Connect with us

Drink

W Maldives kicks off ‘WHAT SHE SHAKES’ series

Published

on

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

Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Published

on

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.

Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.

Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.

As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.

Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.

The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.

Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.

Continue Reading

Drink

Asia’s top mixology talent to lead cocktail takeover at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll

Published

on

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort invites guests to discover an immersive three-night cocktail journey this June, featuring acclaimed mixologist Navjot Singh. Taking place across the resort’s distinctive venues from June 17 to 19, 2026, the exclusive bar takeover will present a curated series of innovative tropical cocktail experiences inspired by island living, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

Led by Navjot Singh, Beverage Program Leader at Lair Bar, the experience brings one of Asia’s most celebrated contemporary cocktail programs to the Maldives. Recognised as No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, Lair Bar is renowned for its innovative approach to mixology, blending luxury spirits, creativity, and immersive storytelling. Navjot himself was recently crowned World Class India 2025, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s leading talents.

Joining him is Nakul Dev, Senior Bartender at LAIR BAR, whose creative approach is deeply inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. With over six years of experience in hospitality and cocktails, Nakul is known for crafting ingredient-driven drinks that reflect the essence of the mountains and local produce from his hometown. His passion for flavour development and exploration of new techniques brings an additional layer of creativity and depth to the collaboration.

Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the takeover will unfold across three distinct venues, each offering its own atmosphere and cocktail narrative. At Nikkei Bar, guests will enjoy an exclusive sunset activation where thoughtfully crafted cocktails elevate golden-hour moments with refined tropical flavours and interactive guest experiences. Wahoo Bar will host an elegant beachfront evening inspired by the serenity of the coast, pairing curated tropical cocktails with breathtaking sunset views and laid-back sophistication. The final experience will take place at JW Garden, where a “Garden to Glass” concept celebrates locally grown ingredients such as basil, lemongrass, and pandan, highlighting sustainability and creating an immersive journey.

“We are thrilled to welcome Navjot Singh to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort for this exclusive guest bartender series,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager. “His expertise, creativity, and dedication to craft reflect our commitment to offering guests immersive moments that are aligned with our philosophy of contemporary luxury.”

Each cocktail hour has been carefully designed to reflect the spirit of the island through a contemporary lens, blending tropical influences with modern techniques and storytelling. Through this collaboration, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort continues to elevate its culinary and beverage programming, offering guests meaningful and memorable experiences rooted in connection, discovery, and craftsmanship.

Learn more about JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort here.

Continue Reading

Drink

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef marks World Cocktail Day with sustainable cocktail experiences

Published

on

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, marks World Cocktail Day with a transformative celebration of Green Mixology blending creativity with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship with additional engaging activities.

The resort’s beverage philosophy centres on a zero-waste approach, where every ingredient is utilised to its full potential. Guests are welcomes to observe the sophisticated discipline of the bar team as they transform overlooked elements into artisanal accents, such as dehydrating organic citrus peels in-house to create fragrant, sustainable garnishes. By replacing industrial imports with these handcrafted touches, the sanctuary ensures that every drink remains an authentic reflection of its iridescent surroundings. Guests can join the expert bar team for immersive mixology lessons to master these sustainable creations firsthand.

In addition to traditional favourites, these liquid creations highlight a dedicated Island-to-Table ethos, incorporating seasonal greens and herbs harvested directly from the resort’s flourishing gardens. The celebration was further elevated by a spectacular Flair Bartending Show, showcasing technical precision and artistry in motion, choreographed to the energy of the island.

Each curated experience at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef invites guests toast to a future of mindful indulgence, where the luxury of the moment is perfectly balanced with the preservation of the surrounding environment.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.