LUX* South Ari Atoll Appoints Antonello Manca as Executive Chef

LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas announced the appointment of Antonello Manca as the resort’s Executive Chef. Antonello brings over 20 years of remarkable experience which includes; heading the culinary teams at Kempinski in Amman, Dusit Thani and Paramount Hotel, both in Dubai. LUX* South Ari Atoll says he will take the resort to even greater culinary heights.

According to the idyllic resort, For Antonello, the love for food came at a very young age, and while closely observing his mother’s cooking in the kitchen, his passion grew from the age of 14. In his early 20s, he travelled around the world to discover new flavours before landing his first internship and realised that cooking was for him. Furthermore, with a clear vision, he aims to combine innovation with healthy, locally sourced and mindful cooking.

Growing up on a large island like Sardinia, with its provinces and towns, it was always easy to find plenty of clean products. Overall, the main source of products was strictly seasonal, which created a certain level of anticipation. I remember waiting for summer to come, so that we could eat melon gelato at the ice cream parlour, or the ripe grapes we picked every August. Growing our own vegetables and making our products from scratch truly shaped how I view the art of cooking. Working together with nature in a mindful and responsible way is something I wish to develop even further at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
Antonello Manca, Executive Chef at LUX* South Ari Atoll.

Also read: LUX* South Ari Atoll Wins Best Luxury Resort at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Award 2020

In addition to that, Antonello also said that Being a good chef requires a passion not only for food but also for encouraging your team to develop by trying new things without being afraid of criticism. He emphasized being on the hunt for innovative ways to further enhance the guests’ culinary experience has always been a vital requirement of success for him.

Discussing the upcoming culinary trends, Antonello shed light on the fact that people in general, especially travellers, have become more observant of the origin of products.

Chef Antonello will head LUX* South Ari Atoll’s culinary team of 110 team members from more than 12 nations. According to that resort, when he doesn’t give guests a culinary experience to remember, Antonello loves to go fishing and diving as he is a certified divemaster.

Feature image by LUX* South Ari Atoll

The first week of April has been a remarkable one for the Maldives’ tourism sector, with several key developments underscoring the country’s growing influence on the global stage. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has spearheaded several initiatives that highlight its unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism, international collaboration, and enhancing the nation’s tourism appeal. From launching a high-profile campaign with Liverpool Football Club to taking decisive steps toward a greener future, this week marks a pivotal moment for the Maldives’ tourism industry.

Tourism Promotion with Liverpool FC: A Landmark Partnership

One of the standout moments this week was, without a doubt, the official launch of the Maldives’ tourism promotion campaign in partnership with Liverpool Football Club (LFC). President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, joined by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, attended the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool FC and Everton, marking the global debut of this exciting collaboration. The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has, in fact, worked alongside LFC to run a co-branded tourism campaign across the UK, aiming to attract high-value travelers to the Maldives. Specifically, the campaign includes extensive outdoor and digital advertisements in prime locations like the London Underground, airports, and major billboards across Europe, promising the Maldives significant exposure in international markets.

Advancing Climate Action: Maldives Sets Example with Transparency and Sustainability

In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Maldives also focused on climate action this week. Notably, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment is currently undergoing a technical expert review of the nation’s first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), submitted as part of the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. This review will, in turn, assess the country’s efforts in managing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts. Ultimately, this review process demonstrates the Maldives’ dedication to global climate action, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.

Renewable Energy Progress: A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism

In a related effort to promote sustainability, the Ministry has signed an agreement to install 38 MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems across 18 islands. This initiative, backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is a significant step toward increasing the use of solar energy in the Maldives, thereby helping to reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel. Furthermore, this project is expected to not only save millions in fuel costs but also support the Maldives’ broader goals of becoming more environmentally resilient, ultimately further enhancing its appeal as an eco-conscious tourist destination.

Strengthening International Relations and Local Industry Development

Minister Thoriq Ibrahim met with officials from Pakistan to discuss cooperative efforts in waste management, a critical issue for the archipelago’s scattered islands. Additionally, the Minister welcomed Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador, Mrs. Ishigami Rumiko, to discuss climate mitigation, waste management, and energy transition, thus demonstrating the Maldives’ commitment to fostering strong international partnerships.

Moreover, Minister Ibrahim also met with the Maldives Association of HR Professionals to explore opportunities for developing the tourism workforce, ensuring that the Maldives can continue offering exceptional service to visitors. These discussions are, indeed, crucial for strengthening the Maldives’ tourism industry and its global competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

With a continued focus on sustainable tourism, international collaborations, and workforce development, the Maldives is positioning itself for long-term success in the global tourism market. The nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship, alongside initiatives like the partnership with Liverpool FC, will undoubtedly ensure it remains a top destination for travelers worldwide.

LUX* South Ari Atoll Appoints Antonello Manca as Executive Chef

Also read: LUX* South Ari Atoll Wins Best Luxury Resort at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Award 2020

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