The scenic private isles of VARU by Atmosphere and Atmosphere Kanifushi are everything that tropical dreams are made of. Healing, year-round sunshine, balmy aquamarine lagoons teeming with glittering fishes, and the softest white sandy beaches create an idyllic paradise. Add to this mix, exceptional culinary experiences complemented with the finest of terroir wines, and you have a true paradise for wine lovers.
Nicolas Laguette, the Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, says, “We joyfully welcome back Glenelly Estate to the Maldives, following their successful hosting at VARU by Atmosphere in September 2023. This year, we explored the core identities of our wine partners, seeking alignment with our three hospitality brands. Glenelly Estate, led by the remarkable Lady May, is the perfect wine partner for Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, as both are born from a desire to challenge the norm and break into new territories while holding on to the timeless lessons that tradition teaches”.
While vintages from family-owned and terroir-driven wineries are available at the resorts year-round, this summer guests will be treated to the exclusive Glenelly Estate Winemaker Experiences. The events will take place at Atmosphere Kanifushi from August 25–27, 2024, and at VARU by Atmosphere from August 29–31, 2024. In-house guests will be invited to enchanting wine pairing dinners and lively beachside soirees, included within the generous Holiday Plans, Kanifushi Plan™ and VARU Plan™.
Lia Poveda, May de Lencquesaing’s closest confidant and in charge of Glenelly Estates’ presence across the globe, will be visiting both islands to personally host these events. She will also spend time with the award-winning culinary teams of the two resorts, conducting workshops and blind tastings to empower colleagues to confidently guide all guests, be it connoisseurs or the wine curious.
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This year, the estate’s owner, May de Lencquesaing, turned 99 and remains as active and involved as ever. She was born into one of the most prominent wine families in Bordeaux and, as the 6th generation, inherited Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in her 50s—a 2nd Cru Classé in Pauillac. During her 30 years managing the estate, she elevated it to what is often called a “super second growth” and has overseen some of the most challenging but also the best vintages ever.
In her 70s and having achieved a spectacular career in wine, she sold her chateau in Bordeaux and dedicated herself to her Stellenbosch estate. Breaking free from the strict requirements of Bordeaux’s winemaking methods, May sought creativity and authentic expression of the same grape varietals her family had mastered for centuries. She planted the vineyard from scratch after meticulous soil analysis and wanted to use the raw power of South Africa’s most respected wine terroir to achieve the world’s best expression of Cabernet Sauvignon outside France.
Lady May, Glenelly estate’s flagship wine named in her honor, was created after a lifetime of her experience and dreams. It has since gained worldwide acclaim, earning numerous international awards.
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Nicolas Bureau, her grandson and the 8th generation of the family lineage, CEO of the estate, said “Our ambition is to produce the best Bordeaux blend in South Africa, with a true reflection of the terroir that mother nature offers. We always aim for wines with power, balance, and elegance.”
This philosophy is evolving the world of wine in the best ways, challenging the norm while respecting tradition. It is this same philosophy that is deeply embedded in the foundations of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, which has been daring for over a decade now to revolutionize the luxury experience through Holiday Plans curated for each resort and heartfelt hospitality with ‘Joy of Giving’ to create unforgettable moments for travelers.
For travelers who seek offbeat escapes, Atmosphere Kanifushi located at a secluded edge of the Lhaviyani Atoll offers the ideal secret island escape. Arrive at your private slice of heaven after a 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport. The impossibly long island is encircled by white sandy beaches and has over 3,000 towering palm trees. Stay in 162 stand-alone villas perched by the beach or over crystal waters.
In Divehi, the Maldivian dialect, “varu” translates to living life in abundance, strength, resilience, and above all authenticity. Keeping with the ‘Naturally Maldivian’ motto, VARU by Atmosphere infuses contemporary design and first-class service with a touch of local tradition and culture, creating an authentic Maldivian sojourn. Located in Malé Atoll, Varu Island offers travelers 108 villas in 8 categories and is just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
