10 Most Impressive Wine Cellars in the Maldives

1 Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Best Experience:   Ultimate Luxury, Over Water Villas, Privacy and Tranquillity, spa, Wildlife, swimming with mantas

The winner of prestigious Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence, Anantara’s expertise in the world of fine wines is held in high esteem by guests, and also by the industry. Descending to the exclusive multi award-winning underwater restaurant and wine cellar Sea at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, wine aficionados are regaled with 360 labels, allowing diners to indulge in extraordinary gastronomy with a surreal panorama of tropical marine life. In 2018 Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has been recognised as the ‘World’s Leading Underwater Hotel Restaurant’ for the fourth consecutive year. READ MORE

Set within the sparkling waters of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll, Anantara Kihavah Villas is 35 minutes by seaplane from the main Male International Airport. Discover a boutique resort with all the advantages of a paradise island of dreams you can imagine - white beaches with fringed palm trees, turquoise waters, dedicated butlers, fine dining and luxurious Over Water Villas - and you will not be disappointed. Comprising 74 one-bedroom villas, four two-bedroom residences and a three-bedroom residence, each hideaway boasts large personal infinity-edge pools, dining pavilions, expansive wooden sundecks and ample lounging areas complete with swinging daybeds, hammocks and sun loungers. READ FULL REVIEW

11 Vakkaru Maldives

Best Experience:  Couples, Families, Water Villas, Service, Beaches, Swimming with Mantas

Nestled in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives is a timeless sanctuary intuitively designed for guests seeking unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences. A scenic 30- minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches, unique deep blue holes and spectacular marine biodiversity. The 113 beautifully-appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect the surrounding tropical nature and Maldivian charms. Additionally, indulgent dining choices, a world-class wine cellar – home to a curated selection of fine vintage and non-vintage offerings from Old to New World as well as curated leisure activities and amenities create enriched experiences for everyone.

At Vakkaru Maldives, oenophiles will find there’s no better place to toast the start of 2021 than in Vakkaru Reserve. Fresh from winning a major accolade from the American magazine Wine Spectator, with a new head sommelier in place and showcasing a number of fresh new initiatives, the resort’s wine cellar will be a focal point for special wine and dine experiences throughout the year. READ FULL REVIEW

3 Hurawalhi Island Resort

Best Experience: adults only; large overwater villas with stunning views; Superb house reef snorkeling, a fantastic '5.8 Undersea' restaurant

Discover the finest wines and champagnes at Hurawalhi’s walk-in wine cellar and immerse yourself in the very best vintages from all corners of the globe. With more than 1,000 exclusively available bottles to choose from, there is something for every palate and for any occasion stored in the cellar; be it enjoyment overlooking the ocean, at dinner, or at a celebration for a special occasion. In 2018 Hurawalhi Maldives won the highest honour in the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards. The 5-star resort boasting outstanding selection of wine, exceptional breadth and/or depth in the selection, a very high proportion of leading producers and a very good mix of vintages in terms of age, maturity, quality, and style, among other criteria.

Officially inaugurated in 2016, Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives - this is incomparable, extraordinary and absolutely original. Ecologically innovative resort, the world's largest underwater restaurant, tropical champagne pavilion, stylish villas and politics just over 15 years old - Hurawalhi Island Resort offers its own look at Paradise. READ FULL REVIEW

4 Kuredu Island Resort & Spa - Sangu Wine Cellar

Best Experience:  Couples, Family, Diving, Value

With more than 1,100 premium, exclusively available wines, the Sangu wine cellar is a true source of indulgence and provides the option of adding a luxe touch to your holiday at Kuredu Resort. Celebrate your special occasion in a fine style, or simply allow yourself to enjoy a bottle of the world’s most grandiose wine to create an ambiance with your loved one, just like you pictured it.

The most popopular with divers, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa situated on the north reef of Lhaviyani Atoll, an area known for its unrivalled beauty and tropical marine life. With a total of 383 rooms, villas and suites, including 50 water villas, Kuredu Island Resort is one of the largest of its kind in the Maldives. Most guests prefer all inclusive packages, although there are other options. Those who are looking for an intimate and secluded resort for a honeymoon may do better elsewhere, but families or anyone who is looking for affordable and active vacation in a paradise setting should be happy here. READ FULL REVIEW

5 Huvafen Fushi - Vinum Bar

Best Experience:   adults only, Overwater Bungalows, Undewater Spa, Beaches, House Reef Snorkelling. Gourmet Dining

Dining at Huvafen Fushi are among the best in Maldives. Whether it's international cuisine in Celsius, fish and seafood in Salt - a high-quality food is 100% healthy at Raw or pizza from a wood-burning oven, the taste buds do not stop being active before starting to work in a reinforced mode, after tasting the offering of the Vinum wine cellar, that has an unusual collection of 600 bottles of wine. Eight metres below the surface. Sink into the island’s depths. A treasure trove of rare vintages, hidden gems. By the thousands. Vinum is the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar. A seductive secret that draws you in. Multi-course degustation menus. Wine flights. All in an evocative, intimate space under suspended art installations. As vivid as a waking dream.

Huvafen Fushi is a truly dreamy island. Encircled by one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, this private paradise is home to the world’s first and only underwater spa, and with only 44 rooms it is the ultimate in luxurious privacy and intimacy. With 21 years and above guests only policy, Huvafen Fushi has been crowned the Most Romantic Resort at the annual Maldives Travel Awards 2017. READ FULL REVIEW

6 Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

Best Experience:   for Couples (only), Luxury All Inclusive, snorkeling, diving, spa, activities

Residents at Kudadoo Private Island can enjoy an incredible selection of fine wines available from Kudadoo’s main cellar. The diverse array of old world and new world wines housed in Kudadoo’s cellar mean there is always a perfect paring available for all occasions. However, for residents wanting something extra special The Owner’s Private Collection is also available, at a charge, which stocks a selection of some of the world’s greatest wines. The hand-picked collection includes Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Pétrus, Domaine Prieuré Roch, Armand De Brignac and Dom Perignon Rose Champagne, to name but a few. These carefully selected bottles are perfect for those wanting to celebrate or spoil themselves with a treat that is truly memorable. The Owner’s Private Cellar also stocks a number of limited and highly-rated vintages that you may not be able to find elsewhere, so we do recommend every resident on Kudadoo take the opportunity to see if there is a bottle from their own wine bucket-list that they have been waiting to discover.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is the first top-end five-star, truly luxury all-inclusive resort in the Maldives.The newest addition to the portfolio of leading hospitality group Crown & Champa Resorts, Kudadoo ensures a secluded getaway purposefully crafted for the more discerning guest — all accessible by a 40-minute scenic journey aboard a private seaplane. An island defined by the philosophy ‘Freedom Reimagined', the private island, located in the northern Lhaviyani atoll, comes alive with effortless adventures as the resort endeavours to offer anything, anytime, anywhere. Kudadoo promises the best escapism on the island, which will not leave even the most discerning travelers indifferent. Personal butlers are available 24 hours a day to assist in making this possible by facilitating authentic experiences that capture the senses. READ FULL REVIEW

7 Amilla Fushi - The Cellar Door

Best Experience:  Family, Couples, Dining, Diving, Spa

An abundance of wine – more than 8,000 bottles to sip and savour. International drops, both Old World and New. Premium bubbly, vintage reds, rare finds to share over a spectacular meal. By case or by bottle, or by curated tasting with artisanal cheese and wild honeycomb. Amilla Fushi wine cellars in Maldives indulges the epicure within.

Located just 30-minutes by seaplane from Male Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a collection of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy. Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses. READ FULL REVIEW

8 The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

Best Experience:   Water Villas, Couples, Family, Spa, Wellness, Beaches, Diving

Flavour’s restaurant overlooking the radiant blue of the Indian Ocean houses The Wine Cellar. The perfect space for private dining in the heart of the Maldives, the resort's Wine Cellar provides the opportunity to take a guided tour of the globe's New and Old world wines. The sommelier team are on hand to make suggestions and guide guests through this unique collection of wines. Designed to satisfy the tastes of the international guests, the wine cellar is home to almost 2000 bottles spanning 80% of the wine regions globally. Offering 180 degree views of the ocean, this stunning wine cellar has launched its Wine Academy 2015. Created by the creative F&B team the Wine Academy offers adventurous and unique wine and food pairings, designed to stimulate the palette and create a sensory journey through the world of wine. Whether you want to enjoy some wine tasting or experience gourmet food paired with the perfect drink, you can enjoy a private function for up to 12 people surrounded by bottles of rare vintages and champagnes. Pre-booking is required.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the flagship property in The Sun Siyam Resorts’ collection, is located in the northern Noonu Atoll, and is accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main Malé Airport. Surrounded by seemingly untouched environs of the scenic Noonu atoll, this 221-room resort offers what is arguably the best local resort in the country, including 2 swimming pools, diving center PADI , and the awarded largest spa in the country. The hotel also offers rates that are among the most competitive in the Maldives for this level of 5-star luxury, but it is important to note that the prices of food and beverages rose very quickly. READ FULL REVIEW

9 JA Manafaru

Best Experience:    Overwater Bungalows, honeymoon, families, beaches, House Reef Snorkelling

Looking like a wine ‘cave’ The Cellar is the perfect venue for you to discover new and wonderful taste, with the JA's extensive vintage selection. A most extraordinary restaurant in the Maldives, The Cellar at JA Manafaru offers an unparalleled experience for gastronomic and of fine wine labels from prestigious vineyards across the world. Located two and a half metres below sea level, you can choose between the a-la-carte or set menus for a unique dining experience. The restaurant's interior of dark wood, stone and mood lighting, makes it a true undersea haven for romance.

Award-winning JA Manafaru Maldives is an exclusive all-inclusive resort, offering even more value to guests visiting the paradise island destination. Fringed with exquisite powder beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with exotic marine life, the chic hideaway features 84 luxurious beachfront and overwater villas and residences, each with their own private plunge pool. Seven scenic dining destinations provide a wealth of options with traditional Indian Ocean cuisine, international fare and seafood feasts all available on the all-inclusive plan. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of exclusively premium beverages across multiple venues including Horizon Lounge with its ocean views, Andiamo Bistro and Pool with its lush green backdrop and Ocean Grill, beachfront dining under the stars. READ FULL REVIEW

10 Gili Lankanfushi - Underground Wine Cellar

Best Experience:   OverWater Bungalows, Honeymoon, Beaches

A unique underground wine cellar that is home to a wide range of wines from around the world, a cosy space to learn more about wines with Gili's team of knowledgeable sommeliers. The resort's cavernous cellar hides at the bottom of a flight of glass stairs and was designed around a huge piece of driftwood that was once swept ashore. It houses more than 500 varieties of wine from numerous international regions. On any evening of the week, be prepared to be sweep off your feet with mouthwatering gourmet dishes along with sommelier’s choice of premium wines hosted by the team of sommeliers.

The Maldives’ much-loved eco-resort Gili Lankanfushi remains an intimate and sustainable paradise for the barefoot luxury traveller, with a new design concept and wellness programmes to further enrich the soulful guest experience. Located in the sparkling waters of the North Male Atoll, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport, it is the ultimate place to get away from the world. The 45 refurbished villas offer open-air living spaces, roof terraces and private decks with direct access to the lagoon below, and there is the addition of new private pools to the enhanced Residence and Villa suites for extra seclusion. READ FULL REVIEW

11 Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - THE WINE CELLAR

Best Experience:  two private islands for Couples and Families, beaches, spa, Gourmet Dining

The first of its kind in the Maldives, descend two meters underground where 15,000 bottles of wine and up to 950 labels – the most in the Maldives – are expertly preserved. Here is the setting for your five-course, paired degustation menu, hosted by the island’s head chef and chief sommelier. The skillfully matched menu changes with every reservation, allowing the executive chef to showcase the best seasonal ingredients available. One of the evening’s highlights includes a blind tasting of three wines during the main course. The Wine Cellar only seats 12 guests around a long table and here you have the chance to present your opinions and showcase the wine knowledge acquired throughout the evening. These wine dinners are a wonderful intimate experience.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the pioneering resort is located in South Ari Atoll and is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main airport. As one of the Maldives’ leading resorts and one of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship properties, the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers 150 villas and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, two spas — all stretched over two remote islands. It features the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, world’s first undersea restaurant made from only glass. READ FULL REVIEW

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