Marriott International has announced the much-anticipated grand finale of the Clash of Mixologists competition, a prestigious individual cocktail competition that aims to promote the rich Beverage Culture and unearth hidden talents among the associates of Marriott International managed hotels in Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives.

In collaboration with renowned establishments 28 Hong Kong Street (Singapore), Junglebird (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), and main event sponsor Malfy Gin, the competition garnered immense enthusiasm and participation from mixologists in the region. Out of a pool of 40 highly skilled participants from the various hotels and resorts in the three countries, six exceptional associates have emerged as finalists in the competition, each ready to showcase their unique mixology flairs at the grand finale to be held at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. The finalists were chosen based on their crafted cocktails, each with its own unique story and recipe, through a combination of scores from judges evaluation and an internal social media contest. These are the talented mixologists representing some of the finest Marriott International hotels in the region:

• Beril Elmas Özüerler – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
• Daniel Thomas Stanislas – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
• Carman Lee – The Westin Singapore
• Karan Vanker – W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
• Eliza Tan – Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
• Jeffri Sulaiman – The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

The judging panel for the grand finale to be held at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will include distinguished experts from the industry including Divyesh Chauhan, Owner of JungleBird, Kuala Lumpur – Ranked 35th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 and Lukas Kaufmann – Operations Manager of 28 HongKong Street, Singapore – Ranked 24th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. As well as a representative from MMI Maldives (Maritime and Mercantile International) – that exclusively supplies premium beverages to resorts and has achieved 100% distribution across Maldives, will also join the event as esteemed judges along with Anuj Sharma, Area Director of Operations, Marriott International, Singapore & Maldives.

The finalists’ cocktails will be judged based on various criteria, including background & authenticity, technique & execution, appearance, taste & aroma, and complexity & originality. The winners will receive exciting prizes, and all finalists will receive an artisanal Cocktail Kit and a Cocktail Journal. They will also receive a certificate of recognition for their outstanding achievement. Additionally, Marriott International aims to explore opportunities to include the champions in international competitions, enhancing their exposure on a global stage. All participating hotels will feature the creations of their bartenders at their bars for guests to experience, sip and savour.

“We are exhilarated to witness the culmination of the Clash of Mixologists competition, which has been a celebration of creativity and passion for mixology. This unique event has brought together associates from our Marriott International Managed Hotels in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Maldives, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among our talented mixologists. The grand finale at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, promises to be a spectacle, highlighting the finest cocktails and the incredible talents behind them. We extend our gratitude to our esteemed partners, 28 Hong Kong Street, Junglebird, and Malfy Gin, whose unwavering support has made this journey truly remarkable. Clash of Mixologists exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent within the beverage culture and reinforces Marriott’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests worldwide,” said Anuj Sharma, Area Director of Operations, Marriott International, Singapore & Maldives.

Malfy Gin, as the main sponsor of the competition, continues its regional partnership with Marriott International through Clash of Mixologists, reaffirming its commitment to supporting emerging mixology talent. The collaboration seeks to promote creativity and innovation within the beverage industry.

The finale is confirmed to be held on September 8, 2023 at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands where the six finalists will showcase their skills. Clash of Mixologists stands as a testament to Marriott International’s dedication to fostering talent and promoting the art of mixology in the region. This inclusive competition has provided a precious platform for high-potential talents to shine on an international level.

In a remarkable stride towards redefining luxury libations, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s bartender team embarks on an exhilarating week-long journey of intensive bartending training, from August 7th to 14th which is spearheaded by the illustrious Giovanni Depergola, the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Alembic Liquid Education System.

Renowned for its relaxing beauty and unparalleled hospitality, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has consistently striven to provide an unforgettable experience for its guests. The forthcoming bartending training aligns seamlessly with the resort’s commitment to excellence, as it seeks to further refine its beverage services. The team’s immersion into this intensive program led by Giovanni Depergola underscores the resort’s dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry’s evolving trends and customer expectations.

Giovanni Depergola’s presence as the lead mentor for this training adds an extra layer of prestige to the training. With a reputation for his expertise and innovation in the world of mixology, Depergola’s guidance is expected to ignite a creative spark within the bartender team. As the Co-Founder and Head of Education at Alembic Liquid Education System founded in 2016, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, promising to impart not only technical skills but also a deeper understanding of the artistry behind mixology.

As the week-long training commences, the bartender team anticipates an immersive experience that will broaden their horizons and refine their craft. As the resort continues to set new standards in luxury hospitality, this training marks a significant step toward ensuring that every guest’s visit is imbued with the magic of finely crafted cocktails and impeccable service.

Take advantage of the free transfer offer this August and immerse yourself in luxury, relaxation, and an unforgettable dining experience at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, visit the resort’s website https://www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-iru-fushi/offers/free-transfer-offer/ or contact reservations at 00960 656 0125 | ecommerce.irufushi@sunsiyam.com.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced the addition of two limited-time specials in culinary and the art of drinking to join St. Regis’ “The House of Celebration” initiative, a collection of special experiences that turn old customs into new traditions.

The House of Celebration encourages guests to relive the magnificent and legendary festivities of the Astors, the founders of the renowned brand who were famous for their extravagant gatherings. The House of Celebration adopts a distinctive theme for each of the four seasons, similar to haute couture fashion runways, offering unique cultural, fashion, and dining experiences for a limited time. These experiences highlight St. Regis’ beloved customs and establish new traditions in some of the Asia Pacific region’s most exquisite locations, including the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli. 

Beginning this summer, the finest address in the Maldives will unveil “Celebration of Place”, a bespoke pairing menu for the season featuring dishes infused with local ingredients at the newly opened Asian specialty restaurant, T.Pan. The new T.Pan set dinner menu, featuring Japanese style Kaiseki cuisine, starts from USD $350++ and offers a beverage pairing option for $220++. The presentation begins with an Osaka Nights “Otoshi” appetiser with Roku gin, Aperol, Antica Formula Vermouth and Ume Liqueur.  

Paying homage to the St. Regis New York’s famed King Cole Bar’s focus on the art of drinking,  the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli will introduce a New York-inspired cocktail infused with local ingredients at The Whale Bar to enrich the celebrated bar programming experience. It currently features a selection of 40 recipes inspired by five New York neighbourhoods, and “The Violet Hour”, a dedicated ritual to celebrate the end of the day and the start of the evening, when the sky is purple and talented bartenders can be found throwing martinis.

Additionally, the five-star resort has introduced a limited time cocktail, Tropical Tuna Twist, inviting guests to indulge in the essence of the Maldives with this creation that captures the vibrant flavors of the archipelago. The refreshing blend of Clear Tomato Water infused with Maldivian Chili and Curry Leaves is enhanced by the perfect balance of Tuna Vermouth, London Dry Gin, and citrus notes. Served with a side of homemade Tuna Rice Crackers and topped with a delightful Celery Foam, this cocktail is a taste of paradise not to be missed. 

“At the St. Regis Maldives, we make the everyday exquisite and welcome guests into our home to experience the extraordinary in an unparalleled setting,” says Vincent Pauchon, general manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “The St. Regis legacy as the original House of Celebration lives on through the Astor family’s tradition and spirit. We continue to be the ultimate luxury destination and are proud to introduce our modern luminaries, tastemakers and global influencers to this new bespoke programming that one can only find at the finest address in the Maldives.”

The seasonal Celebration of Place menu at T.Pan and Tropical Tuna Twist cocktail at The Whale Bar are available from July 5 – August 31, 2023. For more information, please visit http://stregismaldives.com.