Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, an international hospitality brand under Atmosphere Core, is offering an enhanced winemaker-led experiences programme in collaboration with Glenelley Estate across two private islands, Atmosphere Kanifushi and VARU by Atmosphere.
The events will take place at Atmosphere Kanifushi from 25-27 August 2024, and at VARU by Atmosphere from 29-31 August. Guests will be invited to sophisticated wine-paired dinners and lively beachside soirees as part of the luxury holiday, Kanifushi and VARU plans. Leah Poveda, Princess May’s closest aide and responsible for the global development of Glenelley Estate, will visit both islands to personally host the events.
Nicholas Raguette, Wine Director at Atmosphere Core, said: “Against all odds, we are slowly putting the Maldives on the global wine map. Travelers from all over the world visit us not only for our heavenly beaches and coral lagoons, but for the authentic terroir wines and experience with generations of winemakers.”
“2024 will be the year Glenelle Estate returns to the Maldives; we have already hosted it at VARU by Atmosphere in September 2023. This year we looked closely at the core identities of our various wine partners and explored similarities with the core identities of our three hospitality brands. Glenelle Estate is now run by Mrs. May, who is 99 years old and the sixth generation of one of Bordeaux’s most storied families. But 25 years ago she grew tired of Bordeaux and put her all on the line for Stellenbosch. This desire to disrupt the old whilst preserving traditional savoir-faire is a core identity that is shared by both Glenelle Estate and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.”
In addition to engaging guests, Lia Poveda will spend time with the award-winning culinary teams at Atmosphere Kanifushi and VARU by Atmosphere. She will be conducting workshops and blind tastings, helping her colleagues confidently guide all guests, from connoisseurs to the wine curious.
Atmosphere Core has cultivated a unique wine culture driven by authenticity and the joy of giving. The program launched in 2021 with ultra-premium brand THE OZEN COLLECTION, but there has been a conscious focus on expanding to other brands. In 2023, lifestyle brands COLOURS OF OBLU and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts partnered with vibrant wineries Glenelly Estate (Stellenbosch) and Bodegas Martín Códax (Rías Baixas).
Founded in 2003 by renowned Bordeaux winemaker Mae de Lencquesaing (affectionately known as Lady Mae), Glenelley Estate embodies a clear vision to produce vintage wines characterized by elegance and exceptional aging potential. This world-class estate is located on the beautiful southern slopes of Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Glenelley Estate wines are available exclusively at Atmosphere Core Resort in the Maldives.
