Marriott International once again showcased innovation behind the bar with the return of the 2025 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship ‘Rising Stars.’ Now in its second year, the competition gathered eight skilled bartenders from Marriott Bonvoy resorts across the Maldives, each tasked with reimagining classic cocktails through sustainable practices. The event took place on July 12, 2025, at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, serving as a stage to highlight emerging mixologists who combine zero-waste methods with local storytelling and culturally significant ingredients. The contest concluded with Eresta Diantara from The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, being declared the Maldives winner. She earned the chance to represent the country at the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) Regional Finals scheduled for September in Bangkok, Thailand.
Under the theme ‘Reviving Forgotten Ingredients,’ the 2025 edition encouraged participants to explore lesser-used island-grown components, incorporating upcycled garnishes and native fruits and herbs. Each cocktail reflected thoughtful craftsmanship rooted deeply in the local environment. The finalists represented a broad spectrum of resorts, including 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 Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
Eresta’s winning creation, named Golden Atoll, symbolized the harmony between tradition and nature that characterizes Maldivian identity. The cocktail captures the essence of the islands, where turquoise waters meet pristine sands beneath a golden sun, embodying resilience and sustainability. Golden Atoll tells the story of the Maldives’ rich heritage and enduring bond with its ocean and land through a vibrant and elegant blend.
“This year’s Bartender Championship celebrates heritage, innovation, and sustainability. With the theme ‘Reviving Forgotten Ingredients,’ we are delving into the Maldives’ rich but often overlooked local flavors,” said Egbert Casasas, Senior Director of Operations, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Alongside our partner Pernod Ricard, we’re discovering outstanding talents while elevating bartending’s role in driving a more sustainable and revenue-focused hospitality industry. Our finalists competed at the destination level today, and in September, Eresta Diantara will represent the Maldives among Asia Pacific’s top bartenders, carrying the spirit of our islands in every pour.”
Reflecting on her win, Eresta Diantara, Bar Supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, said, “Winning the APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship ‘Rising Stars’ is one of the proudest moments of my career. Representing the Maldives at this level is a tremendous honor. The preparation took nearly a month — from sourcing sustainable ingredients to perfecting the concept and ensuring the drink’s visual appeal aligned with sustainability values. Every detail mattered. Looking forward to the finals, I am most excited about connecting with talented bartenders across the region. Beyond the competition, the friendships and shared passion make this experience unforgettable.”
The APEC Regional Finals will be held over two days in Bangkok, Thailand, in September 2025, bringing together top bartenders from across the region. The program includes workshops, brand-led immersions, and networking sessions, offering participants the opportunity to refine their skills and engage with leaders in the regional mixology scene. The event will culminate in the selection of the 2025 APEC Marriott International Sustainable ‘Rising Star,’ who will receive a grand prize including an all-expenses-paid visit to the House of Código in Mexico—a Pernod Ricard Brand Home—regional media exposure, and a guest bartending tour across some of Asia Pacific’s most renowned bars.
The 2025 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship exemplifies Marriott International’s commitment to responsible hospitality by proving that exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability are complementary. As a regional initiative, the competition highlights inventive talent, spotlights local ingredients, and promotes purposeful progress across Asia Pacific. Guided by Marriott International’s Serve 360 commitment, the program redefines mixology as a creative space where innovation meets environmental consciousness, shaping a more sustainable future for the beverage industry.
For more information about the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, visit www.marriott.com/maldives.