Stellenbosch’s finest wines arrive in the Maldives this December 2026 at RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere. Both private island resorts within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts  portfolio will welcome Glenelly Estate for an exclusive celebration of wine and culinary discovery from 4 to 10 December 2026. Designed to honour the visionary legacy of Glenelly’s 101-year-old founder, May‐Éliane de Lencquesaing, the week-long journey seamlessly weaves her French winemaking heritage with South African terroir through rare vintages, artful pairings, and warm island hospitality.

Hosting these exclusive gatherings is Nina-Mari Bruwer from Glenelly Estate. With over 18 years of winemaking artistry, Nina-Mari brings a deep passion for the stories woven into every vintage. “It is wonderful to return to the Maldives and share Glenelly’s story through its wines,” says Nina-Marie of Glenelly Wine Estate. “Each experience reveals a different side of the estate, from elegant pairings at the table to relaxed, open-air moments that capture the spirit of Stellenbosch.”

RAAYA by Atmosphere

The festivities launch at RAAYA by Atmosphere on 4 December with La Vita Stellenbosch at The Village, an indulgent evening celebrating the vibrant flavours and elegant heritage of the Cape Winelands. On 5 December, the setting shifts to the lush greenery of Seb’s Farm for Garden to Glass – Glenelly Unplugged, an intimate open-air gathering where farm-to-table dining meets fine wine and barefoot island ease. The RAAYA celebration reaches its crescendo on 6 December at AMPERS&ND with Sunset: The Glenelly Golden Hour, where live stations, canapés, and wine come together as the island slips into dusk.

VARU by Atmosphere

The spotlight then moves to VARU by Atmosphere on 8 December, where KAAGÉ & The Cape pairs rich South African winemaking with authentic local traditions during a memorable dinner at the resort’s signature venue. On 9 December, NÜ presents NÜances of the Cape, a dinner exploring the balance, texture, and layered personality of Glenelly’s wines. The visit concludes at Bay Rouge Bar with The Cape Extravaganza, a lively evening of live stations and canapés that offers a fitting farewell to Glenelly’s Maldivian journey.

Reflecting on the milestone, Rohit Salunke, Assistant Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, shares, “Glenelly’s wines have a remarkable sense of place. Across these six experiences, guests will discover how naturally they complement different cuisines while expressing the distinctive character of Stellenbosch. Marking Atmosphere Core’s 117^th wine event in the Maldives, this fourth collaboration reflects our commitment to authentic wine encounters. We look forward to welcoming Nina-Mari Bruwer to our shores and continuing this valued partnership, following the warm hospitality extended to our resort sommeliers in February 2026, when they visited Glenelly’s Stellenbosch winery to experience the harvest of Lady May’s 2026 vintage first-hand.”

This exclusive wine journey is complimentary for in-house guests on the RAAYA Plan™ and VARU Plan™ (with prior reservation). Book your stay at atmospherehotelsandresorts.com to discover the elegance of Glenelly Estate, one exceptional pairing and one memorable island evening at a time.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, part of the Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, have received recognition from MICHELIN Guide, Tatler Asia, and the US and UK editions of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, including Two MICHELIN Keys for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and a place among the Best 100 Hotels in Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026 for The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

Among the standout recognitions, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was awarded Two MICHELIN Keys following the unveiling of the global MICHELIN Keys for 2026, advancing from its One MICHELIN Key distinction in 2025 and placing the resort among the world’s most exceptional hotels.

Most recently, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort was named among the Best 100 Hotels in the third edition of Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026, an annual selection recognising exceptional hospitality experiences across the region. Announced on October 22, the awards celebrate 300 outstanding establishments spanning hotels, restaurants and bars.

Both resorts also earned distinction in the US and UK editions of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, ranking among the Indian Ocean’s top resorts based on the votes of discerning travelers worldwide.

“We are honoured to see our resorts in the Maldives recognised by some of the most respected names in global travel and hospitality,” said Silvio Rosenberger, Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific (excluding China) and Market Vice President, Maldives at Marriott International. “These accolades reflect the strength of our Luxury Group portfolio and the passion and dedication of our teams in creating exceptional experiences for today’s luxury traveller. We are grateful to our guests for their continued trust and for inspiring the meaningful moments we strive to create every day.”

The recognition comes as the Maldives continues to be celebrated among the world’s leading island destinations, ranking No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the US and UK editions of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 for Best Islands in Africa & the Indian Ocean.

See the complete rankings below:

Global MICHELIN Key Awards 2026 – Two Keys: An Exceptional Stay

• The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026: Best 100 Hotels

• The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards 2026: Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean

• The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort (No. 2)
• The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands (No. 5)

Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026: Best Resorts in the World – Indian Ocean

• The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands (No. 14)

The Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives comprises The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort.

For more information, visit marriott.com/maldives.

This season, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests into A Canvas of Festive Wonder, an imaginative celebration where the purity of white meets the freedom of colour, and timeless Christmas traditions are reimagined through art. The 2026–2027 festivities come to life through an exclusive artist residency with renowned French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet, in collaboration with Maison Ruinart, bringing a vibrant creative universe to the shores of the Indian Ocean.

From December 18 to 23, 2026, Alexandre Benjamin Navet will take up residence at the resort, introducing artistic encounters, immersive installations, and exclusive experiences that mark the beginning of the festive celebrations. Inspired by the intensity of Maldivian light, the beauty of the marine world, and the island’s tropical flora and fauna, the artist transforms the resort into a living canvas through expressive colours, playful forms, and unexpected artistic interventions. The collaboration unfolds from a Christmas tree exclusively designed by the artist and bespoke festive ornaments to a collection of gifts and a complete artistic transformation of Beach Shack. The installations will remain on display through April 2027, extending the creative journey beyond the festive season. In partnership with Maison Ruinart, the residency celebrates the dialogue between art, Champagne, and the French art de vivre. Guests are invited to discover the artist’s creative process through intimate studio visits and workshops, complemented by curated Ruinart tastings and two exclusive gastronomic dinners.

A Festive Story Told Through Art and Colour

Inspired by the resort’s distinctive architecture and natural surroundings, A Canvas of Festive Wonder presents a contemporary interpretation of an elevated white Christmas. White becomes a symbol of serenity and possibility, while Alexandre Benjamin Navet’s colourful creations introduce joy, movement, and imagination. Throughout the island, the festive journey evolves from calm to vibrancy, inviting guests to rediscover familiar spaces through a new artistic perspective. Rooted in the spirit of a Celebration of Life, the season embraces togetherness, creativity, and the beauty of shared experiences, where every moment becomes an opportunity to connect and celebrate.

A Season of Festive Traditions and Island Celebrations

The festivities officially begin on December 22 with the Christmas Tree Lighting and Cocktail at Beach Shack, unveiling Alexandre Benjamin Navet’s exclusive creation in the presence of the artist. The evening continues with the Ruinart Artist Dinner, an intimate gastronomic celebration of art and Champagne.

On December 24, a Christmas Eve Cocktail sets the tone for an elegant Gala Dinner at EAU Bar, combining exceptional cuisine, festive entertainment, and an enchanting atmosphere beneath the stars. Christmas Day brings the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus over the resort’s iconic pool, followed by a Christmas Concert, while December 26 celebrates the resort’s youngest guests with the legendary Ritz Kids Festive Fashion Show. The celebrations culminate on December 31, as the resort welcomes 2027 with a spectacular beachfront New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. An evening of exceptional gastronomy, captivating performances, and vibrant celebrations brings the festive theme to its grandest expression. The spirit of togetherness continues into the new year, with an Orthodox Christmas Gala Dinner on January 6 and further curated experiences through January 9.

Culinary Discoveries, Creative Encounters, and Island Well-Being

Beyond the signature celebrations, the festive programme brings together exceptional gastronomy, creative discovery, and restorative island experiences. Culinary highlights include exclusive gastronomic dinners in collaboration with Maison Ruinart, spectacular gala dinners accompanied by live shows and musical performances, and themed evenings celebrating flavours from around the world. On January 3, The Vintage Affair at IWAU Chef’s Table offers an intimate gastronomic experience paired with premium wines, while the La Bella Vita Gaja Wine Dinner on January 9 celebrates Italian culinary traditions and prestigious wines from Piedmont.

Creativity extends to guests of every generation through a vibrant Ritz Kids programme of festive crafts, artistic workshops, and imaginative adventures. Families can also discover the island’s extraordinary marine environment alongside the resort’s Naturalists, with coral planting, reef exploration, and ocean conservation experiences offering meaningful connections with nature.

For those seeking moments of calm, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and the resort’s wellness programme invite guests to reconnect through yoga, meditation, mindful rituals, and restorative treatments. Ocean adventures, sunset cruises, and island sports complete a festive journey balancing celebration with well-being.

An Island Home for a Celebration of Life

Set within the Fari Islands archipelago, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is celebrated for its distinctive circular architecture by Kerry Hill Architects, contemporary island elegance, and personalised service delivered by the resort’s Aris Meeha, island butlers. Guided by its Circle of Island Life philosophy, the resort offers a unique setting where architecture, nature, and the rhythm of the ocean exist in harmony.

This festive season, A Canvas of Festive Wonder brings a new artistic dimension to the island, transforming it into a place where tradition meets imagination, creativity inspires connection, and every moment becomes part of a larger Celebration of Life.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to discover a festive season shaped by art, inspired by nature, and brought to life through the joy of togetherness.

For more information, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.