Finolhu Baa Atoll Brings Home 15 Awards From Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge 2024!

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives shone brightly at the 2024 Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge. The team brought home 15 awards, affirming the resort’s excellence and commitment to curating exceptional gastronomic experiences.

Over the three days of culinary action, the Seaside Finolhu Chefs battled amongst some of the best chefs in the Maldives over different categories at Maldives National University. The event celebrated the pinnacle of Maldivian and international hospitality. Captivating exhibits of final dishes were showcased at Dharubaaruge, Male’.

Seaside Finolhu Maldives took part in 13 categories. The team has proudly brought home 14 medals at this year’s events. With the guidance of the older chefs and the culinary team, the aspiring chefs displayed exemplary skills. Additionally, their passion towards forging flavourful cuisines assures endless possibilities for the guests’ gastronomical experiences across all dining outlets.

Competing Chefs and Their Awards:

Vishwa Malshan – Won the Top Fold medal in the Young Chef category. Additionally, won the Bronze medal in the Creative Salad category.
Kawsar Miah – Won the Top medal in the Bread & Pasty Display category.
Chamindu Laksitha – Won the Silver Medal in the Hot Cooking Beef category. Also won a Bronze medal in the Hot Cooking Poultry category.
Megahnath Ram Kumar – Won three Silver medals in the Vegetarian Dish, Hot Cooking – Lobster and Hot Cooking – Lamb Categories.
Nikitha – Won the Silver medal in the Creative Beverage Category.
Edi Wayan Arista – Silver medal in the Creative Beverage category.
Sandeep Badari – Won two Bronze medals in the Hot Cooking – Fish Fillet and Hot Cooking – Lobster category.
Pentameedi Jagadeesh – Won the silver medal in the Team Challenge Category.
Thilina Fonseka – Won the Silver medal in the Creative Salad Category and a Merit Award in the Team Challenge category.

The awardees were welcomed by Seaside Finolhu Maldives with a grand homecoming organised by the management and fellow islands. This was a proud moment for the winning team in assuring Seaside Finolhu’s place in the culinary scene. Moreover, this is also a step towards further enhancing the gourmet dining experiences at the resort for the guests in the years to come.

Traveling with toddlers or young kids often feels overwhelming, but when you prepare well, your family adventure becomes smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Whether you’re flying short distances or tackling a long-haul journey, these practical travel tips will help you navigate airports, planes, and destinations with confidence. From smart packing to calming meltdowns, here’s your essential guide to flying with kids.

1. Tire Out Toddlers Before the Flight

Let your kids burn off energy at the airport before boarding. Visit a children’s play area or soft play zone near your gate if your airport has one. Encourage running, climbing, and moving around to help them settle once you board. If play areas aren’t available, take brisk walks through the terminal or let them climb stairs to stay active.

2. Choose the Best Seats for Comfort and Convenience

Book the right seats to improve everyone’s comfort. On long-haul flights, grab seats in the middle section of the emergency exit row for extra space and easy bathroom access. Choose window seats to entertain kids with views during takeoff and landing.

3. Take Advantage of Early Boarding

Use early boarding to get your family settled without the crowd. Most airlines offer pre-boarding for families with young children. Use this time to stash carry-ons, set up car seats, and get kids comfortable before the aisles fill up. Ask staff politely for help with strollers or expedited security if needed.

4. Pack Smart and Light Without Skipping Essentials

Streamline your packing without sacrificing toddler must-haves. Borrow or rent bulky items like strollers and car seats at your destination to reduce your load. Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and essentials in your carry-on. Use a multi-compartment “snackle box” filled with your child’s favorite treats to keep them busy and satisfied during the flight.

5. Manage Ear Pressure with Easy Solutions

Prevent ear pain during takeoff and landing. Offer your baby a pacifier or bottle. Give older toddlers something to chew—like a dissolvable lollipop or gum. Teach them to yawn or blow gently while pinching their nose. Use saline sprays if they have a stuffy nose to avoid added discomfort.

6. Bring Comfort Items and Entertainment

Create a travel “goodie bag” to keep kids entertained and comforted. Include familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, along with quiet toys, coloring books, child-friendly headphones, and a tablet loaded with shows or games. Bring an inflatable footrest or cushion to help them stretch out and rest comfortably.

7. Plan Flights and Stopovers Around Your Toddler’s Routine

Book night flights to align with your child’s sleep schedule and reduce jet lag. Plan stopovers carefully—choose longer layovers if they offer a chance to nap, eat, or play. When possible, adjust your toddler’s sleep routine a few days before travel to ease the transition.

8. Stay Flexible and Embrace the Chaos

Build flexibility into your travel plans. Avoid overloading your itinerary and allow time for snacks, bathroom breaks, or detours. Stay calm during tantrums and respond with patience. When you embrace the unpredictable moments, you create better experiences and lower everyone’s stress levels.

9. Use Family-Friendly Accommodations and Airlines

Book hotels or vacation rentals that cater to families. Look for places with high chairs, cribs, separate sleeping spaces, or kid-friendly amenities like pools and play areas. Fly with airlines known for family service—many offer toddler meals, in-flight entertainment packs, and helpful staff. Confirm stroller policies and bring travel accessories like seat extenders or portable beds to enhance comfort on board.

10. Travel with Extra Support

Bring friends, family, or a partner whenever possible. Shared childcare lightens your load and allows everyone a break. If you’re flying solo, ask airline or airport staff for help and plan to meet local support at your destination. A little assistance goes a long way.

Make Your Next Family Flight a Breeze

Flying with toddlers doesn’t have to feel like a mission. When you plan smart, pack efficiently, and stay adaptable, you make family travel easier and more fun. Whether it’s your child’s first flight or one of many, each journey creates lasting memories. Use these travel tips to keep your toddler happy and your stress levels low. You’ve got this—happy travels!

Check out these 8 family-friendly retreats in the Maldives for a summer holiday!

Feature Image: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa