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Caffè Vergnano’s journey in Maldives
The renowned Italian coffee brand Café Vergnano, which was first offered in the Maldives in 2014, has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Providing coffee offerings at resorts like Jumeirah Maldives, OBLU Ailafushi/Lobigili, Diamonds Athuruga, and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, to mention a few.
Recently, we met with Marco Cavallero, Export Business Development Manager from Caffè Vergnano S.p.A., who oversees this region, which encompasses 35 countries, on the lovely sandy beaches of the Maldives to discuss their coffee and future-plans in the country.
What is the history and heritage of Caffe Vergnano?
Founded in 1882, Caffe Vergnano is Italy’s oldest coffee roasting company. For 140 years, and over four generations, we have stayed true to tradition, exporting the ethos of authentic Italian espresso around the world.
The consumer is at the centre of everything we do. We believe that every coffee we create tells a unique story. It’s a story of the journey of each coffee bean, from the country of origin to the cup we hold in our hands. We want every espresso we create and every product we make, to express the best of Italian coffee culture. Uniting our global customers in one experience of authentic quality coffee.
So, with passion in our hearts and minds we move onwards.
What makes Caffe Vergnano a unique and distinguished coffee?
As a company we pay great attention to the selection and roasting of green beans. Because it is only with this level of attention to detail that coffee culture can truly grow and flourish. Every single day we grind, roast, taste and test our coffee. This is how perfect recipes are created, using traditional techniques inherited from our ancestors.
We have nurtured strong relationships with selected coffee producers around the world for over 40 years, choosing only those who can meet and exceed our high-quality standards.
We monitor every relationship meticulously. Before purchasing green coffee, a sample is sent to our office in Turin where specialists personally test the coffee, analysing its quality and origin. Then, only if everything is entirely satisfactory, are the beans selected.
Then, when the coffee reaches a European port, another sample is sent to Turin to ensure its quality has remained perfect throughout the shipment process. All coffee beans are carefully stored, origin by origin, in our Santena site, where the roasting process takes place.
What is the importance of ‘Roasting’ and what is special about the Caffe Vergnano process?
Roasting is the most delicate stage of the coffee production process.
To achieve a perfect balance between aroma and intensity, coffee beans must be roasted to perfection, bearing in mind that they are all different in shape and size. This is achieved by slow roasting, a traditional method that guarantees a uniform cooking. This process achieves the perfect roast, taking into account the uniqueness, shape and size of each coffee bean. This slowness makes the roasting process even and balanced. And because we follow every step meticulously, and slowly, the aroma of our coffee will always be perfect.
How does Caffe Vergnano view its social responsibility?
We’re building a future that creates value for people – from employees to business partners and suppliers with whom we share values of respect, ethical working, and transparency.
Our unique production process is increasingly focused on the use of sustainable raw materials, food safety and carefully monitored ethical work practices. For instance, our sourcing is entirely of coffee beans from organically farmed plantations, respecting nature and local ecosystems.
The UTZ COFFEE certificate allows to identify and enhance all the products respecting environmental and social responsibility requirements.
Our production and innovation are focused on the use of recycled and recyclable materials, so our used products can be reused as resources or disposed of in complete harmony with the environment.
Women in Coffee is another key Caffè Vergnano social responsibility project. Launched in 2018 in collaboration with the International Women Coffee Alliance (ICWA), it aims to sustain small communities of female coffee producers. The project is in constant evolution and supports initiatives that promote female empowerment, inclusion, and respect.
What is the role played by your local business partner – Bestbuy Maldives (BBM)?
We travel the planet bringing Caffè Vergnano’s quality and passion to over 60 countries. By virtue of working with Caffe Vergnano for the Maldives, BBM has become part of our extended family that makes its love for coffee, a way of life – living and breathing our coffee and proudly representing Italian excellence in Maldives.
BBM has accelerated adoption of Caffe Vergnano by premium resorts in the Maldives. Jumeirah signing on exclusively with Caffe Vergnano is a significant testimony of our success in Maldives; and we are looking to achieve greater heights over the next few quarters.
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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