Velas Resorts Press Room

Riviera Maya, Mexico (May 31, 2024) - Nahúm Velasco has been promoted to Executive Chef of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Known for his exceptional culinary talents, Velasco is head restaurant chef at the resort's signature restaurant, Cocina de Autor, which recently received a MICHELIN star in Mexico's first rating. In his new expanded role, Velasco's leadership will extend to the additional five gourmet specialty restaurants at the hotel, multiple bars, 24-hour in-suite service, and extensive catering operations. His promotion marks a significant milestone in the culinary offerings of the 539 all-suite, uber-luxury all-inclusive resort on Mexico's Caribbean coast.

A native of Mexico City, Velasco's passion for cuisine was ignited in his childhood home, where the kitchen was the heart of family gatherings. At 17 years old, he committed to pursuing a culinary career, later formalizing his training in 2001 at the esteemed Ambrosia Culinary Center in Mexico City. This education paved the way for his international journey, which began in Spain. But, Chef Velasco's career took a pivotal turn upon his arrival in Riviera Maya at Cocina de Autor in 2008, where working under the tutelage of Xavier Pérez Stone as a cook, the restaurant became the first AAA Five Diamond rated restaurant at an all inclusive resort in the world. Chef Velasco's dedication and drive for excellence soon led him back to Europe where he continued honing his skills at the renowned Geranium in Copenhagen. After his enriching experience in the Nordic culinary scene, his journey came full circle when he was invited back to Mexico by Pérez Stone, Mikel Alonso, and Bruno Oteiza to co-lead Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. His mentorship under these distinguished chefs has been instrumental in shaping his culinary philosophy and expertise.

For reservations or additional information, 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 the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first restaurant in the world in an all-inclusive to win this 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. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. 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.