Male’, Maldives, 27th February 2024 – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Leonardo Valls as its new Executive Chef. With over 20 years of international culinary experience, Chef Valls brings a wealth of expertise and a keen eye for gastronomic innovation to the resort, promising to enhance its culinary offerings with his creativity and craftsmanship.
Chef Valls’ culinary journey began in his native Chile, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Chef Tomás Olivera at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago. During his tenure there, Chef Valls played a key role in earning numerous accolades and awards for the hotel’s Adra restaurant, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
In 2008, Chef Valls embarked on a new chapter at The Ritz-Carlton, Hotel Arts Barcelona, where he spent over a decade working alongside acclaimed Chef Paco Pérez. During this time, he played an integral role in earning Michelin stars for the hotel’s Enoteca restaurant and was eventually appointed as Executive Sous Chef, overseeing operations for multiple restaurants and major international events.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Chef Valls remained resilient and adaptable, returning to his roots in Santiago before seizing the opportunity to join The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands as Executive Sous Chef in 2021.
After a year at the resort, Chef Valls felt the call of his homeland once again. Armed with his extensive culinary knowledge, he assumed the role of Executive Chef at the AC Hotel by Marriott Santiago Costanera Center, infusing his culinary style with Spanish and European influences.
Renato De Oliveira, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, expressed his excitement about Chef Valls’ return to the Maldives, this time as Executive Chef. He described Chef Valls’ appointment as the beginning of a new chapter in an already illustrious career, offering guests the opportunity to savor his unique culinary perspective.
Nestled within the picturesque Fari Islands in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers guests an unparalleled luxury experience. The resort features a collection of 100 interconnected villas, including the stunning Ocean Villas perched over a turquoise lagoon. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights under Chef Valls’ direction, ranging from international favorites to local specialties. In addition to its culinary offerings, the resort boasts a range of recreational facilities, including the Ambassadors of the Environment program by Jean-Michel Cousteau and the signature Ritz-Carlton Spa featuring Bamford products.
As part of the Fari Islands archipelago, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers guests access to the vibrant Fari Marina, home to a selection of dining options and boutiques, making it the perfect destination for a luxurious island getaway.
