Sommelier

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Sommelier is responsible for managing the resort’s wine and beverage programme, recommending wines to guests, taking orders, and ensuring professional service in restaurants and bars. Candidates should have recognized wine qualifications or strong practical knowledge of wines, regions, grape varieties, and food pairing. Previous experience in a luxury hotel, resort, or fine-dining environment is normally expected, along with excellent communication and guest-service skills. The role requires confidence, cultural awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to train colleagues. Candidates should be comfortable working flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays, while maintaining product quality, responsible alcohol service, stock control, and Marriott’s luxury hospitality standards.

About the employer

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is a luxury island hospitality operation associated with Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hotel companies. JW Marriott properties focus on refined service, elegant accommodation, exceptional dining, wellness, and personalized guest experiences. A Maldives resort typically serves international leisure travelers and provides a range of restaurants, bars, activities, spa services, and excursions. Employees work in a multicultural environment where attention to detail, discretion, product knowledge, and warm service are highly valued. Resort teams commonly receive accommodation, meals, transportation within the property, uniforms, training, and other benefits, depending on the employment contract. The Sommelier would support the food-and-beverage team by enhancing wine sales, guest satisfaction, beverage standards, and staff knowledge.

Working in Maldives

The Maldives offers strong opportunities in luxury resorts, especially in food and beverage, culinary, housekeeping, diving, spa, engineering, guest services, and management. Life is relaxed but work is demanding, with employees usually living on the resort island rather than in a local town. Maldivian culture is shaped by Islam, island traditions, fishing, marine life, and close community values; modest dress and respectful behavior are important outside resort areas. Staff accommodation, meals, Wi-Fi, and recreation are commonly provided, although facilities vary. Foreign employees generally need an employer-sponsored work visa or work permit, and should not begin employment without proper approval. Before relocating, confirm salary, service charge, accommodation, insurance, flights, leave, contract length, and tax arrangements. Travel is usually through Velana International Airport, followed by a speedboat or seaplane transfer. The climate is tropical, hot, humid, and affected by seasonal monsoons.