Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya appoints Jonathan Santiago as Executive Chef

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO – Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya announces the arrival of Chef Jonathan Santiago as executive chef, marking the beginning of an exciting new culinary era at the oceanfront resort. With a distinguished career in luxury hospitality and a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences, Santiago takes the helm of the resort’s culinary program, committed to elevating each dish into a true expression of artistry and sophistication. As executive chef, he will lead the culinary direction across the resort’s acclaimed dining venues including Malpeque, the signature restaurant centered around a regal open-flame grill, Chaya, the all-day brasserie celebrating the beauty of hyper-seasonal ingredients and JA’O, a high-energy, vibrant restaurant that honors traditional techniques and recipes, embodying the spirit of Mexican cantina cooking.

Bringing over two decades of experience in fine dining, Chef Santiago has steered world-class culinary teams and developed innovative concepts that merge refined techniques with local ingredients. His cuisine, rooted in French techniques and enriched by Mexican heritage, is characterized by craftsmanship, balance, and a deep respect for tradition.

Prior to joining Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, Chef Santiago trained under and collaborated with some of the culinary world’s most respected names and those experiences continue to shape his refined, technique-driven approach to modern Mexican cuisine. He also held various leadership positions at luxury resorts, overseeing complex culinary operations and played an instrumental role in hotel openings and the development of innovative gastronomic concepts tailored to Riviera Maya’s luxury clientele.

“Cooking is more than just preparing dishes; it’s about telling stories, evoking emotions, and connecting people through flavors. My vision at Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is to fuse authenticity and innovation to create memorable dining experiences that reflect the richness of the region,” said Jonathan Santiago, executive chef, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya.

Under his stewardship, the resort’s restaurants will continue offering world-class culinary experiences, with a renewed focus on exploring local ingredients, avant-garde techniques, and flawless execution.

“The arrival of Chef Jonathan Santiago marks an exciting moment for our resort. His talent, vision, and dedication to culinary excellence reinforce our mission to offer unparalleled dining experiences to our guests. We are confident that his leadership will take Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya to new heights in the world of fine dining,” says Nazaret Carbonari, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya.

With this appointment, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya reaffirms its commitment to offering experiences that combine luxury, innovation, and exceptional gastronomy, solidifying its status as a must-visit culinary destination in the Riviera Maya and on the international stage.

The article Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya appoints Jonathan Santiago as Executive Chef first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.