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

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