Drink
Festive nature wonderland at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives is set to welcome an array of festivities inspired by its natural surroundings to create a unique celebratory backdrop beyond paradise.
From ‘Rooted in Nature’ menus to illuminated banyan trees, private jungle dinners and an exhibition by National Geographic’s ‘Nature Photographer of the Year’, the resort will showcase nature at its best, complemented by a programme of active experiences led by internationally acclaimed Masters in Residence.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives is uniquely located beyond the equator and boasts a unique jungle setting with over 17,000 coconut trees and majestic banyan trees. In celebration of the island’s unique ecosystem and biodiversity, this festive season, the resort will highlight its natural resources with an illuminated décor and sculptures made of handwoven palm leaves, creating a magical enchanting tropical feel.
The festive programme at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives will delight and inspire guests with culinary, recreation and wellness experts from around the world showcasing their unique mastership in harmony with the surrounding nature.
Gastronomic delights
Javvu restaurant will feature specialities from Japan, China and India, with expert chefs preparing à la minute culinary delights, such as sushi, fresh noodles and Indian delights, at their dedicated live cooking stations.
Sumptuous Christmas and New Year buffets will complement the gastronomic feast with international favourites, such as foie gras, Persian caviar, wagyu beef, whole crusted salmon and a dedicated cheese and desserts room to delight the most discerning gourmets.
The restaurant will also have a dedicated ‘Rooted in Nature’ corner featuring the finest locally and ethically sourced ingredients from Addu fishermen and local farmers.
Shangri-La’s ‘Rooted in Nature’ programme aims to respect the natural order of things and reduce the damage on the environment by supporting local agricultural and fishing communities, buying chemical pesticide-free local produce, acquiring sustainably sourced seafood caught through ethical means and serving organic and fair-trade products as indicated by national and local food safety standards.
Dr Ali’s restaurant will also feature ‘Rooted in Nature’ dishes from each of its three Oriental culinary masters: Chef Latif from India, Chef Liu from China and Chef Ahmed from the Middle East. Each chef will craft his own specialties using locally sourced ingredients, in addition to a six-course Asian set menu.
For an intimate and romantic festive celebration, Fashala restaurant, located at the edge of the island where the Indian Ocean meets the lagoon, puts premium products and bounties from the Indian Ocean at the centre of its culinary offerings. The six-course Mediterranean-inspired menu features wagyu tenderloin, Brittany blue lobster, and fresh white truffle.
Entertainment
Each restaurant will offer an entertainment line-up to delight its guests with live bands and DJ performing throughout the evening.
On New Year’s Eve, the countdown party at M Lounge, the resort’s trendy beachfront venue, will enthral guests with fabulous cocktails, a firework display and a live band and DJ performing international favourites. Guests will enjoy a unique show, specially curated for the resort, with acrobats, men on stilts and dancers performing around the theme of nature.
Exhibition by National Geographic ‘Nature Photographer of the Year’
An exhibition by Greg Lecoeur, an award-winning underwater and wildlife photographer, will showcase the natural wonders of Villingili and the seascape beyond. Specially curated for the resort following Greg’s visit earlier this year, the exhibition depicts the uniqueness of the flora and fauna around Villingili, which has the healthiest coral reef in all the Maldives, due to its location close to the Equator.
The exhibition also aims at creating awareness about natural resources and the danger the environment faces. It also promotes environmental protection as part of the resort’s Sanctuary project consisting of coral reef protection and rehabilitation. Two thousand corals have been successfully planted and growing healthily since the initiation of the project in 2015.
The Festive All-Inclusive Package at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives starts from USD 2,000 per night for two persons and is available for stays from December 20, 2019 to January 10, 2020. This offer includes accommodation for two in a luxury villa, a New Year’s Eve gala dinner, full board, an unlimited selection of beverages and unlimited access to non-motorised water sports.
A private hideaway, in a world of its own, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is the perfect setting for couples, with its secluded location as part of the Maldives southernmost atoll.
For the ultimate luxury experience, Villa Muthee, is the epitome of tropical refinement. The presidential villa nestles in its own luxurious environment with its private walkway entrance, a spacious deck with a private infinity pool and direct access to the ocean, a separate living room, yoga pavilion and even its own spa treatment room to let guests relax without leaving the villa.
Beyond Villa Muthee, the resort offers an extensive choice of accommodation, such as the unique Tree House Villas, Perched on stilts among the emerald green treetops, the villas offer intimate settings with marvellous views of the ocean and a large deck with its own private infinity pool. For true ocean lovers, the Water Villas, positioned over the lagoon, offer the perfect seascape for those who cannot resist slipping into the aquamarine waters teeming with tropical marine life. These open and airy villas come with overwater hammocks for languorous lounging.
The resort offers many options for water adventurers, such as turtle-quest snorkelling, diving to a unique shipwreck site, surfing with half a dozen great wave setups or parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the island. Tropical ‘havenists’ will also find their own piece of paradise in the unique flora and fauna that can be explored while cycling around Villingili’s jungle and coastal pathways or while playing on the only golf course in the Maldives. Couples can also enjoy a range of cultural experiences like no other in the Maldives, with guided tours of the neighbouring islands of Addu atoll, visits to the local farms and samplings of Maldivian cuisine.
The brightest gem in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Villingili island is a haven for those seeking true romance. As if it was meant to be, the resort is located in the heart-shaped Addu atoll, just a five-minute boat ride away from Gan International Airport.
Drink
Asia’s top mixology talent to lead cocktail takeover at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort invites guests to discover an immersive three-night cocktail journey this June, featuring acclaimed mixologist Navjot Singh. Taking place across the resort’s distinctive venues from June 17 to 19, 2026, the exclusive bar takeover will present a curated series of innovative tropical cocktail experiences inspired by island living, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Led by Navjot Singh, Beverage Program Leader at Lair Bar, the experience brings one of Asia’s most celebrated contemporary cocktail programs to the Maldives. Recognised as No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, Lair Bar is renowned for its innovative approach to mixology, blending luxury spirits, creativity, and immersive storytelling. Navjot himself was recently crowned World Class India 2025, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s leading talents.
Joining him is Nakul Dev, Senior Bartender at LAIR BAR, whose creative approach is deeply inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. With over six years of experience in hospitality and cocktails, Nakul is known for crafting ingredient-driven drinks that reflect the essence of the mountains and local produce from his hometown. His passion for flavour development and exploration of new techniques brings an additional layer of creativity and depth to the collaboration.

Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the takeover will unfold across three distinct venues, each offering its own atmosphere and cocktail narrative. At Nikkei Bar, guests will enjoy an exclusive sunset activation where thoughtfully crafted cocktails elevate golden-hour moments with refined tropical flavours and interactive guest experiences. Wahoo Bar will host an elegant beachfront evening inspired by the serenity of the coast, pairing curated tropical cocktails with breathtaking sunset views and laid-back sophistication. The final experience will take place at JW Garden, where a “Garden to Glass” concept celebrates locally grown ingredients such as basil, lemongrass, and pandan, highlighting sustainability and creating an immersive journey.
“We are thrilled to welcome Navjot Singh to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort for this exclusive guest bartender series,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager. “His expertise, creativity, and dedication to craft reflect our commitment to offering guests immersive moments that are aligned with our philosophy of contemporary luxury.”
Each cocktail hour has been carefully designed to reflect the spirit of the island through a contemporary lens, blending tropical influences with modern techniques and storytelling. Through this collaboration, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort continues to elevate its culinary and beverage programming, offering guests meaningful and memorable experiences rooted in connection, discovery, and craftsmanship.
Learn more about JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort here.
Drink
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef marks World Cocktail Day with sustainable cocktail experiences
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, marks World Cocktail Day with a transformative celebration of Green Mixology blending creativity with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship with additional engaging activities.
The resort’s beverage philosophy centres on a zero-waste approach, where every ingredient is utilised to its full potential. Guests are welcomes to observe the sophisticated discipline of the bar team as they transform overlooked elements into artisanal accents, such as dehydrating organic citrus peels in-house to create fragrant, sustainable garnishes. By replacing industrial imports with these handcrafted touches, the sanctuary ensures that every drink remains an authentic reflection of its iridescent surroundings. Guests can join the expert bar team for immersive mixology lessons to master these sustainable creations firsthand.

In addition to traditional favourites, these liquid creations highlight a dedicated Island-to-Table ethos, incorporating seasonal greens and herbs harvested directly from the resort’s flourishing gardens. The celebration was further elevated by a spectacular Flair Bartending Show, showcasing technical precision and artistry in motion, choreographed to the energy of the island.

Each curated experience at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef invites guests toast to a future of mindful indulgence, where the luxury of the moment is perfectly balanced with the preservation of the surrounding environment.
Drink
W Maldives unveils The Wavemaker Edit with global talent collaborations
W Maldives has launched The Wavemaker Edit, a new ongoing series of curated collaborations with international talent, aimed at introducing a range of guest experiences across mixology, wellness, cuisine and music.
The series is designed as a rotating programme, with each edition bringing a different creative perspective to the resort. According to W Maldives, the initiative is intended to create a continuing calendar of experiences that combine social, cultural and wellness-led elements.
The first edition of The Wavemaker Edit will run from 3 to 14 June 2026 and will feature two themed chapters, titled Island Alchemy and The Restore Ritual.
Island Alchemy will focus on mixology. On 3 June, Kwok will lead a guest shift at SIP, presenting three cocktails that explore contrast and balance, including a bespoke creation inspired by the Maldives. The collaboration will continue on 6 June at WET Deck, where a poolside day party will feature a curated cocktail menu.
The second chapter, The Restore Ritual, will centre on wellness and movement in recognition of Global Wellness Day. Led by Mumbai-based yoga and movement educator Samiksha Shetty, the programme will include sessions focused on breathwork, mindfulness and alignment-based practice.
The wellness programme will include Sunset Yoga sessions at FIRE Beach on 12 and 14 June, as well as a morning meditation session at AWAY Spa on 13 June. The main event within this chapter will take place on 13 June, when guests will be able to join a Sunset Yoga session aboard the Horizon Yacht. This bookable experience will also include healthy refreshments and a 60-minute massage at AWAY Spa.
W Maldives said future editions of The Wavemaker Edit will expand into culinary, music and art-led experiences under a number of themed series, including Flavors Unscripted, Sound Wave and Make A Scene.
Commenting on the launch, General Manager Amila Handunwala said the initiative reflects the resort’s approach to continuously evolving the guest experience through collaborations with international talent.
W Maldives is positioning the series as part of its broader effort to offer more structured and experience-led programming for guests. In addition, the resort is promoting its Original Wavemaker package, which includes seaplane transfers and a half-board meal plan for two adults with a minimum stay of four nights.
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