Drink
W Maldives kicks off ‘WHAT SHE SHAKES’ series
Starting this December, W Maldives is all set to launch a series dedicated to giving female bartenders a platform to showcase their talent and skill. Beginning this initiative with a bang, the luxury playground has invited world class mixologist, Bannie Kang from Singapore, for an extraordinary activation on December 6, 2022 at SIP, their stunning sunset bar, where the ace bartender will craft four signature cocktails that will be served over sundowners, and through the night. Of the four creations depicting her career journey and signatures, “Her Legacy”, a cocktail inspired by her time in the Maldives, will be left on the menu at W Maldives even after Bannie Kang departs, for a limited time, allowing for guests to taste and indulge in her W Maldives special creation.
Guests looking for that bucket list getaway, with an added twist, are in for a treat on booking their dream escape at W Maldives this December. Located on Fesdu island, guests at W Maldives can dive into one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, straight from their overwater or a beach villa and explore a rich, vibrant and diverse marine life. Apart from the watersports, activities and dining experiences ranging from Maldivian to International, seafood to detox salads and grills, they also feature an inspiring cocktail culture with beverages mixed to suit any and all palettes. SIP, the overwater outdoor bar, is the perfect venue to bring a day in the Maldives to a tantalising close with its pulsating ambience and breathtaking sunset views, Champagne, martinis, delicious cocktails and fresh sushi and sashimi selections.
Speaking on this unique series, General Manager of W Maldives, Idu Ribeiro said, “We are excited to have this opportunity to collaborate with Bannie Kang for a one-night only exceptional mix featuring four signature creations and particularly ‘Her Legacy’ inspired by the Maldives and created exclusively for W Maldives. At W Maldives we are focused on elevating our Beverage & Food offerings with unique activations and through the What She Shakes series we are not only looking to amplify our cocktail culture but also empower and showcase female talent behind the bars.”
Former World Class Global Champion and Asia’s Bartender’s Bartender (2021), Bannie Kang, discovered her passion for bartending back in 2010, embarking on intense bartender training courses before joining the team at ANTI:DOTE (Singapore) in 2013. Following her win at the World Class competition in Singapore, Bannie flew onto the global scene as the Global Bartender of the Year 2019. Originally from South Korea, Bannie and her chef husband Tryson went on to open their own establishment MU:Taipei in Taiwan in February 2020. More recently MU:Taipei was recognised in Asia’s 100 Best Bars, with Bannie winning the peer-voted accolade, the Mancino Bartenders’ Bartender 2021. A young talent with a passion for introducing extraordinary inventions, Bannie will bring with her a set of skills into action to create signature cocktails, inspired by Maldivian flavors, for a memorable happening.

On her upcoming visit to the Maldives and the activation, Bannie Kang said, “I’m thrilled to be visiting the Maldives, and also to be able to truly imbibe the spirit of the dream destination into some of my creations and leave a legacy at W Maldives for everyone to sample. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I hope that sipping the curated cocktails in a paradise setting is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience for all guests as well!”
Cooking
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa sets season of culinary experiences and island celebrations
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa is set to welcome guests to a season of dining, family celebrations and island experiences, with a programme of events taking place from September through October.
The season begins with the Japanese Cocktail & Dining Experience on 26 September, featuring a six-course dinner inspired by the flavours of Japan and Peru. Guests can look forward to dishes including yellowfin tuna tartare, robata-grilled octopus, butter-poached lobster and slow-braised beef short rib, finished with a refreshing citrus dessert.

The dinner will be accompanied by cocktails created by award-winning Japanese bartender Norihiko Furuse, known for his creative and sustainable approach to mixology, bringing together Japanese spirits, seasonal fruits, local herbs and botanical ingredients.
On 3 October, Kuredhivaru will bring a taste of Germany to the Maldives with its annual Oktoberfest Celebration. Guests can enjoy Bavarian favourites including roast pork knuckle, beef goulash, German sausages, BBQ pork ribs and freshly baked pretzels, followed by classic desserts such as apple strudel, Black Forest cake and Bavarian cream. Live music and games will add to the festive atmosphere.

The celebrations continue with Halloween at Kuredhivaru from 30 to31 October, bringing two days of family-friendly activities, including Kids Club experiences, costume creations, the Rising Star Halloween Fashion Show, pumpkin carving, themed games, creative workshops and deliciously Halloween-inspired dining, and a few surprises lurking around every corner.

From the tiniest trick-or-treaters to grown-ups ready to join the fun, it’s Halloween island- style, full of imagination, laughter, sparkle and just the right amount of spooky!

With a mix of culinary experiences and seasonal celebrations, Kuredhivaru’s upcoming programme offers guests different ways to enjoy the island throughout the season.

For reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
Cooking
Patina Maldives welcomes global, Maldivian talent for latest ‘Perpetual Journey’
Transformative luxury retreat Patina Maldives, Fari Islands unveils a new stage of The Perpetual Journey, its ongoing programme of art, culture, wellness and conscious dining experiences. Highlights from August to November include acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawood’s inaugural Patina Art Residency, a junior football camp led by FC Bayern Munich coach Jonas Caryot and a three-day Diwali celebration bringing together chef Atul Kochhar, mixologist Giancarlo Mancino and DJ Sakré.
The Perpetual Journey is Patina’s evolving programme of experiences designed to inspire couples, families and solo travellers to embrace connection, growth, wellbeing and nourishment at their own pace through collaborations with global and local guest talent.
Aishath Shuaila – Art Gallery Malé Collaboration, 22 September – 10 October
Developed in partnership with Art Gallery Malé, the rolling creators in residence programme at Patina Maldives’ Fari Art Atelier provides an ongoing international platform for contemporary Maldivian artists.
Following the success of Ahmed Khaleel’s residency in June and Hassan Najih’s residency in July, Patina Maldives will collaborate with Aishath Shuaila as part of its commitment to nurturing and showcasing local talent. Rather than simply displaying her paintings, the Fari Art Atelier will become Aishath’s working studio during the residency, allowing guests to encounter her work and creative process through an open-studio format, alongside workshops and informal exchanges.
Drawing on her love for nature and background in sustainable development, Aishath’s signature style uses vivid colours and bold brushstrokes to represent the patterns and textures found in the natural world. The resulting works encourage viewers to better understand and appreciate Maldivian flora and fauna.

Patina Art Residency: Shezad Dawood, 18 October – 8 November
Winner of the inaugural Patina Art Residency, London-based multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawoodwill undertake extended fieldwork at Patina Maldives, deepening his practice that connects art, science and environmental advocacy. With more than a decade spent in dialogue with marine biologists and environmentalist, Shezad will take this time to explore the island’s environment and marine ecology to create a piece of work shaped by the 2025 Theme, Fluid Worlds, which invites artists to examine how boundaries shift and change, whether between cultures, ideas or elements.

Bayern Munich Football Camp, 25 – 29 October
Designed for young players aged six to 17, this exclusive camp takes place across five days with FC Bayern Munich’s Coach Jonas Caryot, blending expert coaching, small-group sessions, and up to five hours of focused training every day. With two days reserved for rest, the camp offers participants a rare opportunity to refine their football skills in the island’s serene setting.

Yakido by Yardbird Hong Kong, 6 – 10 October
Hong Kong-based modern izakaya and bar Yardbird brings its travelling Yakido concept to Brasa for two nights alongside a week of pop-ups and collaborations, including ALWAYS FRIENDS BY ALWAYS JOY on October 8; a pop- up at Veli Bar with Max Levy’s pizza project, MR. IKO; and a series of strength and mobility movement sessions led by Lindsay Jang.

Moments of Connection: Diwali
Chef Atul Kochhar, 7 – 9 November
Widely recognised as a pioneering figure in Indian fine dining, Atul Kochhar is the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, receiving his first at Tamarind in 2001 and a second at Benares in 2007. With over 30 years in the culinary world, he brings a contemporary expression of India’s regional cuisine through bold flavours, refined technique and premium ingredients. For Diwali, Kochhar brings the culinary identity of Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, his acclaimed London restaurant, to Helios, presenting a special menu that reinterprets his signature contemporary Indian cuisine for the Maldivian setting.
Giancarlo Mancino
Internationally renowned bartender and the creative mind behind SeiBellissimi, a luxury sparkling bottled cocktail line, Giancarlo Mancino returns to Patina Maldives with a series of guest shifts and cocktail experiences.
Sakré
Bangalore-based producer, DJ and sound artist Sakré brings his genre-blurring approach to electronic music to Patina Maldives during Diwali. Drawing on ambient textures, lo-fi beats and South Indian cinematic influences, his immersive soundscapes offer a contemporary interpretation of India’s evolving music culture.
Patina Resonance: Visiting Practitioners
Jasmin Küster – Holistic Bodywork, 14 September – 14 October
Jasmin is a holistic therapist and aquatic bodyworker whose practice brings together Water Therapy, Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, fascia-focused Somatic Bodywork and other specialised treatments to encourage deep relaxation, release tension and restore balance between body, mind and emotions. Her approach focuses on deep relaxation, release and greater connection with the body, with each experience adapted to the individual.

Minako Saito – Japanese Wellness Innovator and Founder of Platinum Ritual Series, 15 October – 15 November
Minako Saito specialises in Japanese thermal therapy and women’s wellness counselling. She is the founder of the Platinum Ritual Series, a holistic treatment collection designed to calm the nervous system, encourage deep relaxation and restore inner balance. Each ritual combines gentle, deep-reaching warmth with therapeutic techniques to support harmony between body and mind. Guests can choose between rituals promoting relaxation and restorative sleep, a neuro-relaxing facial ritual, or women’s wellness-focused rituals that support hormonal balance, nervous system regulation, pelvic wellbeing and hip mobility.

Thalia Jones – Breathwork Practitioner and Holistic Therapist, 15 December – 15 January 2027
Thalia Jones returns to Patina Maldives, working with guests on personal transformation with her rounded approach that integrates the mind, body and soul. Through guided breathwork and holistic therapies, Thalia creates space for guests to pause, reconnect and develop a greater awareness of body and breath.

To book, email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com, tel. +960 4000555, or visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands.
Drink
THE OZEN COLLECTION to host sixth Bodegas Viñátigo wine master class
For wine lovers and curious travellers alike, there are few experiences as captivating as discovering a wine with a story. And few stories are as compelling as that of Bodegas Viñátigo a winery born from the volcanic soils of Tenerife, where winemakers have spent over thirty years bringing nearly forgotten grape varieties back to life.
This November, that story arrives once again in the Maldives, as THE OZEN COLLECTION hosts the sixth annual Bodegas Viñátigo Wine Master Class, a rare and immersive journey through the flavours, traditions, and artistry of the Canary Islands.
The journey begins at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 23rd to 25th November with The Submerged Cellar Soirée at M6m, the iconic underwater restaurant six metres beneath the lagoon, with the experimental underwater aged wines as welcome drink and a curated menu celebrating land and sea is thoughtfully paired with the expressive wines of Tenerife. The exploration continues across the resort’s signature dining venues, each offering a distinct perspective on the Bodegas Viñátigo collection. At Sea, Salt & Soy, the bold flavours of Pan-Asian cuisine meet the nuanced elegance of Canarian wines at TRADITION PEKING, creating a symphony of taste and texture. The experience culminates with Brunch with Shakespeare, a refined and poetic conclusion to the Maadhoo chapter, where wine, food, and storytelling converge beneath the Maldivian sun.

“Our wines from Tenerife’s volcanic soil to the pristine shores of the Maldives has been an extraordinary experience,” shares Juan Jesús Méndez. “Our collaboration with THE OZEN COLLECTION has allowed us to share these remarkable wines with a global audience. The continued enthusiasm from our guests encourages us to create even more expressions of our wines.”
The vinous voyage continues at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI from 27th to 29th November, where curated dinners and tastings explore the artistry of the wines through innovative culinary collaborations. The journey begins with The Sand Cellar Soirée at ORIGINꓱ, a contemporary dining experience that pairs the depth of volcanic wines with modern gastronomic artistry. A Pan-Asian dinner at Sand, Smoke & Soy brings together two distinctive culinary traditions in a creative dialogue, exploring the harmony between bold island flavours and the heritage of the Canary Islands. The experience culminates with Sunset with Shakespeare, an intimate beachside wine pairing offering guests the rare opportunity to engage directly with the Bodegas Viñátigo wine makers, connect with the passion and heritage behind each vintage, and toast to an unforgettable journey.
“Canary wine is a story of land, tradition, and connection. My journey with Bodegas Viñátigo has taken me to the annual harvest in Tenerife recently, where I witnessed the care and precision that shape every vintage. That experience brought a new level of detail and understanding to our collaboration, reinforcing our commitment to bringing guests not just a wine, but a sense of place. This partnership has enriched our offering and deepened our dedication to authentic, terroir-driven experiences,” said Rohit Salunke, Assistant Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, said about his experience with the wine makers.

Since 2021, THE OZEN COLLECTION and Bodegas Viñátigo have shared a commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and the art of winemaking. Each year, this exclusive collaboration brings the rare volcanic wines of Tenerife to the shores of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate glimpse into the heritage and passion behind every vintage. Over the years, the programme has evolved into a signature event on the Maldivian luxury calendar, a celebration of terroir, tradition, and the enduring bond between two island cultures.
As part of the resort’s all-encompassing RESERVE™ Plan and INDULGENCE™ Plan, this once-a-year experience invites guests to indulge in an extraordinary celebration of wine, cuisine, and island beauty. With limited spaces and a programme designed to enchant both connoisseurs and newcomers alike, we encourage you to reserve your place and raise a glass to the artistry of land, sea, and timeless craft.
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