Velas Resorts Press Room

Grand Velas Riviera Maya Appoints Chef Nahúm Velasco as Creative Gastronomic Director, Crescenciano Nerey as Executive Chef

Riviera Maya, Mexico (March 31, 2026) - Grand Velas Riviera Maya announces Nahúm Velasco has been elevated to Creative Gastronomic Director to lead the resort's overarching culinary vision, while Crescenciano Nerey Encarnación has been appointed Executive Chef. After most recently leading the hotel's Cocina de Autor to a MICHELIN star for the second consecutive year, Velasco will now oversee menu development, gastronomic research, and the conceptual direction of all dining experiences across Grand Velas Riviera Maya. In his new role, Chef Nerey - who was part of the hotel's original opening team in 2008 - returns to Grand Velas to oversee culinary operations at the hotel inclusive of five gourmet specialty restaurants, multiple bars, 24-hour in-suite service, and extensive catering operations. Together, they bring a combined wealth of world-class experience, institutional knowledge, and a shared vision of gastronomic excellence to elevate the resort's celebrated offerings. 

Chef Nahúm Velasco — Creative Gastronomic Director
 

Originally from Mexico City, Chef Velasco's passion for food took root at an early age, with family life centered around the kitchen. At 17, he committed himself to the culinary arts, formalizing his training at the Ambrosia Culinary Center before embarking on an international journey that would define his career. His path led him to Spain, followed by a transformative chapter in Copenhagen, where he honed his craft under the legendary Chef Rasmus Kofoed at the three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant Geranium. Returning to Latin America, Chef Velasco joined Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya as a cook. He later brought his refined expertise to Passion by Martin Berasategui in Punta Cana before being personally invited back by consulting chefs Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza to help co-lead Cocina de Autor as Executive Chef in 2024. That same year, with the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide México, Cocina de Autor was awarded one Michelin Star, a landmark recognition of the team's dedication to culinary craft. In 2025, Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya retained its Michelin star and was honored with the prestigious MICHELIN Guide Service Award, recognizing the team's seamless blend of fine dining and heartfelt hospitality.

Chef Crescenciano Nerey Encarnación — Executive Chef
 

With more than three decades of experience in the hospitality and culinary industry, Chef Nerey brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge in luxury hotel operations, opening teams, and large-scale gastronomic concepts. His career has taken him through some of Mexico's most prestigious properties, including Four Seasons, Mahekal Beach Resort, as well as multiple Grand Velas properties, including Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, where he served as Executive Sous Chef, and Grand Velas Riviera Maya itself, where he was part of the original opening team in 2008. Throughout his career, Chef Nerey has participated in numerous hotel openings, many of them recognized with AAA Four and Five Diamond Awards. He is an active member of Les Toques Blanches, reflecting his unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and professional development. His expertise spans both operational and administrative kitchen management, with a strong focus on quality, consistency, and team leadership.

For reservations or additional information on Grand Velas Riviera Maya, call 1-888-407-4869 or visit www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

With the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury All-Inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves. Guests can choose accommodations that are oceanfront, ocean view or in a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with outdoor terraces, and some with private plunge pools. Eight restaurants, including six gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world-renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, holds a MICHELIN star and the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first restaurant in the world in an all-inclusive to win this latter prestigious distinction. Rated five-stars by Forbes, SE Spa is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments and signature seven-step water ceremony. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids' Clubs and Teens' Club; Baby Concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Amat Cafe, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. Velas Resorts was built by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, Founding President of Velas Resorts. Juan Vela Ruiz is Chief Executive Officer of the company. For reservations or additional information please visit rivieramaya.grandvelas.com. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.