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.
Culture
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to discover real island living in Kihadhoo

Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique luxury resort situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has unveiled its latest signature offering – the Local Island Tour – a meaningful and intimate cultural experience that provides guests with a genuine insight into everyday life in the Maldives.
Nestled amidst the natural splendour of Baa Atoll, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity and unspoilt local islands, this new experience extends beyond the boundaries of the resort. Guests are invited to journey just 15 minutes by boat to Kihadhoo, a serene and authentic island where tradition, community and simplicity remain firmly embedded in daily life.
Upon arrival, visitors are immersed not only in a new landscape but in a slower, more deliberate way of life. Much like the ethos of Milaidhoo, where barefoot luxury is designed to encourage presence and connection, Kihadhoo exudes its own quiet charm – a lifestyle shaped by nature, calm and community. Along its sandy paths, occasionally crossed by a scooter or two, time appears to slow down. It is a place grounded in authenticity and understated beauty.
The experience is personally guided by Ali “CR” Niushad, a Kihadhoo native and esteemed member of the Milaidhoo team. Acting as both host and storyteller, CR offers guests the rare opportunity to experience the island not as tourists, but as warmly welcomed friends. The visit begins with a traditional greeting from local flower girls dressed in Maldivian attire, setting the tone for an encounter steeped in culture and sincerity.
As the tour unfolds, guests are met with the everyday sights and sounds of the island: children waving in the distance, neighbours exchanging greetings, the rhythmic sweep of a broom, the gentle clatter of cooking utensils, and women gathered in joali seats, softly conversing in the afternoon light. A walk through Kihadhoo reveals vividly painted doors on homes – reminiscent of the colourful doors of Milaidhoo’s own villas – reflecting the island’s quiet charm and creative spirit.
This is not a traditional sightseeing excursion; it is an immersion into the heartbeat of island life. Guests enjoy fresh coconuts at a small, family-run café, visit the local school and community centres, and spend time in CR’s family home, sharing stories and perspectives. Each moment is organic, heartfelt, and grounded in sincere human connection.
In an era where travellers increasingly seek meaningful and mindful experiences, Milaidhoo’s Local Island Tour captures the spirit of slow travel: an invitation to pause, observe, and engage with respect and curiosity.
Experience Highlights:
- Price: USD 95++ per person (minimum of four guests)
- Inclusions: Return boat transfers, traditional island welcome, guided walk with CR, refreshments (fresh juice or coconut), visits to village landmarks, and a selection of homemade Maldivian snacks with tea or coffee
While Milaidhoo offers refined barefoot luxury that nurtures a sense of inner calm, Kihadhoo presents the soulful essence of Maldivian island life. Together, they create a compelling contrast – sanctuary and simplicity, elegance and authenticity.
This experience is more than a cultural outing. It is a return to the original purpose of travel: to connect, to learn, and to be changed in quiet, unforgettable ways.
Cooking
From garden to gourmet: Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates local, responsible cuisine

Widely recognised as a premier luxury resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives is redefining the concept of sustainable dining. Central to the resort’s culinary ethos is a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly, crafting exceptional, globally inspired dishes that reflect the natural abundance of the Maldivian archipelago.
Located just a short stroll from the resort’s kitchens, the organic Chef’s Garden thrives with fragrant herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Ingredients such as lemongrass, basil, papaya, and chillies are carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring that vibrant flavour and freshness are brought directly to the plate.
All fish featured on the resort’s menus is sustainably sourced from within the Maldives, provided by local fishermen who utilise traditional, low-impact fishing techniques. Wherever possible, produce is also procured from Maldivian farmers—an approach that supports island communities, reduces carbon emissions, and celebrates the rich biodiversity of the atolls.
“Our approach is rooted in a respect for the land and sea,” explains Executive Chef Olivier Portret. “Every dish reflects the story of the Maldives—not just its flavours, but its culture and its people. We want guests to experience something truly meaningful with every bite.”
Guests can enjoy these thoughtfully sourced ingredients across a variety of dining experiences, from fine Thai cuisine at Benjarong, to freshly grilled seafood served al fresco at Sea Grill, or even through interactive cooking classes led by the resort’s culinary team.
Through this garden-to-table philosophy, Dusit Thani Maldives offers more than exceptional cuisine—it fosters a deeper connection to place, purpose, and the planet. This commitment not only sets the resort apart as one of the finest in the Maldives, but also as a destination where sustainability and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
Action
Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.
This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:
- 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
- 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
- 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.
These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.
Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.
This immersive day features:
- Guided dives to the shipwreck
- Underwater treasure hunts
- Marine conservation talks
- Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals
The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.
Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.
- 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
- 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
- 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.
The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.
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