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!”
Drink
German winemaker Patrick Jacklin to host exclusive tasting at Constance Moofushi
Constance Moofushi Maldives is set to welcome Patrick Jacklin of Weingut Heitlinger, Germany, for an exclusive wine tasting experience on 9th March from 06:00pm to 07:30pm. Set on a sunset sandbank, this unique experience will feature a curated selection of biodynamic wines, paired with refined canapés in an unforgettable Indian Ocean setting. During his visit, Patrick Jacklin will also conduct a dedicated masterclass with the resort’s sommeliers, offering an opportunity to further expand their knowledge and understanding of biodynamic wines and viticulture.
At Constance Hotels & Resorts, wine is an integral part of the guest experience, shaped by passionate sommeliers and a long-standing culture of discovery. At Constance Moofushi, this dedication is reflected in Alizée Restaurant being recognized by The World of Fine Wine for its Best All-Inclusive Wine List, highlighting the resort’s carefully curated selection and pairing philosophy. This intimate tasting continues that spirit, celebrating terroir, craftsmanship, and meaningful encounters between guests and winemakers.
Raised in the Kraichgau region of Baden, Patrick Jacklin comes from a family deeply rooted in winemaking. Alongside his brother Philip, he represents the next generation of the Weingut Heitlinger bringing fresh energy and vision to the estate.

Passionate about biodynamic viticulture Patrick plays an active role in shaping the estate’s style and guiding its evolution in both cellar and vineyard.
Located in Östringen‑Tiefenbach, Weingut Heitlinger, is recognised among Germany’s leading organic and biodynamic estates. The winery is also part of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) Since 2012, Germany’s most respected association of top-quality wine estates — a distinction that reflects a shared commitment to origin, craft, and rigorous standards.
“This evening with Patrick Jacklin is a celebration of what we love most – exceptional wines, generous sharing, and the magic of a Maldivian sunset. We look forward to welcoming our guests for this intimate moment of discovery,” says Mevin Ramasamy, General Manager of Constance Moofushi.
Drink
German winemaker Patrick Heitlinger to headline exclusive dinner at SO/ Maldives
On 07th March, SO/ Maldives collaborates with Germany’s prestigious family wineries, Weingut Heitlinger and Burg Ravensburg, to present an intimate and stylish Winemaker’s Dinner a celebration of modern Pinot set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
In a refined fusion of European heritage and island glamour, SO/ Maldives will host third-generation winemaker Patrick Jacklin Heitlinger and his wife Lilly for a singular evening dedicated to craftsmanship, storytelling, and exceptional wine.

At the heart of Weingut Heitlinger lies a philosophy of balance, tradition reimagined for the modern palate. As a proud VDP estate, the winery is known for its biodynamic approach and its expressive Pinot wines that range from vibrant estate selections to complex single-vineyard masterpieces.
Hosted in the fashion-forward surroundings of SO/ Maldives, the evening unfolds as an intimate encounter between vineyard and island. Guests will indulge in a meticulously curated five-course menu, each dish artfully paired with Heitlinger’s celebrated Pinot wines revealing layers of texture, minerality, and character.
Between courses, Patrick and Lilly will share personal stories of their heritage in Tiefenbach, of vineyards kissed by German sunshine, and of a family legacy that continues to evolve with grace and ambition.

This collaboration is more than a dinner it is a meeting of worlds: German terroir and Maldivian glamour, biodynamic purity and contemporary luxury, heritage and haute living.
Seats are limited for this exclusive one-night affair.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100
Drink
Award-winning mixologist Dirk Hany brings Bar am Wasser to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
A magical moment is unfolding on the shores of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the resort collaborates exclusively with the acclaimed mixologist Dirk Hany, Host and Co-Owner of the award-winning Bar am Wasser in Zurich, Switzerland. From 10 to 14 March 2026, the celebrated “doctor cocktail” brings his signature craftsmanship to the shores of the Indian Ocean for a curated series of masterclasses, sunset sessions, and immersive bar takeovers.
Set against the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, the multi-day programme will unfold across the resort’s distinctive dining venues, blending world-class mixology with Alila’s philosophy of thoughtful luxury and meaningful connection. Guests can expect an inspired journey through Dirk Hany’s refined cocktail artistry — where precision, creativity, and storytelling converge in every pour.
The experience begins with an intimate masterclass at Umami, offering guests the opportunity to explore the techniques and philosophies behind Hany’s award-winning creations. This is followed by sunset bar takeovers at Mirus Bar, where his signature cocktails will be showcased in a relaxed yet elevated island setting.
A highlight of the week includes The Shack Sundowner — an indulgent seaside experience designed to pair masterfully crafted cocktails with curated bites, framed by sweeping ocean views. The celebration culminates in the Sapor in Tavola pairing dinner at Pibati Sul Mare, where Dirk Hany’s cocktails will be thoughtfully matched with elevated cuisine in a sensory dining journey that reflects both innovation and balance.
“At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, we are committed to curating experiences that are both immersive and intentional,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Welcoming Dirk Hany to the island allows us to offer our guests a rare opportunity to engage with globally recognised mixology in a setting defined by serenity and natural beauty. This collaboration reflects our passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and meaningful moments.”
Danilo Paolella, Director of Food & Beverage added, “Dirk’s approach to mixology mirrors our own culinary philosophy — thoughtful, ingredient-driven, and rooted in storytelling. Each cocktail is designed not just to be enjoyed, but to be experienced. Bringing Bar am Wasser to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives allows us to elevate our beverage programme while creating distinctive encounters that resonate long after the final sip.”
Blending precision and artistry with the effortless rhythm of island life, the Bar am Wasser Takeover promises an unforgettable week of flavour, craft, and connection — where every cocktail tells a story, and every setting enhances the experience.
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