Renowned as one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house-reef destinations, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. With direct access to thriving marine life, strong currents that draw pelagic species, and proximity to some of the atoll’s most sought-after dive sites, the island offers an immersive underwater experience for both seasoned divers and casual explorers alike.

Building on this exceptional positioning, the resort has unveiled Thundi Beach Bar, a tranquil new beachside addition designed for effortless relaxation and refreshment just steps from the shoreline.

Set between two stunning oceanfronts, Thundi Beach Bar offers a serene, barefoot retreat where guests can unwind while soaking in uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Open daily from 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 15:00hrs to 19:00hrs, the bar presents a curated selection of beverages under the OBLU Island Plan™, including unlimited beers, wines, soft drinks, canned juices, tea, and coffee.

Perfectly positioned for convenience, Thundi Beach Bar is an ideal stop for guests enjoying Helengeli’s vibrant house reef. Whether returning from a snorkeling session or spending the day in and around the water, guests can easily drop by for a quick drink or refreshing pause without straying far from the beach.

Commenting on the launch, Alain Trefois, General Manager, shared: “At Helengeli, so much of the guest experience revolves around the ocean. Whether diving, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the reef. With Thundi Beach Bar, we wanted to create a space that feels naturally connected to these moments, offering guests a convenient and relaxed spot to pause, refresh, and continue their island journey without interruption.”

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, an award-winning island resort, is located just a 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. It offers 153 appealing villas, family-friendly amenities and private pool options. Guests stay on the OBLU Island Plan™, which curates a carefree, wholesome getaway with delectable world cuisine, wines and beverages, a nature-inspired kids club, unforgettable snorkelling, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, non-motorised watersports, ocean excursions and exciting daily and seasonal activities.

BOTTEGA Gala Gold returns to Atmosphere Kanifushi from 12 to 14 November 2026 after a successful debut last year. Created with Italian winery Bottega S.p.A., the three-day event gives guests the chance to enjoy wine-led dining experiences, relaxed lifestyle events and a grand Gala Gold celebration.

This year’s edition will be led by Dario Camilotto, Export Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, East Europe and Oceania at Bottega S.p.A., together with Elena Schipani, Bottega’s Head Sommelier. They will guide guests through the wine pairings, sharing the stories behind each selection and why they were chosen for the menu.

Sandro Bottega, President of Bottega S.p.A., said, “We’re delighted to return to Atmosphere Kanifushi for a second year. Sharing our wines with guests in the Maldives is always special, and this event is a chance to celebrate Italian winemaking in a setting that encourages people to slow down, taste and enjoy.”

As part of the Kanifushi Plan™, all experiences at the Just Veg Festival are complimentary for resort guests. Fine dining and lifestyle events are available on advance reservation due to limited seating, while the grand BOTTEGA Gala Gold celebration is open to all guests staying at the resort. BOTTEGA wines and Prosecco are also available year-round as part of the Kanifushi Plan™, allowing guests to enjoy these offerings throughout their stay.

The programme begins with two evenings at JUST VEG, the Maldives’ first fully vegetarian restaurant. Guests can expect a specially created tasting menu paired with a selection of Bottega wines, starting with a sparkling welcome and ending with a classic Italian finish. The pace changes the next day at PIER SIX. Here, Asian flavours, handcrafted dim sum and signature Bottega wines and cocktails set the scene for a relaxed afternoon by the water.

On 14 November, the celebration moves to SPICE for BOTTEGA Gala Gold. An expansive international buffet, live cooking stations, Bottega wines, signature cocktails and Italian liqueurs, along with a five-piece live band, set the stage for an unforgettable evening beneath the Maldivian stars.

Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager, Atmosphere Kanifushi said, “Guests are looking for more than great food and beautiful surroundings. They want experiences they can share and remember. BOTTEGA Gala Gold brings all of that together over three days in a relaxed island setting.”

“Atmosphere Kanifushi is the perfect setting to discover great wines in a relaxed way. Together with Bottega, we’re creating experiences that bring people together over exceptional wines, good food and memorable moments. That’s what the Atmosphere Core Wine Program is all about,” added Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines, Atmosphere Core.

The celebrations don’t end in November. Guests visiting Atmosphere Kanifushi in December can also look forward to the resort’s spectacular Festive Extravaganza, featuring a vibrant calendar of seasonal dining experiences, live entertainment, themed celebrations and memorable moments designed to make the festive season truly unforgettable.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives celebrates three consecutive years of recognition in the prestigious Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, as its signature restaurant Mar-Umi has once again been honoured with the 2026 Award of Excellence. Following Fire’s Award of Excellence in 2024 and Mar-Umi’s recognition in 2025, this latest accolade reflects the resort’s unwavering commitment to exceptional wine programmes, culinary innovation, and world-class dining experiences.

Presented annually by Wine Spectator, one of the world’s most respected authorities on wine, the Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants whose wine lists demonstrate exceptional quality, diversity, and synergy with their cuisine. The Award of Excellence celebrates establishments that have built thoughtfully curated wine programmes, creating memorable guest experiences through outstanding wine service and carefully selected collections.

For Kuda Villingili, the recognition extends beyond a single restaurant. It represents the continued evolution of the resort’s gastronomic philosophy, where every dining experience is thoughtfully designed to celebrate exceptional cuisine, remarkable wines, and meaningful moments shared around the table.

Today, Kuda Villingili has established itself as one of the Maldives’ most compelling culinary destinations. Across eight distinctive restaurants, guests can explore twelve international cuisines, each with its own unique identity—from the refined Nikkei flavours and interactive Teppanyaki experiences at Mar-Umi, authentic Asian cuisine at East and Earth, Mediterranean classics at Med, premium charcoal-grilled dining at Fire, fresh seafood at Ocean, vibrant Indian-Arabic flavours at Spice, to international favourites served throughout the island. Every venue contributes to a dining journey that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and craftsmanship.

Central to this culinary journey is one of the Maldives’ most thoughtfully curated wine programmes. Designed to complement the resort’s diverse dining concepts, the collection features 370 wine labels from 16 renowned wine-producing countries, representing approximately 8,750 bottles in active inventory. From iconic Old World estates and celebrated New World producers to prestigious Grand Crus, rare vintages, organic and biodynamic wines, every bottle has been carefully selected to inspire discovery while perfectly complementing the resort’s culinary offerings.

Wine at Kuda Villingili is not simply an accompaniment to cuisine—it is an essential part of the guest experience. Whether enjoying a perfectly paired tasting menu, discovering an unfamiliar grape varietal, or exploring a rare vintage, guests are invited on a journey through the world’s most celebrated wine regions. The programme reflects a philosophy of exploration, balancing renowned classics with emerging boutique producers while showcasing the diversity of terroirs and winemaking traditions. This dedication to excellence has also earned the resort international recognition from The World of Fine Wine, which named Kuda Villingili among the world’s Best Designed Wine Lists.

Leading this vision is Director of Food & Beverage Aravindan V. Raj alongside Chief Sommelier Samantha Kumara, both WSET Level 3 certified. They are supported by two additional WSET Level 3-certified ambassadors and twenty WSET Level 1 and Level 2-certified wine ambassadors, ensuring every guest receives knowledgeable recommendations, expertly curated pairings, and personalised service throughout every restaurant on the island.

Further strengthening the programme is the resort’s dedicated climate-controlled wine and cigar room, where every bottle is stored under carefully monitored conditions to preserve provenance, authenticity, and quality. Guests can also participate in exclusive wine pairing dinners, sommelier-led tastings, and bespoke culinary events that transform every meal into an immersive gastronomic experience.

By the Numbers:

• 3 consecutive years of Wine Spectator recognition
• 2 award-winning restaurants — Fire and Mar-Umi
• 8 signature restaurants
• 12 international cuisines
• 370 carefully curated wine labels
• 16 wine-producing countries represented
• 8,750 bottles in active collection
• 22 WSET-certified wine ambassadors across the resort

“To receive Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the third consecutive year is a tremendous honour for our team and a meaningful recognition of the journey we have been building over the years,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.

“Every bottle in our collection has been chosen with intention, every pairing carefully considered, and every dining experience thoughtfully crafted. This recognition belongs to our passionate culinary and service teams, whose dedication continues to elevate Kuda Villingili as one of the Maldives’ leading gastronomic destinations.”

Mar-Umi continues to stand as one of the resort’s signature culinary experiences, where contemporary Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, premium sake, expertly curated wine pairings, and interactive Teppanyaki dining come together in an elegant overwater setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. Together with Fire’s previous recognition and the resort’s broader culinary philosophy, the latest accolade reinforces Kuda Villingili’s reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences that celebrate both innovation and authenticity.

As luxury travellers increasingly seek destinations where gastronomy forms an integral part of the journey, Kuda Villingili continues to distinguish itself as a leading luxury resort in Maldives, investing in exceptional experiences that inspire discovery, connection, and celebration. The Wine Spectator 2026 Award of Excellence marks another proud milestone in that journey—one that continues to redefine island dining through exceptional cuisine, remarkable wines, and heartfelt hospitality.

For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit www.kudavillingili.com.