Alila Kothaifaru Maldives to host Bar am Wasser takeover with Dirk Hany
Celebration of the Art of Drinks: An exquisite showcase of the artistry of crafting cocktails will take place at Alila Kothaifaru in the Maldives as they present renowned cocktail expert Dirk Hany in a rare experience on the island between March 10-14, 2026.
Hany is often referred to as ’The Cocktail Doctor’ due to his precision in creating cocktail recipes. He is also the owner and bartender of the award-winning Bar am Wasser in Zurich. During this five-day adventure on the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean, Hany will provide a unique look into creating cocktails by offering classes, hosting sunset celebrations and serving dinners.
The event will highlight Alila’s philosophy of providing luxury products through careful consideration of design and building long-lasting relationships with customers. All guests have an opportunity to learn about storytelling through the creation of cocktails and how to achieve the perfect balance of flavours, creativity and high-quality ingredients.
The event will kick-off with an intimate masterclass presented by Hany at the Umami Restaurant, where attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the techniques and philosophies behind his award-winning creations. After the masterclass, participants will be able to experience how to elevate their gathering during the magical transition to dusk (sunset) at the Mirus Bar. The Mirus Bar will be transformed into a chic cocktail lounge where guests will enjoy the sounds of island life while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails.
An exciting element of the upcoming week is The Shack Sundowner — a great location to indulge in handcrafted cocktails and the perfect accompanying bites with stunning views across the ocean. The experience will finish with the Sapor in Tavola pairing dinner at Pibati Sul Mare where Hany's exquisite cocktails will be perfectly matched with refined cuisine, creating a sensory culinary experience that showcases the innovation and unity of the two cuisines.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, explained that the goal of this partnership is to introduce internationally renowned mixology into an environment of natural tranquillity. He also commented that this partnership demonstrates the resort's dedication to providing immersive, artisanal experiences that resonate long after the event is over.
Danilo Paolella, Director of Food & Beverage added that Hany's ingredient-centric, story-based concept for cocktails aligns closely with the resort's own philosophy of gastronomy; each cocktail was created not only to be consumed but to be experienced.
The Bar am Wasser takeover is expected to create a wonderful week of flavour, craftsmanship, and connection as you blend the precise nature of Switzerland with the carefree cadence of the islands, and each cocktail contributes to a larger story created by the artistry and place of the cocktails.
