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Jennifer Aniston dreams of Maldives escape

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Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has revealed that the Maldives tops her travel bucket list — a destination she’s eager to explore as she works through a lifelong fear of flying.

In a recent interview with Travel + Leisure, the Emmy-winning actress said she dreams of visiting “white sandy beaches and clear, crystal blue water,” specifically naming the Maldives alongside Japan as two places she still hopes to visit. “I’ve never been to the Maldives,” she shared, expressing a deep desire to finally experience its tropical beauty.

However, Aniston’s travel aspirations have long been challenged by what she calls an “extreme fear of flying.” The 56-year-old Friends alum opened up about her decades-long battle with aviation anxiety, which once saw her follow pre-flight rituals like tapping the outside of the aircraft with her right palm and stepping onto the plane with her right foot.

But Aniston is determined to change that. “I have been doing some hypnosis lately, and one of the requirements is to remove all of those superstitions,” she told the outlet. “I have not been doing the right hand, right foot — and now it’s shockingly good!”

The actress also recommended meditative practices once onboard, including “plugging into a good meditation” to ease into the journey.

Despite her challenges, Aniston has enjoyed travel for both work and leisure. She fondly recalled Kauai, Hawaii — where she filmed Just Go With It — as her favourite filming location, with Lake Como coming in as a close second. Yet, the Maldives remains unexplored territory for her, and one she hopes to check off soon.

This isn’t the first time the actress has publicly addressed her fear of flying. In a 2019 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, she recounted a flight that had to return mid-air after suspected debris from the aircraft’s wheel was discovered on the runway — an experience that only deepened her aviation anxieties.

Still, Aniston is making progress. As she continues to face her fears with a mix of hypnosis and mindfulness, fans of the actress — and Maldivian tourism stakeholders — can remain hopeful that the sun-drenched shores of the Maldives will soon welcome yet another high-profile visitor.

And when that day comes, Aniston just might find what she’s been searching for all along: peace in paradise.

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island introduces Roarsome-themed adventure programme

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Ventive Hospitality has announced a pioneering collaboration between Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Roarsome Outdoor Kidswear, marking what is believed to be the first partnership of its kind between a luxury resort and a purpose-driven children’s outdoor apparel brand.

The initiative brings Roarsome’s adventure-led philosophy to one of the world’s most iconic island destinations, creating immersive outdoor experiences designed to encourage children to step away from screens and reconnect with nature.

Set against the extraordinary natural backdrop of the Maldives, the collaboration will introduce Roarsome-themed adventure experiences for young guests, including interactive treasure hunts across the island, imaginative exploration trails, and nature-inspired outdoor activities designed to spark curiosity about the ocean and the environment.

Children visiting the resort will be invited to participate in Roarsome Adventure Quests, using bespoke illustrated maps and storytelling-driven challenges that guide them across the island while discovering marine life, natural habitats and sustainability initiatives. The partnership also introduces exclusive Roarsome merchandise and adventure gear available at the resort, allowing families to bring a piece of the experience home.

“Hospitality has the power to shape experiences that stay with people for life especially young minds” said Ranjit Batra. “Roarsome’s mission to get kids off screens and back into the outdoors is both timely and important. Through Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, we are bringing that mission to life in one of the most extraordinary natural environments in the world. This first-of-its-kind collaboration shows how hospitality and purpose-driven brands can come together to shape a future rooted in purpose and sustainability, where we constantly strive to create a better world for the next generation’

Roarsome creates durable outdoor adventure clothing for children aged 1–10, with 90% of its products made from recycled plastic bottles using innovative textile technologies such as REPREVE® and FENC® TopGreen®.

Recognised among the BE100 2025 list of the world’s most innovative purpose-led brands, Roarsome has embedded sustainability across every aspect of its operations, from manufacturing and materials to packaging, fulfilment and resale.

For Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the partnership enhances its reputation as a destination where families can experience the wonders of the natural world — from vibrant coral reefs to unique island ecosystems — while inspiring young travellers to become future stewards of the planet.

For Ventive Hospitality, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting brands and collaborations that combine innovation, sustainability and meaningful global impact.

As Roarsome continues its international expansion, the collaboration at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island marks a significant step in bringing its spirit of adventure to families visiting one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.Located in the South Ari Atoll, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is globally recognised for its distinctive experiences, including the iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first all-glass underwater dining venue, as well as its award-winning culinary offerings and immersive marine experiences.

The Easter takeover will further enhance the resort’s family offerings, bringing together adventure, storytelling and island discovery to create a memorable holiday experience for guests of all ages.

The Roarsome Treasure Hunt will be available to all guests on a complimentary basis from 2nd April 2026.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Roarsome are offering each family visiting between 31st March – 7th April 2026 a GBP 60 voucher for the Roarsome website to purchase a swimwear outfit to use at the Roarsome Runway show. They’ll also receive FREE accessories and goodies during the Roarsome Runway fashion show.

Little explorers stay and dine FREE (for up to two children under 12), with complimentary access to the Kid’s Club and family cooking classes. Includes 25% savings on return seaplane transfers, complimentary snorkelling and non-motorised watersports, a lagoon tour and a visit to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant for canapés.

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Anantara Veli unveils all-female Michelin guest chef series

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An adult-only sanctuary set amid crystalline lagoon waters, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort unveils an inspired celebration of culinary artistry with its fourth Michelin Star Guest Chef Series, featuring an exceptional all-female lineup. Set within the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, acclaimed chefs from around the world bring their distinctive perspectives and Michelin-starred mastery to the island for a series of exclusive dining experiences.

From the sun-soaked coasts of Italy to the vibrant streets of Bombay and the refined ateliers of Paris, each residency offers guests the opportunity to savour refined flavours, creative expression and the evolving voice of women in global gastronomy, thoughtfully curated in Anantara Style.

Kick-starting the series back in January was Chef Caterina Ceraudo, whose Calabrian-rooted cuisine reflects the landscapes and traditions of Southern Italy through a contemporary lens. Known for her thoughtful approach to ingredients and refined techniques, her dishes honoured the connection between land, heritage and modern Italian creativity.

Chef Gabriela Chamorro brought the vibrant spirit of Dubai’s cosmopolitan dining scene to the island last February. Her residency showcased bold flavours and contemporary flair, with standout dishes such as a Buñuelo with tuna tartare, guava jam and black garlic aioli, balancing sweetness, richness and bright coastal notes in a single elegant creation.

Looking ahead, the series continues with an inspiring lineup of female chefs from around the world, each bringing their own perspective and culinary artistry to the island.

Among them is Chef Kelly Rangama, a Michelin-starred chef and winner of Top Chef France, known for weaving her Creole heritage into refined French cuisine. Her signature Rougail Saucisse elevates the beloved Réunion Island classic of smoky sausage, tomato and aromatic spices with contemporary finesse.

Also joining the series is Michelin-starred Chef Emily Roux, of the legendary Roux family. Known for her elegant and inventive French-inspired cuisine, Chef Emily has earned the recognition through her restaurant Caractère in London and her place within one of Britain’s most iconic culinary dynasties. Her Seared John Dory with beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables showcases her refined technique and mastery of balanced, expressive flavours.

From the land of the rising sun, Chef Nao Motohashi of Restaurant JULIA brings the precision and quiet elegance of Japanese cuisine to the series. Known for her refined approach to seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique, Chef Nao creates dishes that balance purity, harmony and visual artistry. Her cooking reflects the philosophy of Japanese gastronomy, where flavour, texture and presentation come together in thoughtful simplicity, offering guests a dining experience that is both delicate and deeply expressive.

Expanding the chef list from its usual Michelin-starred lineup, visiting chefs for the rest of the year include Chef Iris Jordan Martin of Restaurant Ansils in Aragon, Spain, winner of the 2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, UK and Chef Niyati Rao of Ekaa in Bombay, India.

“We’re excited to have an all-female lineup this year. The culinary scene is a male-dominated industry, but there are many female chefs out there whom we believe deserves the same recognition and our team of chefs would benefit tremendously from this experience,” said Culinary Director, Chef Francis Purification.

He added, “Each residency features collaborative dinners with our chefs, cooking classes and a long table dinner, hosted by a member of our family, allowing guests to engage not only with delicious food but with the stories and inspirations behind it.”

For more information on the dinner, visit www.anantara.com or email fbcoordinator.amd@anantara.com.

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Loredana to attend Caravela opening at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

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NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has announced the upcoming visit of Romanian artist Loredana, marking a cultural exchange between Romania and the Maldives.

Often described as “The Artist Who Turned Romanian Pop into an Evolving Art Form”, Loredana has played a significant role in shaping Romania’s music scene over several decades. Her work spans multiple genres, including Romanian folk, pop, electronic, and Balkan influences, reflecting an approach that combines traditional elements with contemporary styles. She is recognised for continuously evolving her sound, image, and performances, while maintaining a strong presence across generations through collaborations and creative reinvention.

During her stay, Loredana will serve as Guest of Honour at the opening of Caravela, the resort’s new fine-dining restaurant, scheduled for 26 March 2026. The restaurant is positioned as a refined culinary offering that integrates the standards of NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort with its natural island setting.

The visit also reflects growing interest among Romanian travellers in the Maldives, with NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort attracting guests through its location in Baa Atoll, marine environment, and hospitality offering.

Located in Baa Atoll, the resort provides a setting focused on open spaces and island experiences. The property continues to position itself as a destination for international travellers.

The resort stated that it is hosting Loredana as part of its efforts to highlight connections between music, culture, and gastronomy, while reinforcing links between Romania and the Maldives.

“We are truly honoured to welcome Loredana to NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort,” said General Manager Valentin Osolos. “Her visit represents a wonderful cultural connection between Romania and the Maldives, and we are especially delighted that she will join us as Guest of Honour for the opening of our new fine dining restaurant, Caravela. Moments like these celebrate not only gastronomy and hospitality, but also the growing relationship between our destinations and the shared passion for travel, culture, and meaningful experiences.”

The resort noted that such visits contribute to ongoing cultural exchange and tourism engagement between the two destinations.

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