NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort and Planteray Rum Pioneer Underwater Ageing Technique to Redefine Spirit Maturation

(IN SHORT) NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, in partnership with Planteray Rum, has successfully completed a groundbreaking underwater ageing experiment, marking the first certified instance of rum being aged in glass bottles beneath the sea by a resort. Over a year-long period, the rum matured under stable ocean conditions, resulting in enhanced smoothness, complexity, and depth. The project highlights how environmental factors such as pressure and temperature can influence spirit development in new ways. Following the success of the initial batch, the initiative will continue with additional varieties and become a permanent part of the resort’s culinary and mixology offerings, giving guests a unique tasting experience shaped by the marine environment.

(PRESS RELEASE) MALDIVES, 2026-Mar-18 — /Travel PR News/ — NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has partnered with Planteray Rum to complete a pioneering experiment in spirit maturation, successfully achieving what is described as the world’s first certified underwater ageing of rum in glass bottles conducted by a resort. The initiative explores how oceanic conditions can influence the character and development of fine spirits.

Departing from traditional land-based ageing methods, the project submerged bottles of Planteray Rum ten metres below the surface for a full year. During this time, the rum was exposed to unique environmental factors, including steady hydrostatic pressure, gentle underwater currents, and stable temperatures. The bottles were secured in specially designed metal cages, carefully positioned by the resort’s dive specialists in a protected marine area that shielded them from excessive light and strong currents, allowing uninterrupted maturation.

When the rum was retrieved in December 2025 to coincide with the resort’s reopening, it revealed distinct sensory characteristics shaped by its marine environment. The bottles, marked by traces of marine life, carried a unique story of their underwater journey. Tasting evaluations highlighted enhanced smoothness, rounded flavour profiles, and increased complexity compared to traditionally aged counterparts.

Fannie Thibaud, Deputy Master Blender at Planteray Rum, noted that the interaction between time and environmental conditions beneath the sea creates a different maturation dynamic, resulting in a refined and more nuanced spirit. Valentin Osolos, General Manager of NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, described the project as an ambitious collaboration that blends innovation, craftsmanship, and storytelling, reflecting a new approach to spirit ageing inspired by the natural surroundings of the Maldives.

The underwater ageing took place within the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, where the surrounding marine ecosystem played an integral role in shaping the final product. By allowing natural oceanic conditions to guide the maturation process, the experiment introduces a new dimension to traditional rum craftsmanship.

Following the success of the initial batch, Planteray Rum has already expanded the initiative, entrusting additional varieties to undergo similar underwater ageing. The concept is set to become a permanent feature of the resort’s culinary and mixology offerings.

Guests at the resort can now experience the sea-aged rum through curated tasting experiences and signature cocktails at Handhuvaru, the resort’s dedicated mixology concept. Offerings include creations such as Chai on the Rocks, which combines aged rum with spiced tea notes, and Mocha Molasses, blending rich overproof rum with espresso and chocolate elements.

Planteray Rum, formerly known as Plantation Rum, has built a strong global reputation for quality and innovation, with multiple international awards recognizing its craftsmanship and distinctive flavour profiles. The collaboration with NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort represents a continuation of its commitment to exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of spirit production.

For more information about NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, please visit https://world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-collection-maldives-reethi.

About Planteray Rum

Formerly known as Plantation Rum, Planteray Rum embarked on a new journey in January 2024, embracing a rebrand that highlights the same world-class quality and passion that have defined the brand for over 25 years. Recognized by its iconic raffia-wrapped bottles, Planteray is celebrated globally for its depth, complexity, and the unique rum terroirs it represents.  Named Best Rum Brand of the Year 2024 by The Spirits Business, and awarded Best Caribbean Rum 2025 by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Planteray Rum’s flagship expression, XO 20th Anniversary, is one of the most awarded XO rums in history. In 2025, Planteray’s coconut expression, Cut & Dry, was named Best New Spirit in the World at the Spirited Awards® by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, further recognition of the brand’s bold innovation and deep Barbadian roots.

For more information, visit www.planterayrum.com and follow @PlanterayRum on Facebook & Instagram.

About NH Collection Hotels & Resorts

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts is a premium hospitality brand with over 100 properties across Europe and the Americas and a growing global footprint in Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean. Offering worldly travellers stays that evoke extraordinary feelings, NH Collection perfectly combines comfort, innovation, intuitive service, an elegant atmosphere, and surprising flavours, all embedded in the local identity.

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Visit nh-collection.com for more information and connect with NH Collection on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640* hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

*Property count includes operating properties as well as committed developments through ownership, joint ventures, signed leases and management agreements.

Media contacts:

Mark Thomson
Group Director of PR and Communications
mthomson@minor.com
+66 (0)2 365 7678

JJ Minder
Assistant Director of Public Relations & Communications
jminder@minor.com

SOURCE: Minor Hotels