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
Feast for senses: Evolving culinary canvas of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, dining is not merely a matter of sustenance; it’s a journey of discovery, artistry, and taste that unfolds with every meal. Nestled in the pristine seclusion of the Raa Atoll, this intimate island sanctuary invites long-stay guests to indulge in an ever-changing mosaic of flavours and atmospheres, ensuring no two days—or dining experiences—are ever alike.
Dining, Redefined for the Discerning Palate
Dining at Alila Kothaifaru isn’t defined by one restaurant or one menu. It’s an evolving narrative of taste. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape or an extended sabbatical, each day ushers a new opportunity to be surprised and delighted at the table.
Begin with a Floating Lunch in the privacy of your own pool villa. Picture this: the midday sun shimmering on the water as you recline poolside, savouring a beautifully curated spread. This unhurried pleasure is the perfect way to settle into your island retreat.
Then, head to Pibati Sul Mare, where tradition meets hands-on creativity. The Art of Pizza Making is More than a workshop—it’s a Joyful ritual. Roll the dough, fold your base, scatter fresh toppings, and watch as your creation ts fired to perfection. The reward? A slice of Italy savoured with the gentle breeze of the Indian Ocean.

Sunsets and Sensory Stories
As the sun dips below the horizon, The Shack Sundowner experience awaits. Champagne and caviar, set against a canvas of molten sky and encdless sea, is a ritual best shared, a memory effortlessly mace.
For something theatrically indulgent, Teppanyaki at Umami takes centre stage. Here, expert chefs turn dinner into a performance, grilling, searing, and plating with precision, all while guests soak in the sizzling sights and aromas.

Global Flavours, Local Soul
Each evening, the resort’s culinary offering shifts again. At Yakitori Bar, fragrant skewers sizzle over charcoal flames, echoing the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Mondays serve up the comfort of a rich Indian Thali, while Wednesdays and Sundays bring a quintessential island feast with a Boat to Table BBQ, where the clay’s freshest catch takes price of place.
This signature experience is part of Alila Kothaifaru’s boat-to-table sustainability initiative, which focuses on sourcing fresh seafood locally and responsibly. By collaborating directly with Maldivian fishermen, the resort ensures the shortest journey from ocean to plate. This partnership supports both marine conservation efforts and local livelihoods while providing guests with the freshest possible ingredients.
“Our culinary philosophy is grounded in a deep respect for nature and community,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “With the boat-to-table initiative, we’re not only celebrating the incredible bounty of the Indian Ocean but also championing sustainability, transparency, and authentic island experiences that our guests truly value.”
Friday evenings unfold with The Art of Mezze, a Mediterranean medley of colour, spice, and texture. Meanwhile, Saturdays are reserved for indulgence with La Dolce Vita at Pibati Sul Mare, a flowing celebration of Italian favourites, designed to be lingered over, shared, and remembered.

Never the Same Plate Twice
For long-stay guests, the worry of repetition simply doesn’t exist. With rotating themes, diverse cuisines, and unique dining settings—from barefoot beachfronts to stylish al fresco lounges—each mealtime becomes a new chapter in their Maldivian story.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is not just evolving its food and beverage programme; it’s redefining island dining. With every thoughtfully crafted experience, we invite guests to eat, explore, and engage their senses in the most delicious ways possible.
Drink
Patina Maldives presents culinary experience with Luciano Cucina Italiana x Veleno Bar

Patina Maldives continues to reimagine the art of island hospitality through its latest epicurean collaboration: a two-day culinary pop-up bringing together Italy’s “King of Carbonara,” Chef Luciano Monosilio, and the irreverently creative mixologists from Vienna’s Veleno Bar. Taking place on 24 and 25 April 2025, this exclusive dining and cocktail affair promises a bold interplay of heritage and experimentation, set within the warm, intimate space of Farine and the vibrant backdrop of Fari Beach Club.
Widely recognised as one of the most innovative chefs in Italy today, Chef Luciano Monosilio earned his Michelin star at the age of just 27. At his eponymous restaurant in Rome, Luciano Cucina Italiana, he is known for transforming traditional Roman dishes into contemporary expressions
of flavour, with his carbonara becoming something of a culinary icon in its own right. His presence at Patina Maldives signals a continued commitment to curating exceptional gastronomic moments that marry technique, story, and soul.
The collaboration is further elevated by the spirited energy of Veleno Bar, an underground favourite in Vienna’s cocktail scene. Known for its bold and sustainable approach to mixology — including the creative use of upcycled ingredients — Veleno brings an unapologetically daring edge to classic cocktails, blending eclectic flavours with a rebellious spirit.
On Thursday evening, the experience begins as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, with a welcome cocktail hour at Farine featuring bespoke concoctions by Veleno and an elegant selection of specially crafted canapés by Chef Luciano himself. As twilight deepens, guests are invited to linger over a semi-buffet dinner, where Luciano’s à la carte creations are woven into Farine’s existing menu — a thoughtful tribute to seasonal Italian fare interpreted through the lens of island living.
The following day offers an intimate opportunity to step behind the scenes. At Koen, Chef Luciano will host a hands-on Carbonara Cooking Class for a select group of 12 guests. This immersive culinary session includes a personalised mocktail and dessert pairing — a reflective, flavour-led journey through one of Rome’s most beloved dishes.
While guests indulge in flavour and technique, the creative exchange extends to Patina’s own team. On Friday afternoon, Veleno Bar’s Luca will lead a cocktail masterclass for Patina’s F&B talents at Fari Beach Club — sharing the brand’s signature playbook of sustainability, narrative, and unconventional craft.
The two-day event concludes with a final evening at Farine, where the warmth of shared tables, fresh perspectives, and elevated dining leaves an impression far beyond the plate.
Prices start from USD 155++ for the semi-buffet dinners at Farine (half-board credit applicable), and USD 150++ per person for the Carbonara Cooking Class, inclusive of a mocktail and dessert.
This limited engagement is a celebration of taste, storytelling, and cultural alchemy — an invitation to savour, to learn, and to connect.
Drink
Cheers at sea: Maldivian Dhoni delivers sundowners to overwater villas at Avani+ Fares Maldives

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is offering a unique take on island hospitality with the introduction of the Ambaa Adventure. This innovative service features a traditional Maldivian dhoni sailing across the crystal-clear waters of Fares to deliver handcrafted cocktails and mocktails directly to the private overwater pool decks of guests.
Named after the Dhivehi word for ‘cheers,’ Ambaa embodies a celebration of life, connection, and unforgettable moments. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, guests staying in the resort’s Over Water Villas or in the exclusive two- and three-bedroom Sunset Over Water Pool Residences can watch for the signature yellow sail of the Ambaa boat gliding across the turquoise lagoon. Styled after the traditional Maldivian fishing and transport vessels, the boat pays homage to local heritage with a modern flair.
As the floating bar makes its rounds, guests can summon it by raising a dedicated Ambaa flag from their private deck. Once docked, an onboard bartender prepares complimentary cocktails and mocktails bursting with tropical flavours. This distinctive experience is set against the backdrop of Avani+ Fares Maldives, recently named Best Dive Resort 2024 by Travel Trade Maldives, further enhancing the island’s appeal for diving enthusiasts and lovers of oceanic exploration.
Signature beverages include The Green of the Fares, a bright blend of basil, lime, apple, and gin that mirrors the island’s lush scenery; the Ambaa Breeze, a refreshing mix of watermelon, pineapple, lemon, ginger, and a splash of white rum; and the Fares Kurumba, a rich tribute to the Maldives’ coconut legacy, blending coconut water, Malibu, and spiced gold rum.
“With the introduction of Ambaa Adventure, the magic of Maldivian hospitality is being brought directly to our guests’ villas,” said Judd Rabbidge, General Manager of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. “Surrounded by the vast ocean and spectacular sunsets, this experience perfectly captures Avani’s commitment to creativity, guest engagement, and celebrating local culture.”
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