Marriott’s Sustainable Bartender Championship showcases Maldivian talent

Marriott International has once again ignited creativity behind the bar with the return of the 2025 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship ‘Rising Stars’. Now in its second year, the competition brought together eight talented bartenders from resorts within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in the Maldives, each tasked with reimagining classic cocktails through the lens of sustainability. Held on 12 July 2025 at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, the event provided a platform to showcase emerging mixologists who are redefining the craft through zero-waste techniques, local storytelling, and the use of culturally rooted ingredients.

Eresta Diantara of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, was named the Maldives winner, securing the opportunity to represent the country at the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) Regional Finals this September in Bangkok, Thailand.

Centred around the theme ‘Reviving Forgotten Ingredients’, this year’s competition challenged participants to highlight underutilised, island-grown elements—ranging from upcycled garnishes to native fruits and herbs. Each cocktail presented on the night embodied a sense of thoughtful technique and a deep-rooted connection to place. The finalists hailed from The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; W Maldives; JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; and the host resort, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

Eresta’s winning creation, Golden Atoll, paid tribute to the harmony between tradition and nature that defines the Maldivian identity. Inspired by the shimmering atolls of the Indian Ocean—where the golden sun meets turquoise waves—the cocktail is a vibrant, elegant interpretation of the islands’ rich heritage and enduring connection to both ocean and land.

“This year’s Bartender Championship is a celebration of heritage, innovation, and sustainability. Under the theme ‘Reviving Forgotten Ingredients’, we’re diving deep into the rich and often overlooked local flavours of the Maldives,” said Egbert Casasas, Senior Director of Operations, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Together with our valued partner, Pernod Ricard, we’re discovering remarkable talents while also elevating the role of bartending in shaping a more sustainable and revenue-driven hospitality industry. Today’s finalists competed at the destination level — and come September, Eresta Diantara will represent the Maldives among the finest in Asia Pacific, bringing the spirit of our islands to every pour.”

“Winning the APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship ‘Rising Stars’ is truly one of the proudest moments of my career,” said Eresta Diantara, Bar Supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. “Representing the Maldives on this stage has been an incredible honour. The preparation journey took nearly a month—from carefully sourcing sustainable ingredients and refining the concept, to ensuring the drink was visually striking and stayed true to the values of sustainability. Every detail mattered. Looking ahead to the finals, what excites me most is the chance to connect with talented bartenders from across the region. Beyond the competition, it’s the friendships and shared passion that make this experience unforgettable.”

The APEC Regional Finals will take place over two days in Bangkok, Thailand, this September, gathering top bartenders from across the region. The programme will include workshops, brand-led immersions, and networking sessions, providing participants with opportunities to hone their craft and engage with leading figures in regional mixology. The event will culminate in the crowning of the 2025 APEC Marriott International Sustainable ‘Rising Star’, who will receive a grand prize including an expenses-paid visit to the House of Código in Mexico—one of Pernod Ricard’s Brand Homes—regional media exposure, and a guest bartending tour across some of Asia Pacific’s most celebrated bars.

The 2025 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship reaffirms Marriott International’s commitment to responsible hospitality, proving that craftsmanship and sustainability can go hand in hand. As a regional initiative, the competition celebrates inventive talent, highlights the importance of local ingredients, and fosters meaningful progress throughout Asia Pacific. Guided by Marriott International’s Serve 360 commitment, the programme continues to reimagine mixology as a space where creativity meets conscious impact, shaping a more sustainable future for the beverage industry.