This September, the Maldives raises a glass once again to Galician wine and sun-drenched celebrations as the Martín Códax Wine Gala returns to three COLOURS OF OBLU resorts. After a warmly received debut last year, the gala brings fresh energy, new vintages, and an expanded lineup of experiences, offering guests a vibrant, sensory journey that blends culture, cuisine, and community.
This time around, the second edition of the wine gala kicks off at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO on 31 August and 1 September, then moves to OBLU SELECT Sangeli on 3 and 4 September, and finally wraps up at the adults-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili on 6 and 7 September.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, shares insight into what makes this year’s series even more exciting.
Experience-Led Evenings Bring Joy to the Forefront
To start, Laguette explains that the Martín Códax Wine Gala reflects the way today’s travellers seek authentic, one-of-a-kind moments.
“These aren’t formal tastings,” he says. “The OBLU Wine Galas are a total vibe. Think music, sun-kissed evenings, wine stories from Galicia, and an energy that’s just electric.”
In other words, he describes the event as “Spain’s soulful way of wining and dining – reimagined in paradise,” where guests enjoy good company and storytelling just as much as they enjoy the wine itself.
A New Vintage Adds to the Celebration
This year’s edition also introduces a standout: the Martín Códax Organistrum Albariño, a 2024 award-winning white wine made entirely from Albariño grapes. The winery named the wine after a medieval string instrument celebrated for its harmonious tones. According to Laguette, the wine reflects that same balance — “expressive, elegant, and absolutely divine with seafood.”
On top of that, guests will also get to meet Paula Lobato, the official brand ambassador of Bodegas Martín Códax, who will host the series across all three resorts.
“Her enthusiasm and knowledge will bring the entire experience to life – from grape to glass,” says Laguette.
Each Island Offers Its Own Gala Experience
Each COLOURS OF OBLU resort delivers a unique take on the celebration. While all events are paired thoughtfully with Martín Códax wines, the vibe, cuisine, and setting shift from island to island.
- At Helengeli, guests enjoy a two-night experience: first, a progressive Indian feast at Raga Route, and then, a relaxed, barefoot beach dinner at Just Grill the next evening.
- At Sangeli, the gala begins with a golden-hour soirée on One Banyan Island, followed by a multi-course, wine-paired dinner split across JustWok and Just Grill.
- At Lobigili, often called the “island of love,” the experience takes a more intimate turn. Here, guests gather at Ylang Ylang for a globally inspired tasting menu paired with select wines. All designed to spark connection, romance, and quiet indulgence.
In short, no two gala nights are alike.
The Wines Come with a Story
Behind the scenes, COLOURS OF OBLU partnered with Bodegas Martín Códax after years of research, tastings, and value alignment. The winery, founded in 1985, takes its name from a medieval Galician troubadour who sang of love and coastal life.
Today, more than 600 families in Spain’s Rías Baixas region form the Martín Códax collective. They grow vines using the traditional emparrado trellising system, which lifts the vines off the ground to welcome the Atlantic breeze, a technique that, over time, shapes the bright, mineral-rich flavour of their wines.
According to Laguette, “We look for authenticity, strong family values, and expressive terroir-driven wines that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the Maldives. It’s a beautiful blend of time-honoured techniques and modern innovation that results in vibrant, unmistakably Galician wines.”
Guests of All Backgrounds Can Enjoy It
At its heart, the Martín Códax Wine Gala makes wine culture more approachable. Whether someone’s a wine enthusiast or just wine-curious, the format welcomes all.
“Wine is a universal language,” says Laguette. “When combined with great food, storytelling, music, and meaningful conversation, it becomes something unforgettable.”
More importantly, the gatherings go beyond wine appreciation, they focus on human connection.
“Our guests, our team, and our winemaking partners gather around the table with incredible food, wine stories, and laughter flowing just as freely as the vintages. It is island life, enriched.”
Complimentary for In-Resort Guests
As always, guests staying under COLOURS OF OBLU’s all-inclusive Holiday Plans can attend the Martín Códax Wine Gala at no additional cost. That said, seats fill quickly so advance reservations are highly recommended.
In Laguette’s words, “We’ll bring the wine and the wonder, you bring your appetite and a love for new experiences.”
