist on the nostalgic chilli cheese toast, followed by pickled doodhi and smoked dahi. Main course offerings include Malvani chicken tikka with confit garlic, or for vegetarians, paneer peeli mirch tikka accompanied by spring onion curry. A whipped butter board will serve as a palate cleanser before guests savour dishes such as kappa meen curry or satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney, celebrating the rich diversity of Indian flavours. The meal will conclude with an indulgent Indian sweet, followed by mignardise featuring pistachio soan papdi and a mini jalebi with rabri.
Chef Ritu Dalmia expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Maldives has always been a special country for me, having visited several times. It is a thrill to bring Atrangi to Jumeirah Olhahali Island, where we can showcase community-inspired dishes while celebrating the best produce the Maldives has to offer.”
The beach grill dinner at Shimmers Beach on 10 June will be priced at USD 225 plus taxes per person. On other evenings, the five-course set menu will be served at a designated ocean-view location for USD 195 plus taxes per person.
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