Drink
Constance’s Maldives resorts defend World’s Best Wine Lists Awards
Constance Halaveli Maldives and Constance Moofushi Maldive have won World’s Best Wine Lists Awards for another year.
Awarding three stars to Constance Halaveli for the fourth year, judges noted that a great deal of time and thought has been given to the wine list at the resort, where an interesting and fruitful selection of by-the-glass options are available, including Mas Amiel 1975 Maury and Niepoort Colheita 2001, in addition to a plethora of full bottle options divided into various chapters.
A few of the stand-out options in Constance Halaveli’s wine list includes Billecart-Salmon’s single-vineyard Blanc de Noirs Clos St Hilaire 1998, and Deutz Cuvée William Deutz and Blanc de Blancs 1988. Amongst more familiar but equally special prestige cuvées are Dom Pérignon, Roederer Cristal, and Cristal Rosé.
The wine lists embraces classic famous names but also clever and intriguing alternatives that are equally worthy of their place. Top Burgundy growers include Carillon, Lamy, and Roulot, while there is a special section devoted to Sauzet premiers and grands crus. There is good and great red Burgundy, all the way up to the giddy heights of Domaine de la Vougeraie Musigny, and an extensive selection of Lucien Lemoine grands crus, from Clos de la Roche and Clos St-Denis, to Latricières-Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Bèze, and Richebourg. Wines from the Rhône include Château Grillet and a segment dedicated to three different Condrieu cuvées from Georges Vernay.
Overall there’s a strong European influence, France and Italy being the areas of greatest strength: six consecutive vintages of Domaine de la Grange des Pères from Southern France; Right Back classics including legendary Château Beauséjour Duffau Lagarosse 1990; and Super-Tuscans Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Tassinaia, and Tignanello. But there are also exciting representatives from the southern hemisphere, such as Australia’s Shaw + Smith, D’Arenberg, Leeuwin Estate, and Torbreck, and from South Africa five vintages of Eben Sadie’s Palladius and several of his Old Vines Series. To cap off what would be a charming and tranquil gastronomic experience, there is a collection of good sweet wines, including five vintages of Château Gilette Crème de Tête Sauternes back to 1961 and Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance.
Designed to reflect the curved shape of a traditional Maldivian dhoni, Constance Halaveli Maldives is located in the North Male Atoll and is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. The resort offers beach and water villas, family villas and a presidential villa, which can include luxurious amenities of private terraces, plunge pools and more.
A range of superb fine wine-and-dining options are available, as the resort features five restaurants and bars, including the Asian and European fusion cuisine of Jing and Jahaz. A variety of traditional Japanese sushi rolls, sashimi and Maoki’s are served up at Kaika Sushi Bar, where guests can dine inside or on the terrace. Meeru provides beach dining for guests, where the remarkably white sand contrasts with the lush green forest of the island, complemented by the aqua blue ocean. During the evening, a selection of fresh seafood and meats from the à la carte menu can be grilled in front of guests, bringing authentic gastronomy to the shoreline.
Meanwhile, Constance’s second property in the Maldives, Constance Moofushi was awarded two stars in the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards for the third year.
Judges stressed that Constance Moofushi’s focus on environmental elements is extended to the wine list as well, where helpful symbols identify organic and biodynamic wines; the former indicates that the wine producer is pursuing sustainability concepts with minor environmental impacts and strict organic principles, while the latter signifies adherence to the ideas of the founding father of biodynamics, Rudolf Steiner.
The wine list identifies a vast selection of sommelier favorites, as well as providing helpful tasting notes on many of the eclectic, well-selected mid-range wines on the list, not only those offered by the glass.
The extensive Sommelier Selection ascends the giddy heights of Champagnes such as Deutz Amour de Deutz, Billecart-Salmon Clos St Hilaire, Cristal, and Salon, or white Burgundies including Lamy St-Aubins, Roulot Meursaults, and Carillon and Sauzet Puligny-Montrachets, including Montrachet itself. The list spans the globe, ensuring that producers both famous and less familiar, grand and boutique, are recognized. Options for rosé, for instance, cover France, New Zealand, and South Africa, in the form of a Côte de Provence Château Barbanau L’instant 2014, Marlborough Ata Rangi Summer 2014, and Marianne Estate 2014 from Western Cape.
“Constance Moofushi Maldives honors wine as one of the most civilized beverages in the world, one that ‘offers a greater range of enjoyment and appreciation than possibly any other purely sensory thing’,” the judges said.
Constance Moofushi, located in the South Ari Atoll and accessible by a 25-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, strikes the balance between luxury and simplicity, while upholding ecological principles across the resort. A variety of beach, water and senior residences that make up the 110 villas throughout the resort embraces ecological thatched roofing. The interior embodies fresh and contemporary décor with the idyllic backdrop of the aqua lagoons of the Indian Ocean.
Two restaurants and two bars provide multiple options for a unique culinary experience tailored to all age groups. Alizée offers an à la carte menu and is situated only a few meters from the sea on the bleached sand, serving up freshly cooked food from a beach grill in a peaceful and casual atmosphere. Manta restaurant embraces a worldwide cuisine concept, where the main focus is the interaction between chefs and guests as they journey through the international buffet. The sand-floored restaurant extends out over the water, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape’s crystal-clear waters during their meal, adding to the ambiance.
Now in its fifth year, the World’s Best Wine Lists awards by The World of Fine Wine celebrate the importance of a good selection of wine from around the world, and has become as coveted as Michelin star ratings.
Drink
Sommeliers and hospitality leaders to gather at Ifuru Island for exclusive Liquid Tasting Event
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the upcoming Raa Atoll Liquid Tasting, an exclusive gathering of sommeliers, F&B professionals, and hospitality leaders scheduled for 26 June 2025. This distinguished event is being presented in collaboration with The Liquid Concept, a premium beverage platform celebrated for its concept-driven approach to wine and spirits curation across the Indian Ocean region.
Established in 2021, The Liquid Concept delivers a comprehensive 360-degree beverage experience. Its portfolio includes fine wines, artisanal spirits, grower and grand marque Champagnes, vermouths, low- and no-alcohol alternatives, and innovative beverage solutions designed for hospitality and lifestyle destinations. The platform’s mission is to transform the beverage experience through purposeful curation, sustainable innovation, and immersive storytelling.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ifuru Island, the tasting event will feature over 40 exceptional wine labels sourced from around the world. These selections, drawn from The Liquid Concept’s intentionally curated portfolio, invite attendees on a sensory exploration of diverse terroirs, winemaking philosophies, and compelling narratives.
Enhancing the tasting experience, guests will be treated to a specially crafted three-course menu, thoughtfully designed to complement and elevate the wine pairings. This harmonious fusion of food and beverage aims to showcase the artistry of hospitality and refined palate engagement.
As part of a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, Ifuru Island and The Liquid Concept will also introduce the Bermar Wine & Champagne Preservation System during the event. This advanced technology enables the preservation of opened wines and champagnes, offering resorts a smart, eco-conscious solution to minimise waste and improve wine-by-the-glass service.
The Raa Atoll Liquid Tasting is an invitation-only event, poised to become a signature occasion that reflects Ifuru Island’s dedication to elevating the culinary and beverage scene in the Maldives.
Nestled in the pristine waters of the South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru presents a setting where island life is honoured through meaningful moments, heartfelt hospitality, and thoughtfully curated experiences. As part of the esteemed Banyan Group, the resort is celebrated for its unique combination of beachfront and overwater villas, including the iconic standalone InOcean Pool Villas that hover gracefully above the turquoise lagoon. At Angsana Velavaru, the spirit of the Maldives is expressed through a seamless flow of connection, tranquillity, and cultural richness.
Among the resort’s most evocative offerings is a series of destination dining experiences, crafted to transcend traditional meals and immerse guests in their surroundings. Whether set beside a private pool or overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, each experience is a harmonious journey of atmosphere, flavour, and togetherness.
Guests can begin their day with a floating breakfast served in the privacy of their villa pool. An elegant array of fresh tropical fruits, artisan pastries, and cooked dishes glides gently across the water, accompanied by the tranquil hues of a Maldivian sunrise. In the afternoon, a floating tea service offers a similarly peaceful interlude, featuring a curated selection of sweet and savoury bites beneath the open sky.
As dusk falls, the beach becomes a picturesque stage for unforgettable evenings. Guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed beach barbecue, complete with freshly grilled seafood enjoyed barefoot in the sand. Alternatively, the resort’s signature lobster dinner offers a refined culinary experience, enhanced by candlelight and the soft sounds of the sea. Every evening is designed to be personal, unhurried, and deeply attuned to the island’s natural rhythm.
For those seeking an extraordinary setting, the V Deck offers a floating dining platform in the heart of the lagoon. Surrounded by open sea and panoramic views, it is a particularly memorable choice for couples or special occasions—an experience crafted to linger in the memory long after the final course.
Residents of the InOcean Pool Villas can also enjoy rooftop dinners in the seclusion of their private accommodation. Elevated above the ocean, with starlit skies and a gentle breeze, these intimate meals are prepared by the resort’s skilled culinary team and served with unobtrusive grace.
For a deeper cultural experience, Angsana Velavaru offers private cooking classes at Funa. Under the guidance of the resort’s chef, guests learn to prepare traditional Maldivian dishes using local ingredients and methods. This relaxed, hands-on experience provides a meaningful connection to the island’s heritage through its culinary traditions.
These destination dining experiences reflect Angsana Velavaru’s distinctive approach to hospitality—personal, intuitive, and deeply rooted in place. Whether poolside, beachfront, or suspended above the ocean, each setting invites guests to pause, connect, and savour the present moment.
In a celebration of heritage and haute indulgence, the esteemed family-owned Champagne house, Guy Charbaut, based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, joins forces with THE OZEN COLLECTION for the fifth consecutive year. From 20th to 26th October 2025, guests at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will once again embark on a sensorial journey that unites rare vintages with world-class cuisine, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Founded in 1936, Champagne Guy Charbaut has spent nearly a century perfecting the alchemy of terroir and tradition, producing cuvées that reflect the elegance of the French countryside’s limestone slopes. This dedication mirrors THE OZEN COLLECTION’s philosophy, which redefines luxury through curated experiences. Together, the two have cultivated an annual tradition that celebrates life’s finer pleasures.
At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the festivities begin on 20th October with an exclusive underwater dining experience at M6m. Guests will enjoy both lunch and dinner, with each course thoughtfully paired with Champagne. The celebration continues on 21st October with the ‘Champagne & Spice’ dinner, featuring the vibrant flavours of TRADITION INDOCEYLON—a Franco-Indian fusion experience. The finale on 22nd October is marked by the Champagne Brunch Royale at THE PALMS, a lavish midday affair where Champagne flows effortlessly alongside gourmet offerings.
The celebration then moves to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI from 24th to 26th October. It opens on World Champagne Day with an over-water dining experience at ORIGINƎ, where ocean-inspired delicacies are elevated by rare vintages. On 25th October, the ‘Champagne & Spice; dinner returns at SAFFRON, blending Indian warmth with French finesse. The series concludes on 26th October with the Sunset Pool-Party Champagne Extravaganza at OZAR, a dazzling event where golden hour light meets sparkling bubbles.
Xavier Charbaut reflects on the partnership with THE OZEN COLLECTION, noting that what began as a shared philosophy—terroir and tradition meeting curated moments—has evolved into a yearly tradition that reinvents itself. He describes the Maldives as a second home for their champagnes, where the environment enhances their vibrancy. Celebrating five years of collaboration, he hints at even more daring pairings, intimate encounters with rare vintages, and surprises yet to be unveiled.
The alliance between Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION transcends these annual events. At both resort destinations, guests can explore the full range of the Maison’s offerings—from the nuanced Cuvée de Réserve ‘Old Vines’ Brut to the expressive Rosé 1er Cru Brut. Each bottle offers an invitation to transform everyday moments into something extraordinary.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, emphasizes that this union exemplifies modern luxury—a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation where every detail is meticulously curated. As Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrate five years of partnership, their shared commitment to excellence promises an even more luminous future.
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