Featured

Caffè Vergnano’s journey in Maldives

Published

1 year ago

December 17, 2022

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.

Featured

Maldives Madridistas: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Nets Exclusive Football Camp Partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Maldives Insider

Younger guests at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands can embrace new patterns of play this summer at an exclusive, Maldives-first Real Madrid Foundation football camp. From 4 July – 12 August, a youth coach will lead a comprehensive Real Madrid Foundation programme of daily soccer sessions for ages 5-9yrs, 10-14yrs, and 15-17yrs. The coach will be joined by an elite player ambassador from UEFA’s all-time no. 1 ranked football club toward the end of the programme.

This summer’s inaugural Patina Maldives x Real Madrid CF Foundation football camp is the first edition in an ongoing partnership, with additional future football camp dates to be confirmed. Led by a licensed Real Madrid Foundation coach, sessions will focus on developing each participant both individually and as part of the group, in order to ‘Play The Real Way’ – the training methodology that combines play, as well as sports values.

Sessions will take place on a new, purpose-built 6 a side astroturf pitch located near the Fari Marina Village at Patina Maldives.

All participants will receive an official camp football camp shirt, shorts, socks, drawstring bag, sweatbands, and cap; while those completing a minimum of four days’ coaching will also be presented with a Real Madrid Foundation participation certificate.

Real Madrid Foundation football clinics at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands are priced at USD195++ per child per session for guests of the resort. Bookings are also open to guests from neighbouring resorts, from USD250++ per child per session.

Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD2,054 (approx. GBP1,620) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa including daily breakfast, complimentary Guest Benefits, tax, and service. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and reservations, please visit https://patinahotels.com/maldives or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com. For more information on Pathways, please see here.

Featured

A blissful island Easter celebration at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Maldives Insider

Experience unique and enriching getaways at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, as the luxury resort unveils exciting benefits for family getaway packages launching this season. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the ethereal charm of the Maldives.

Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives seamlessly blends eco-friendly architecture with contemporary sophistication, complemented by the untouched, rugged beauty of the Raa Atoll. Situated amidst miles of untouched marine life, Alila Kothaifaru invites guests to reconnect with nature in the most extraordinary ways. With spacious villas and private pools, guests can truly experience the essence of a getaway where luxury and adventure harmoniously coexist.

Surrounded by azure skies and the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers an idyllic setting for a family escape during the Easter break. Here, guests can unwind in luxurious, nature-immersed surroundings, embark on exciting adventures together, and indulge in unforgettable wellness and culinary experiences.

During Easter weekend, Play Alila will delight young guests with a diverse range of festive island-inspired activities, including Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. For those seeking relaxation, Spa Alila offers enticing packages for parents and children to enjoy quality bonding time.

For the adventurous souls, do not miss the chance to join our Sparkling Underwater Egg Hunt. Hidden throughout one of our nearby dive sites, these eggs hold a special surprise. The lucky diver who discovers the egg with a unique mark will win an exclusive clutch made of Swarovski crystal valued at EUR 1,800!

Embark on an Easter journey to remember at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. Explore all of the Easter events and activities at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives here

Family Getaway Package

Booking Period: Until 30 October 2024
Stay Period: Until 25 December 2024

Experience a family holiday rich with memorable moments. From nature walks to energetic beach activities, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ offerings extend to the whole family. Indulge in a host of fun adventures together, or relax while your children participate in creative indoor and outdoor activities. Enjoy special family welcome amenities upon arrival, return seaplane transfers, daily full-board meals, and a special offer on wellness treatments. Experience the beauty of our island while creating lasting memories to be treasured!

Stay with us during the Easter period from 25-31 March 2024 and be treated to a wide range of festive island inspired activities such as Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, egg hunting around the island and underwater, wellness offering, and many more!

For more information and reservations, please contact kothaifaru@alilahotels.com or visit alilahotels.com

Featured

Love’s Oasis: Siyam World Invites Couples To Celebrate And Embrace Romance On White Valentines’ Day

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2024

Maldives Insider

Romance never ends, get ready to swoon, Siyam World is pulling out all the stops to make this White Valentine’s Day one for the books. Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, Siyam World invites couples to indulge in a whirlwind of romance and adventure on March 14th, 2024.

Internationally acclaimed DJ Youna will headline the evening’s entertainment, enchanting guests with her signature blend of melodic techno and progressive house music. Against the backdrop of the Maldivian night sky, guests can dance under the stars and create cherished memories with their loved ones. DJ Youna, the rising star of melodic techno and progressive house, is set to serenade you and your beloved under the starlit skies of Siyam World.

YOUNA, an emerging DJ/Producer specializing in melodic techno and progressive house, hails originally from South Korea. Her musical trajectory took an unforeseen turn upon her relocation to Dubai, where she developed a profound affinity for house music—a genre less prevalent in the Asian music landscape. Dedication to refining her craft led YOUNA to cultivate a distinctive sound, skilfully merging emotive melodies with the infectious energy of her compositions.

Despite embarking on her production and DJing journey in 2022, YOUNA has swiftly ascended to prominence on the global music scene. Her debut single, ‘Self-Doubt,’ ascended to the top 14 in progressive house and secured the 4th position on Beatport’s hype chart. YOUNA’s music, characterized by potent beats and evocative soundscapes, transcends cultural boundaries, dismantling barriers and creating a harmonious fusion on the international stage. Get ready to dance the night away and create memories that will last a lifetime with DJ YOUNA

Siyam World has also curated a line-up of experiences that will make your heart skip a beat. Dive into the culinary wonders of the Maldives with our Maldivian Culinary Workshop at Kaage, where you will learn the secrets of local cuisine from our talented chefs.

Treat your special someone to a Destination Dinner or a Special Romantic Dinner, complete with a romantic movie screening to set the mood. And for the ultimate indulgence, why not enjoy a Wine Cellar Dinner? Gift your loved one with chocolates and flowers made available for this special day. Sip on mimosas and savor delicious bites while soaking in the breath-taking views of Siyam World.

Mark your calendars, lovebirds, because White Valentine’s Day at Siyam World is going to be one for the books! Book your romantic getaway now and get ready to fall in love all over again.

For more information, visit Siyam World or follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube. For booking enquiries email: stay@siyamworld.com.