The Maldives is widely known for its natural beauty and luxury hospitality, but it is also becoming a destination for world-class culinary, mixology, and cultural collaborations. At the center of this evolution is The Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, a curated seasonal program that brings internationally recognized chefs, sommeliers, bartenders, and creative experts to the island.
Each edition is designed to offer immersive experiences that go beyond dining, transforming each event into a journey of craftsmanship, storytelling, and refined taste.
Sake Masterclass & Dinner with Thomas Ling
October 5–6 | Venues: T•Pan and Orientale
The series opens with a Japanese culinary experience led by Thomas Ling, an international judge of sake, spirits, and wine, and a certified sommelier with over 24 years of experience. He is also a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, recognized for his deep understanding of Nihonshu and Japanese cultural heritage.
October 5 – Sake Masterclass (T•Pan)
An exclusive masterclass offering guests an in-depth introduction to sake, guided tasting, and cultural storytelling.
Time: 3:00–4:00 pm
October 6 – Four-Course Sake Pairing Dinner (Orientale)
A refined dining experience where each course is paired with carefully selected Japanese sake to enhance balance, aroma, and flavor.
Price: USD 295 per person
Time: 7:00–10:30 pm
Culinary Experiences with Chef Jolly
October 28–30 | Venues: Cargo, Decanter, and ALBA
Chef Jolly, a celebrated TV personality and MasterChef India judge, returns to the Maldives with a curated program inspired by global travel and authentic Indian cuisine.
October 28 – Festival of Lights Set Menu (Cargo)
A specially curated Diwali-inspired dining experience featuring traditional Indian flavors presented in a refined style.
October 29 – Wine Dinner (Decanter)
An intimate evening combining storytelling, culinary creativity, and wine pairing with Chef Jolly.
October 30 – Master Cooking Class (ALBA)
A hands-on culinary session where guests explore signature techniques and cooking methods in a relaxed and interactive environment.
Bar Takeover & Masterclass with Felice Capasso
November 7–10 | Venues: The Whale Bar and T•Pan
Felice Capasso, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, presents a special mixology residency at the resort. Known for his precision and creativity, he brings contemporary cocktail craftsmanship to the Maldives.
Program Highlights
- Master cocktail class at The Whale Bar
- Intimate cocktail session with canapés at T•Pan
- Bar takeover featuring signature creations at The Whale Bar
Each experience focuses on flavor balance, technique, and modern presentation.
Culinary Experience & Perfume Masterclass with Farina est. 1709
November 13–15 | Venues: Decanter and The Whale Bar
Farina est. 1709, the world’s oldest fragrance house and creator of the original Eau de Cologne, collaborates with the resort to present a unique blend of scent and gastronomy.
Led by Louise Farina, the experience includes perfume masterclasses and culinary events inspired by fragrance composition.
Highlights
- Perfume masterclasses where guests create a personalized fragrance
- Eau de Cologne–inspired multi-course dinner at Decanter
- Signature fragrance-inspired cocktail at The Whale Bar
Culinary Experiences with Alexander Herrmann
November 12–14 | Venues: Decanter, ALBA, and The Whale Bar
German two-Michelin-star chef Alexander Herrmann brings his modern European culinary approach to the Maldives. Known for precise technique and guest-focused dining, he presents a series of exclusive gastronomic events.
Program Highlights
- Six-course wine pairing dinner at Decanter
- Masterclass at ALBA
- Five-course dining experience at The Whale Bar
Each event reflects his balance of innovation, technique, and refined simplicity.
Bar Takeover & Masterclass with Satan’s Whiskers
December 7–9 | Venue: The Whale Bar
The award-winning East London bar Satan’s Whiskers, recognized on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, brings its signature style to the Maldives. Known for its creative cocktails and ever-changing menus, the bar delivers a playful yet precise approach to mixology.
Program Highlights
- Gin and martini masterclass
- Two-night bar takeover at The Whale Bar
- Signature cocktail experiences showcasing modern bar craftsmanship
A Global Celebration of Craft and Culture
The Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort represents a curated intersection of global talent and island luxury. From sake and Michelin-level cuisine to perfumery and world-class mixology, each event offers a rare opportunity to engage with masters of their craft in an intimate setting.
For guests, it is not simply a dining program but a carefully designed cultural journey that elevates the Maldives into a global stage for creativity, taste, and refinement.