The spirit of innovation and excellence took center stage on April 25, 2025 at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, as Aitken Spence Hotels proudly hosted the Spence Mixology Challenge Grand Finale. More than just a competition, it was a powerful celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary talent nurtured within the Aitken Spence Maldives resort family.

Launched as a sector-wide training initiative across all five Aitken Spence Maldives properties, the challenge aimed to upskill associates in the art of mixology while inspiring new levels of passion and performance. The campaign attracted an impressive 119 associates who participated in hands-on training sessions and resort-level competitions, each driven by a personal desire to learn, grow, and elevate the guest experience.

Following a series of highly competitive preliminaries, 41 mixologists showcased their skills at resort-level events. From these, five resort champions, five first runners-up, and two wild card entries from the second runner-up pool advanced to the Grand Finale — a gathering of 12 exceptional finalists representing the finest talent across the group.

The finale was a dazzling display of flair, precision, and originality. Each finalist brought forward unique creations, impressing both a panel of expert judges and an audience of in-house guests with their storytelling, technique, and presentation. The event served as a vibrant expression of competition values: Passion, Purpose, and Potential of Spensonians and exemplified the group’s deep commitment to developing its people.

Winners of the Grand Finale:

• Champion – Mr. Kailash Singh – Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi
• 1st Runner-Up – Mr. Janaka Mendis – Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
• 2nd Runner-Up – Mr. Shalitha Dilshan – Adaaran Club Rannalhi

These winners were recognized with exciting prizes and tokens of appreciation in recognition of their excellence. Their creations captivated the audience, not only for their craftsmanship but for the passion and professionalism that radiated in every pour and presentation.

“It was inspiring to see how much effort and artistry the associates brought to this competition,” shared one guest. “Every cocktail told a story, and the energy in the room was simply unforgettable.”

Adding a lasting educational dimension to the initiative, the Aitken Spence Learning & Development team launched an exclusive online learning module titled “Essence of Mixology.” Now accessible via the Group’s Learning Management System (LMS), this resource ensures continued knowledge sharing and development opportunities for all associates — a reflection of Aitken Spence’s long-standing dedication to lifelong learning and internal capacity building.

Special appreciation goes to the Learning and Development team for their vision, commitment, and flawless execution of a truly world-class event. Their efforts reaffirm Aitken Spence Hotels’ role as a pioneer in associate development and its unwavering belief that investing in people is key to delivering service excellence.

As they celebrate this remarkable journey, they salute the commitment, creativity, and heart of every participant. The Spence Mixology Challenge will be remembered not only as a highlight of the year but as a defining moment of growth, inspiration, and the limitless potential of their people.