This August, guests at the stunning Maldivian island resorts RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in South Africa’s renowned wine culture right in the heart of the Indian Ocean, as exclusive three-day wine events featuring the celebrated Glenelly Estate take place, running from August 10th to 12th at RAAYA and from August 14th to 16th at VARU. Moreover, with advance booking, these tastings and experiences are complimentary for guests enjoying the fully inclusive RAAYA Plan™ and VARU Plan™.
A Century of Legacy and Bold Vision
What makes this celebration even more special is its connection to Glenelly Estate’s founder, Madame May de Lencquesaing, known fondly as Lady May, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday on May 17, 2025. Remarkably, at 80, when many consider retirement, Lady May took a bold leap by buying a historic fruit farm on the Simonsberg slopes in South Africa and turning it into Glenelly Estate, where French winemaking elegance meets South African terroir. Consequently, her dedication to crafting wines that combine finesse, depth, and aging potential has won Glenelly acclaim worldwide. Today, Glenelly’s wines are exclusively served at Atmosphere Core resorts in the Maldives, symbolizing a partnership built on shared values and a love for quality.
Nicolas Laguette, Atmosphere Core’s Director of Wines, emphasizes that the initiative goes beyond just serving fine wines:
“It’s not just about great bottles, it’s about celebrating heritage and terroir in ways that are approachable and memorable. And this is possible only through our relationships with partners, like Glenelly Estate, who share our vision. Together, we’re transforming our islands sanctuaries in the Maldives into unexpected yet exceptional destinations for wine discovery.”
Meet the Mastermind: Dirk van Zyl
Leading these immersive wine events is Glenelly’s Cellar Master, Dirk van Zyl. Raised on a vineyard in South Africa’s Robertson Wine Valley and educated in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, Dirk brings deep expertise and passion to every tasting. He shares:
“Wine is unique, as it truly tells a story of time and place. It reflects both the vintage in which it was made and the site on which the vineyards are grown. As a winemaker, you try your best to capture this as truthfully as possible in the bottle and one of the greatest joys is to be able to share each wine’s story with people from around the world. The upcoming wine events create a wonderful opportunity to tell the story of Glenelly, through our wines, in the incredible beauty of the Maldives.”
In addition, Dirk will also conduct expert workshops and blind tastings for the resorts’ top culinary teams, helping them deepen their knowledge so they can guide guests, whether novices or aficionados, through the Glenelly experience with confidence.
Expanding a Shared Philosophy of Giving
This event is part of Atmosphere Core’s growing wine program, inspired by its Joy of Giving philosophy. Launched in 2021 with the luxury THE OZEN COLLECTION, the program has since expanded to other brands in the group. Furthermore, collaborations with Spanish winery Bodegas Martín Códax and Italy’s Bottega SpA followed alongside the ongoing Glenelly partnership.
Whether you’re raising a glass of Lady May to the sunset or savoring a guided tasting under the stars, this August promises a blend of rich stories, exquisite flavors, and island magic.
