The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ new Executive Chef, Leonardo Valls, brings with him over 20 years of international experience and an eye for gastronomic innovation.
Valls’ began his journey in 2003 at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where he joined Chef Tomás Olivera. During his five years there, Valls helped Olivera and the hotel’s Adra restaurant earn numerous accolades.
In 2008, Valls joined the Hotel Arts Barcelona, where he spent more than a decade as part of a highly celebrated team, led by acclaimed chef Paco Pérez. He helped the hotel’s Enoteca restaurant earn its first and second Michelin stars.
He was named Executive Sous Chef of the hotel’s culinary division in 2016, overseeing operations for five restaurants, a central kitchen, and major international events including the Mobile World Congress.
In 2021 Valls joined The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands as Executive Sous Chef. After a year, Valls returned to Chile as the Executive Chef of AC Hotel by Marriott Santiago Costanera Center, where he infused his style with Spanish and other European influences.
Renato De Oliveira, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands comments, “We’re thrilled to have Valls back in the Maldives, this time as our Executive Chef. His appointment is the start of a new chapter in an already illustrious career and an opportunity for guests to experience the world through Valls’ unique culinary perspective.”