Celebrate Wine, Heritage, and Craftsmanship at RAAYA and VARU by Atmosphere
Tuesday 20th of May 2025
This August, wine lovers visiting the Maldives will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich winemaking heritage of South Africa at two exclusive events hosted by RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere. From 10th to 12th August at RAAYA and 14th to 16th August at VARU, guests can enjoy Glenelly Estate wines through immersive experiences, all offered as part of the fully inclusive RAAYA Plan and VARU Plan.
Glenelly Estate, known for producing wines that combine French winemaking tradition with the unique terroir of South Africa, will be the focal point of these events. The estate’s founder, Madame May de Lencquesaing, also known as Lady May, celebrated her centenary on 17th May 2025, marking a remarkable legacy of reinvention. At the age of 80, Lady May bought Glenelly Estate, a historic fruit farm, and transformed it into a renowned winery, making her mark on South Africa’s winemaking scene. Glenelly’s wines are now recognized globally for their complexity, grace, and ability to age well.
This August, the legacy of Lady May’s winemaking vision continues with exclusive wine events led by Dirk van Zyl, the Cellar Master and caretaker of Glenelly Estate. Dirk, who grew up in South Africa’s Robertson Wine Valley, brings both his passion for winemaking and his expertise to the Maldives. With a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University, he has an in-depth understanding of winemaking and terroir, which he shares during these events.
In addition to the guest-facing events, Dirk will lead specialized workshops and blind tastings for the culinary teams at both resorts. These sessions aim to provide the teams with a deeper understanding of the wines, empowering them to confidently guide guests through the Glenelly wine experience.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, emphasizes that this partnership with Glenelly Estate goes beyond just offering fine wine. “It’s about celebrating the heritage and terroir of Glenelly’s wines in a way that guests can appreciate and enjoy,” he said. “Working with partners like Glenelly Estate allows us to transform our Maldives resorts into unique destinations for wine discovery.”
This wine initiative is part of Atmosphere Core’s ongoing wine program, which started in 2021 with THE OZEN COLLECTION. The program has expanded across Atmosphere’s brand portfolio, with additional partnerships including Bodegas Martín Códax from Spain in 2023, and Bottega SpA from Italy in 2025.
Guests visiting RAAYA and VARU by Atmosphere this August can look forward to a blend of culinary delights, storytelling, and exceptional wine experiences. Whether enjoying a glass of Glenelly’s Lady May at sunset or taking part in a wine tasting under the stars, these exclusive events promise to offer guests a unique opportunity to explore the rich flavors and heritage of Glenelly Estate.