APPOINTMENT

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, has announced the appointment of Aleksandr Nakonechnyi as its new Sommelier. 

Aleksandr Nakonechnyi has joined the food and beverage team at Niyama Private Islands Maldives, bringing his expertise in wine curation and guest experience to the luxury resort.

Nakonechnyi began his hospitality career as a bartender at the Kempinski Grand Hotel Gelendzhik before moving to St. Petersburg and later to the Maldives, where he gained experience in luxury resort environments, including Soneva Jani.

In 2021, he joined Minor Hotels as Wine Guru at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, where he managed the resort’s wine collection at its underwater venue, SEA. During his tenure, he was involved in specialised wine initiatives and curated tasting experiences for guests.

At Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Nakonechnyi will contribute to the resort’s dining concepts, working across its signature venues. These include Edge, Subsix, Tribal, and Nest, where he will focus on developing wine and beverage pairings aligned with each dining experience.

Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives, said, “Aleksandr is a rare find, and we are so excited to have him join us, to charm our guests with his passion and infectious enthusiasm. As Niyama continues to evolve, he will play an invaluable role in creating even more intriguing wining and dining experiences.”

In his new role, Nakonechnyi will work closely with the culinary team to refine wine programmes and support the overall guest dining experience across the property.