Male’, Maldives, 20 July 2024 – Vakkaru Maldives proudly announces that its esteemed wine cellar, Vakkaru Reserve, has been honored with the Best of Award of Excellence for 2024 by the renowned Wine Spectator magazine. This accolade marks the fourth time Vakkaru Reserve has received this prestigious recognition, celebrating its dedication to offering a premier wine experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Vakkaru Reserve stands out for its meticulously curated collection of over 680 wine labels from 15 countries, spanning both old and new world regions. The cellar boasts an impressive selection, including rare vintages like the 1974 and 1985 Château Cheval Blanc, the 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, and the 2002 Krug Clos du Mesnil, alongside modern masterpieces.
Housed in an elegant wooden building just steps from the ocean, Vakkaru Reserve provides a luxurious retreat for wine enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy intimate gatherings inside the cellar or on the candlelit terrace surrounded by swaying palms. The venue offers a range of exquisite experiences, including guided tastings, wine-paired degustation dinners, and sommelier-led menus, designed to enhance the sensory pleasure of each visit.
In 2024, Vakkaru Reserve will host enchanting wine evenings featuring handcrafted five and six-course menus, showcasing Black Angus or Wagyu beef tenderloin accompanied by amuse-bouches, canapés, and a glass of Champagne for every dish. After dinner, guests can savor selections from the cellar’s cigar collection on the terrace, under a starlit sky.
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher of Wine Spectator, praised Vakkaru Reserve’s commitment to wine excellence, stating, “Restaurants that make wine a priority are what the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program is all about. I’m pleased to congratulate Vakkaru Reserve for their dedication to wine and exemplary wine lists.”
Head Sommelier Retheesh Mohanan expressed pride in the achievement, noting, “Since our opening in 2018, we have delighted in sharing the pleasures of our exceptional wines and the culinary creations of our talented chefs. To be recognized by Wine Spectator for a fourth time is an honor that surpasses even the smiles we receive from our guests.”
Vakkaru Reserve is one of eight exquisite dining and drinking venues at Vakkaru Maldives, located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. The resort, surrounded by powder-soft white sands, is accessible via a 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport.