Home>Blog>Bar Benfiddich’s Hiroyasu Kayama to bring world-renowned mixology to W Maldives
06 July 2026
Bar Benfiddich’s Hiroyasu Kayama to bring world-renowned mixology to W Maldives
W Maldives will host internationally acclaimed Japanese mixologist Hiroyasu Kayama and Tokyo’s celebrated Bar Benfiddich from 18 to 21 August 2026, bringing one of Asia’s most respected cocktail programmes to the Maldives as part of the resort’s The Wavemaker Edit: Island Alchemy series.
For chefs, bartenders and beverage professionals, the residency represents a rare opportunity to experience the philosophy and techniques of one of the world's most influential cocktail pioneers, whose work has helped redefine modern mixology through craftsmanship, ingredient sourcing and storytelling.
Bar Benfiddich, the intimate 15-seat venue hidden in Tokyo, is currently ranked No. 18 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 and No. 9 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, following its recognition as The Best Bar in Japan 2025. The bar has earned an international reputation for creating highly personalised cocktails built around seasonal botanicals, heritage ingredients and bespoke guest experiences.
At the heart of that philosophy is Hiroyasu Kayama, whose approach extends far beyond traditional bartending. A mixologist, farmer, researcher and ingredient curator, Kayama cultivates many of the botanicals used in his cocktails on his family’s farm in Saitama while continuously exploring indigenous spirits, forgotten ingredients and historical techniques.
His work is widely recognised for blurring the boundaries between gastronomy and beverage craftsmanship, treating each cocktail as a carefully composed culinary experience.
During the residency, guests will have the opportunity to experience this philosophy through a series of guest shifts at SIP, W Maldives’ overwater cocktail bar.
On 18 and 19 August, Kayama will present four bespoke cocktails created exclusively for the residency. Inspired by the colours, botanicals and natural surroundings of the Maldives, the drinks combine Japanese precision with tropical ingredients and contemporary techniques.
Unlike traditional bar service, the sessions encourage direct interaction between guests and the mixologist, allowing participants to learn about ingredient selection, flavour development and the stories behind each creation.
For beverage professionals, the residency demonstrates the increasing importance of storytelling, provenance and seasonality within contemporary cocktail culture. Much like modern gastronomy, leading bars are moving beyond classic recipes to create drinks rooted in local ingredients, personal narratives and sensory experiences.
The collaboration concludes on 21 August with a poolside celebration at WET Deck, where Kayama will present a specially created cocktail menu designed for a more relaxed, social setting. Accompanied by live music and ocean views, the event will showcase a different side of his work while maintaining the attention to detail and craftsmanship that define Bar Benfiddich.
Commenting on the collaboration, General Manager Amila Handunwala said the residency reflects the resort’s commitment to introducing internationally recognised creative talent to the Maldives.
For the Maldives hospitality industry, Kayama’s visit also highlights the growing recognition of mixology as an integral part of culinary excellence. As food and beverage programmes become increasingly interconnected, collaborations with internationally acclaimed bartenders are creating valuable opportunities for chefs, sommeliers and beverage teams to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to flavour, ingredient sourcing and guest engagement.
