Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives Celebrates Three Consecutive Years of Wine Spectator Recognition

31 July, 2026

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has once again proven its place among the world's finest dining destinations, securing its third consecutive year of recognition in the prestigious Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. The resort's signature restaurant, Mar-Umi, has been honoured with the 2026 Award of Excellence, following Fire's Award of Excellence in 2024 and Mar-Umi's recognition in 2025.

This milestone cements Kuda Villingili's reputation as one of the Maldives' most compelling culinary destinations—a place where exceptional cuisine, remarkable wines, and heartfelt hospitality converge to create unforgettable guest experiences.

What the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence Represents

Presented annually by Wine Spectator—one of the world's most respected authorities on wine—the Restaurant Awards recognise establishments whose wine lists demonstrate exceptional quality, diversity, and synergy with their cuisine. The Award of Excellence celebrates restaurants that have built thoughtfully curated wine programmes, creating memorable guest experiences through outstanding wine service and carefully selected collections.

In 2026, nearly 2,100 restaurants worldwide earned an Award of Excellence, which requires restaurants to offer at least 75 selections and feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. With more than 4,000 restaurants recognised across 87 countries, the award represents a significant achievement in the competitive world of wine hospitality.

For Kuda Villingili, however, the recognition extends far beyond a single restaurant. It represents the continued evolution of the resort's gastronomic philosophy, where every dining experience is thoughtfully designed to celebrate exceptional cuisine, remarkable wines, and meaningful moments shared around the table.

A Culinary Journey Across Eight Restaurants

Today, Kuda Villingili has established itself as one of the Maldives' most compelling culinary destinations. Across eight distinctive restaurants, guests can explore twelve international cuisines, each with its own unique identity:

• Mar-Umi: Refined Nikkei flavours (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) and interactive Teppanyaki experiences in an elegant overwater setting

• East & Earth: Authentic Asian cuisine

• Med: Mediterranean classics

• Fire: Premium charcoal-grilled dining (2024 Award of Excellence recipient)

• Ocean: Fresh seafood

• Spice: Vibrant Indian-Arabic flavours

• The Restaurant: International favourites served throughout the island

Every venue contributes to a dining journey that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and craftsmanship. Whether enjoying the theatrical performance of Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi or the bold flavours of Indian-Arabic cuisine at Spice, guests are invited on a global culinary adventure without ever leaving the island.

One of the Maldives' Most Curated Wine Collections

Central to this culinary journey is one of the Maldives' most thoughtfully curated wine programmes. Designed to complement the resort's diverse dining concepts, the collection features:

• 370 wine labels from 16 renowned wine-producing countries

• Approximately 8,750 bottles in active inventory

• A selection spanning iconic Old World estates and celebrated New World producers, prestigious Grand Crus, rare vintages, and organic and biodynamic wines

Every bottle has been carefully selected to inspire discovery while perfectly complementing the resort's culinary offerings. Wine at Kuda Villingili is not simply an accompaniment to cuisine—it is an essential part of the guest experience. Whether enjoying a perfectly paired tasting menu, discovering an unfamiliar grape varietal, or exploring a rare vintage, guests are invited on a journey through the world's most celebrated wine regions.

The programme reflects a philosophy of exploration, balancing renowned classics with emerging boutique producers while showcasing the diversity of terroirs and winemaking traditions. This dedication to excellence has also earned the resort international recognition from The World of Fine Wine, which named Kuda Villingili among the world's Best Designed Wine Lists.

A Team of Wine Professionals

Leading this vision is Director of Food & Beverage Aravindan V. Raj alongside Chief Sommelier Samantha Kumara, both WSET Level 3 certified. They are supported by two additional WSET Level 3-certified ambassadors and twenty WSET Level 1 and Level 2-certified wine ambassadors, ensuring every guest receives knowledgeable recommendations, expertly curated pairings, and personalised service throughout every restaurant on the island.

This depth of expertise—22 WSET-certified wine ambassadors across the resort—ensures that whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious beginner, you'll find guidance tailored to your palate and preferences.

Climate-Controlled Excellence

Further strengthening the programme is the resort's dedicated climate-controlled wine and cigar room, where every bottle is stored under carefully monitored conditions to preserve provenance, authenticity, and quality. This attention to detail ensures that each pour delivers the full expression of its terroir and winemaking tradition.

Guests can also participate in exclusive wine pairing dinners, sommelier-led tastings, and bespoke culinary events that transform every meal into an immersive gastronomic experience. For those seeking the ultimate convenience, the resort's Ultra Luxury All-Inclusive package includes a selection of over 100 premium wines from around the world.

By the Numbers

• 3 consecutive years of Wine Spectator recognition

• 2 award-winning restaurants — Fire and Mar-Umi

• 8 signature restaurants

• 12 international cuisines

• 370 carefully curated wine labels

• 16 wine-producing countries represented

• 8,750 bottles in active collection

• 22 WSET-certified wine ambassadors across the resort

Leadership Perspective

"To receive Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for the third consecutive year is a tremendous honour for our team and a meaningful recognition of the journey we have been building over the years," said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.

"Every bottle in our collection has been chosen with intention, every pairing carefully considered, and every dining experience thoughtfully crafted. This recognition belongs to our passionate culinary and service teams, whose dedication continues to elevate Kuda Villingili as one of the Maldives' leading gastronomic destinations."

A Destination for Wine Lovers

As luxury travellers increasingly seek destinations where gastronomy forms an integral part of the journey, Kuda Villingili continues to distinguish itself as a leading luxury resort in the Maldives, investing in exceptional experiences that inspire discovery, connection, and celebration.

The Wine Spectator 2026 Award of Excellence marks another proud milestone in that journey—one that continues to redefine island dining through exceptional cuisine, remarkable wines, and heartfelt hospitality.

Located in the heart of the North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes from Velana International Airport, the resort offers 75 expansive villas and residences—all with private pools—designed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a culinary pilgrimage, or simply seeking the perfect glass of wine with an ocean view, Kuda Villingili invites you to experience the art of island dining at its finest.

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