JA Manafaru, the award-winning resort located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll in the Maldives, has announced the arrival of renowned bartender Federico Penzo. From 4 to 11 July 2024, Federico will dazzle guests with his artistry and expertise as he shares his knowledge with JA Manafaru’s beverage team.
Federico Penzo was originally a civil engineer, but found his passion in cocktail making and bartending when he found desk work unsatisfying. He honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned mixologists Luca Cinari and Gabriele Manfredi before taking on the role of Bar Director at EDITION Hotel, known for his work in luxury hotels, “50 Best Bars” and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Penzo’s talent for designing unique cocktails and holistic bar experiences sets him apart, with a focus on connecting with people from diverse cultures to create memorable experiences through his craft.
“Mixology is the art of creating experiences through taste. Every cocktail tells a story and with our creative creations soon to be featured on the resort’s menu, we strive to ensure that every cocktail JA Manafaru guests sips is unforgettable,” said Federico Penzo, who is excited to be working closely with the beverage team.
This exciting collaboration highlights JA Manafaru’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional and innovative F&B experiences. He will showcase his passion for creating unique and sustainable cocktails with a take on his popular house-made ‘Kombucha’ – a probiotic-rich fermented tea made with ingredients grown in the resort’s own private gardens. Guests can expect vibrant displays of fresh organic herbs, fruits and locally sourced ingredients, all contributing to the creation of visually stunning and flavoursome cocktails.
“Federico excels at creating health-conscious cocktails from scratch using handcrafted, locally sourced ingredients. He looks forward to collaborating with guests and our team in our garden to grow unique ingredients. This initiative aligns with our sustainability goals of minimizing air miles for supplies, sourcing ingredients directly from the island, and minimizing sugar and artificial additives,” said Mark Stanton, Food & Beverage Director at JA Manafaru. “His visit is a testament to our ongoing dedication to elevating our guest experience and serving something truly special. We’re sure Federico’s creativity and focus on sustainability will inspire both our guests and our team.”
In addition to creating incredible cocktails, he will host interactive sessions, creating engaging and educational opportunities for guests to participate in, further highlighting JA Manafaru’s commitment to showcasing the beauty and bounty of the Maldivian environment through the use of locally sourced ingredients from the resort.
