JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort welcomes an exceptional celebration of Vietnamese cocktail craftsmanship from September 17 – 19, as The Enigma Mansion brings its distinctive approach to modern mixology to the shores of the Maldives.

Recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Enigma Mansion has been redefining the cocktail experience since 2022, blending Vietnam’s rich regional flavours with contemporary techniques and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. The bar ranked No. 93 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, alongside recognition from Top 500 Bars and Tatler Vietnam.

Leading the experience is Bien Ngoc Vu, known as Will — Co-Founder and General Manager of The Enigma Mansion. An award-winning bartender, entrepreneur, and beverage innovator, Will was crowned World Class Vietnam Champion in 2021 and is a multiple-time national bartending champion. His approach to cocktail craft is rooted in creativity, regional ingredients, and advanced techniques, helping shape the evolving cocktail culture of Vietnam while establishing The Enigma Mansion as a destination for innovative beverage experiences.

Joining Will is Jason Le Quang Truong, Head Bartender at The Enigma Mansion and a Saigon-based bartender celebrated for his inventive approach to modern mixology. At the heart of the bar’s beverage program, Jason brings together regional ingredients, refined presentation, contemporary techniques, and thoughtful flavour development to create distinctive cocktails that reflect the character of Vietnam.

Guests are invited to join this exclusive three-day showcase, where each evening reveals a new dimension of Vietnamese cocktail artistry. At Nikkei Bar, golden hour comes alive with an exclusive sunset activation and uniquely crafted cocktails that spark connection. The next evening unfolds in JW Garden, where freshly picked ingredients from the resort garden transform into refined creations. The finale at Wahoo Bar offers an elegant beachfront setting, where tropical cocktails meet a breathtaking horizon for a serene close to the experience.

“We are delighted to welcome The Enigma Mansion to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. This collaboration reflects our commitment to curating exceptional beverage experiences that celebrate global craftsmanship,” said Arup Chakraborty, Director of Food & Beverage.“By bringing inventive cocktails to our signature venues, guests will experience not only creativity and innovation but also the artistry and passion that define world–class hospitality in the Maldives.”

This partnership invites guests to discover the artistry behind each pour through a distinctly contemporary lens. From the precision of modern techniques to the richness of regional ingredients, every cocktail becomes an expression of place, craftsmanship, and discovery.

For more information, please visit the resort’s official website.

In the North Ari Atoll, ananea Madivaru Maldives will welcome multidisciplinary Maldivian artist and curator Umair Badheeu for the opening of Island Stories, a special exhibition celebrating Maldivian island life through art.

Opening at the resort’s Art Studio on Monday, 31 August 2026, Island Stories brings together selected works reflecting the people, places and everyday scenes that shape life across the islands.

Based in Malé, Umair has spent nearly 25 years working across fine art, documentary photography, exhibitions and cultural preservation. After years of documentary observation, he has returned to his roots in watercolour painting, turning his attention to familiar yet often overlooked moments of Maldivian life–including local harbours and fishing beaches.

Alongside his own artistic practice, Umair has played an active role in the preservation and presentation of Maldivian heritage. His curatorial work includes establishing the Dutch Onion Museum at Cora Cora Maldives, as well as leading the reconstruction of an ancient Maldivian home and conservation of 900-year-old bathing tanks.

The exhibition forms part of ananea Madivaru’s commitment to creating opportunities for guests to engage with Maldivian creativity, culture and storytelling, while providing a platform for local artistic talent.

Island Stories | Opening Event

• Monday, 31 August 2026 | 17:00–18:00
• Art Studio | ananea Madivaru Maldives, North Ari Atoll

The opening will include an introduction from Umair, followed by a guided journey through selected works and time to explore the exhibition. Guests will also be invited to enjoy canapés and refreshments, with selected artworks and merchandise available for purchase and signing.

Niva Kuramathi Maldives has once again been recognised by Travelife with Gold status – the international benchmark for sustainable and responsible tourism.

The certification measures Niva Kuramathi against global Travelife standards across energy efficiency, waste reduction, water stewardship, responsible resource management, human rights, and support for local communities. Gold status is not a first step – it is a continuation, a promise kept season after season.

“Sustainability is not a milestone we reach and set aside. It is a way of living on the island,” says Bertrand Margerie, General Manager. “Being re-awarded Travelife Gold status affirms a path we have walked for years, and one we intend to keep walking. We are caring for our island home for those who come after us. It is our privilege to conserve, protect, and nurture both the land and the sea.”

Beneath the waves, the Muraka Coral Regeneration Project tends more than 7,500 coral fragments across 500 dedicated frames, nurturing the house reef for years still to come. Above the surface, rooftop solar generates close to one million kWh of clean energy each year – cutting diesel reliance by over 250,000 litres. In the hydroponic garden, some 500 kilograms of greens and herbs are harvested monthly, grown with recycled water and organic compost.

At the Eco Centre, the ocean becomes a living classroom offering guided snorkelling safaris above the house reef. Marine Biologist presentations reveal what stirs beneath the surface, and guests and children alike learn to read the sea.

The Rasdhoo Swim Club brings twenty-five local children to the reef each month – snorkelling beside turtles and rays, discovering something worth protecting. The Eco Centre team moves with them through it all – teaching them about reef sharks, mantas, living coral, and why it matters.

Every day, small choices add up. Reusable glass bottles, paper straws, a partnership with local recycler Parley to give used plastic a second life – simple acts of mindfulness that keep hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles from the shore each year.

“This recognition belongs to the team who live it daily,” says Tom Osborne, Sustainability Manager. “Our coral frames, solar panels, organic garden, recycling programmes – none of it happens on its own. Travelife Gold status gives us a clear standard to measure against, and it tells our people that the sustainable work that we do, genuinely matters.”

For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s official website, call +960 666 01 50 or email reservations@nivakuramathi.com.