Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, will welcome the distinctive wines of Central Otago, New Zealand, for two intimate Sato Wine Dinners this September, bringing together expressive winemaking and the resort’s award-winning culinary creativity in two of its signature dining settings.

Taking place on 23 September at Kanusan and 27 September at Crab Shack, the evenings will invite guests to discover a curated selection of Sato wines, each thoughtfully paired with a specially crafted menu by Finolhu’s culinary team. Designed to complement the individual character of every pour, the menus will create a journey through flavour, provenance and craftsmanship against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife winemakers Yoshiaki and Kyoko Sato, Sato Wines is a boutique producer based in Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions. Following careers in international banking in Tokyo and London, the couple pursued their passion for winemaking, studying viticulture and oenology and gaining valuable winemaking experience across several countries before establishing their own vineyard in Central Otago.

At the heart of Sato is a philosophy centred on organic and biodynamic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, allowing the character of the grapes, vineyard and vintage to take centre stage. Today, their wines have developed a devoted international following for their purity, finesse and distinctive expression of Central Otago.

The collaboration finds a natural home at Finolhu, where gastronomy is an integral part of the island experience. From relaxed barefoot dining along its famous two-kilometre sandbank to refined overwater cuisine, each of the resort’s restaurants brings together its own culinary identity, atmosphere and sense of place.

The first Sato Wine Dinner on 23 September will unfold at Kanusan, Finolhu’s award-winning overwater fine-dining restaurant, where classical and contemporary Japanese influences provide a contrasting setting for the second specially curated Sato pairing menu.

On 27 September, the experience moves to Crab Shack, Finolhu’s laid-back, toes-in-the-sand dining destination at the end of the sandbank. Surrounded by the lagoon and the relaxed rhythm of island life, the setting will provide an informal yet memorable backdrop for the evening’s wine and food pairings.

The dinners follow Finolhu’s recent recognition as one of the Best Culinary Resorts at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, celebrating the resort’s commitment to making gastronomy an essential part of the guest journey. From thoughtfully developed menus and international influences to distinctive settings shaped by the surrounding Maldivian landscape, Finolhu continues to approach dining as an experience that extends far beyond the plate.

The Sato Wine Dinners add another chapter to this culinary story, offering guests an opportunity to discover one of Central Otago’s distinctive boutique producers while experiencing Finolhu’s creativity through two very different island dining experiences.

For more information and reservations, visit finolhu.com.

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.

SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.

Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:

Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Dates: September 25–27 2026

Seating Schedule:

Friday, September 25:

• First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:

• First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.