The Whale Bar at The St. Regis, where guests can enjoy a fine selection of international wines and dinner pairings, as well as the resort’s daily Champagne sabering ritual.
Picture this: a swirl of 2005 Bordeaux in your glass, the soothing lull of ocean waves as your soundtrack, a soft sea breeze brushing your skin, and a sky alight with brilliant hues of orange and pink. The Maldives transforms wine appreciation into an extraordinary sensory journey, far beyond its famed turquoise waters.
A growing number of luxury resorts have elevated their offerings, creating immersive experiences for everyone from novices who appreciate a thoughtfully curated wine selection to seasoned enthusiasts seeking a relaxing vacation far from vineyards and cellar tours.
These islands, renowned for their idyllic beauty, now cater to wine aficionados with some of the most distinguished programs in the world. Whether you’re just beginning to explore wine or are a connoisseur in search of rare vintages, the Maldives delivers a spectrum of opportunities to indulge your passion. Resorts have designed wine programs that include everything from approachable, sustainable selections for easy enjoyment to expansive cellars housing rare labels from Bordeaux, Burgundy and beyond. Guests can enjoy casual pairings by the beach, private sommelier-led tastings or extravagant dinners with expertly chosen wine flights.
For those newer to wine, the focus on variety and internationality elevates the island experience. Many resorts prioritise accessibility, offering extensive by-the-glass menus and food-pairing discoveries that demystify wine’s complexities. For experts, the Maldives offers the chance to discover memorable bottles in unparalleled settings, such as underground cellars, overwater restaurants or secluded beach set-ups. Beyond the glass, these resorts embrace innovation, with wine-themed encounters like wine gazing under the stars and winemaker dinners to more unique beverage offerings like garden-to-glass cocktail creations and fine rum and sake selections.
The Maldives’ wine culture has blossomed into a cornerstone of its luxury offerings, blending world-class expertise with the barefoot relaxation of island life. Below, we highlight a selection of the best resorts for wine lovers, picked for their location, superior hospitality, accommodation and wine experiences, which cater to enthusiasts at every stage of their journey.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives
Paradise found in the Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa seamlessly blends notable wine experiences, culinary excellence and a world-class rum collection to create an unforgettable escape. With 60 expansive beach and overwater villas, each featuring private pools and personalised ‘Thakuru’ butler service, the resort caters to couples, families and wine enthusiasts alike.
The wine program is a standout, anchored by a cellar boasting over 2,000 bottles, including iconic Bordeaux first growths like 2005 Chateau Latour or Mouton Rothschild to Italy’s greats like Tignanello and Biondi-Santi. During peak periods, patrons can indulge in daily tastings, winemaker dinners or curated wine-pairing menus, available in the Wine Room or from the privacy of their villa. For casual sips, the resort offers 12 wines by the glass daily, ensuring an approachable yet elevated immersion into wine.
Complementing the wine offering is the resort’s rum bar ‘Rum Baan’, showcasing an impressive collection of over 100 rums. Guests can savour these neat or in expertly crafted cocktails, or partake in the interactive garden-to-glass cocktail making activity, selecting fresh herbs from the JW Garden to elevate their creations.
Dining is a journey in itself, with five restaurants offering diverse culinary explorations. Highlights include the traditional Japanese specialties and mouth-watering grills at Hashi & Shio, Thai cuisine in the not-to-be-missed treetop restaurant…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/wine-travel/sipping-paradise-in-the-maldives-best-resorts-for-wine-lovers-547889/
