Raise Your Glass to Excellence: Vakkaru Maldives Welcomes Sam Hewawala as Head Sommelier
Thursday 14th of September 2023
Vakkaru Maldives, known for its commitment to offering exceptional experiences, is delighted to introduce Sampath Widana Hewawala (Sam) as its new Head Sommelier. Sam's arrival heralds a new era of wine appreciation at Vakkaru, where he will oversee the acclaimed Vakkaru Reserve wine cellar and craft enticing wine programs across the resort's six restaurants and bars. Furthermore, Sam aims to enrich the team's knowledge through innovative wine education initiatives.
With over a decade of experience as Head Sommelier at renowned resorts, including One & Only Reethi Rah and Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Sam embodies excellence in his field. Holding esteemed certifications like WSET Advanced Level 3, Court of Master Sommelier Level 1, and B & G Château Wine Certification, he brings a wealth of expertise to Vakkaru's ever-evolving wine culture.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Sam remarked, "I am thrilled to join the team at Vakkaru Maldives. My mission is to craft a top-tier wine philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Vakkaru’s distinctive brand identity. With the extensive wine portfolio at Vakkaru Reserve, I believe our collection opens doors to innovative, immersive, and world-class experiences that will set Vakkaru apart in this highly competitive industry."
In addition to regular wine tastings and wine degustation dinners at Vakkaru Reserve, Sam introduces a captivating new event, the "Sunset Sandbank Wine Tasting." This promises an unforgettable sensory journey on a pristine natural sandbank, just a boat ride away from the resort. Here, within Vakkaru's lagoon, the pure-white sandbank becomes a haven for wine enthusiasts.
Sam curates a selection of fine wines from both the Old and New Worlds, complemented by an array of delightful cheeses and charcuterie. This extraordinary combination assures an unparalleled experience of taste and luxury for guests at Vakkaru Maldives.
With Sam Hewawala at the helm of Vakkaru's wine experiences, the resort reaffirms its commitment to providing guests with exceptional and unforgettable moments in the Maldives.