At The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, creativity has long been treated as an essential part of island life. In 2026, the resort’s Tastemaker Series returns with a carefully curated roster of global talents, reinforcing its position as a destination where culture, craft, and meaningful exchange unfold far from the expected.
Rather than operating as a calendar of events, Tastemaker is conceived as a series of intimate encounters, moments where guests are invited into the worlds of chefs, winemakers, mixologists, wellness practitioners, and athletes whose work is defined by mastery and longevity. Each appearance is shaped to suit the rhythm of the island, allowing conversation, technique, and atmosphere to take precedence over spectacle.
The season opens in January with Gianluca Renzi, whose approach to Italian cuisine balances tradition with contemporary clarity. His residency spans refined, wine-led dining experiences, a hands-on gnocchi masterclass, and a signature dinner set against sweeping ocean views. Renzi’s presence establishes the tone for the year ahead: generous, grounded, and rooted in craft, with food acting as both expression and invitation.
February brings a shift toward the bar and cellar. Felice Capasso, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, takes over The Whale Bar with a programme that explores mixology as narrative rather than novelty. A dynamic bar takeover is followed by an intimate masterclass, where Capasso delves into the relationship between flavour, intuition, and storytelling, revealing how great cocktails are built as much on restraint as creativity.
Shortly after, Burgundy’s winemaking heritage arrives in the Maldives through Romaric Chavy of Domaine Chavy-Chouet. His guided tasting and hosted dinner offer guests a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of France’s most nuanced regions, exploring terroir, balance, and the quiet confidence that defines great Burgundy wines. It is an encounter that privileges dialogue over formality, and understanding over display.
Wellness forms an equally considered pillar of the series. From 9 to 23 February, Akiko Igarashi returns as Visiting Practitioner, bringing decades of experience in Reiki, sound healing, and holistic practice. Her sessions, ranging from Tibetan Singing Bowl journeys to bespoke couples’ treatments, are designed to cultivate inner stillness and emotional harmony. In the resort’s serene setting, wellness becomes less about intervention and more about reconnection.
In March, the focus turns to sport as former World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber joins the Tastemaker lineup. Through private coaching sessions, a children’s clinic, on-court interactions, and relaxed conversations, Kerber shares elite insight while maintaining an approachable presence that resonates with players of all levels. Her sessions reflect the series’ wider ethos: excellence shared generously, without intimidation.
April sees the arrival of Michelin-starred British chef Glynn Purnell, whose modern British cooking is defined by technical precision and unmistakable warmth. His residency includes a showcase dinner, an intimate cooking class, and a signature finale at The Whale Bar. Purnell’s appearance feels like a natural culmination of the season, confident, personable, and rooted in connection as much as cuisine.
The programme continues into May with Feliciano López, one of tennis’s most respected figures. Renowned for his elegant serve-and-volley style, remarkable longevity, and Open Era record for consecutive Grand Slam appearances, López brings a wealth of professional insight to the island. His curated guest sessions explore advanced technique, movement, and match awareness within a relaxed, conversational setting that reflects the spirit of the Tastemaker Series itself.
With its 2026 edition, the Tastemaker Series continues to evolve as a defining element of the St. Regis Maldives experience. It is an invitation into a world where excellence is shared quietly, discovery is encouraged organically, and every encounter is designed to linger long after the island fades from view.
