RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico (December 5, 2016) – Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, set to open December 2016 in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is pleased to announce several key management appointments in preparation for the resort’s anticipated opening at the end of the year. Tulio Baruch has been named Director of Sales & Marketing, where he will lead the sales and marketing strategies for the resort as well as generate revenue for the hotel through room bookings, meetings, weddings and events. The role of Executive Chef will be held by Chef Vincent Wallez who will curate and craft the menu concepts for the resort’s four distinct dining venues. Stephan Karl, appointed as the resort’s Executive Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage, will be responsible for developing the food and beverage concept and overseeing daily dining operations. Lastly, Daniel Escalante will hold the role of Spa Manager where he will develop the spa menu and treatments for Naum Spa as well as oversee the spa facilities.
“I am thrilled to have such a skillful and dedicated team leading the way to the opening of this fantastic property,” said General Manager Lin Schatz. “Tulio, Vincent, Stephan, and Daniel are ideal candidates for these key positions and will bring talent, passion and creativity to their respective roles, ensuring successful opening and beyond. Our cohesive team will work together to create inspiring Andaz experiences through the kaleidoscope of our local culture.”
Tulio Baruch – Director of Sales & Marketing Baruch comes to Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya with extensive senior management and hospitality experience, having held previous senior executive sales and marketing roles in renowned Mexican hotels such as Nizuc, Rosewood Mayakoba, and Presidente Intercontinental. Born in Mexico, Baruch received his bachelor’s degree in hotel management from La Salle University in Cancún and holds deep insight into the Riviera Maya tourism markets, giving him a unique advantage. Baruch will manage bookings for the resort’s 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space including five meeting and event studios and a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, ensuring an unrivaled group experience for both business and social guests.
Chef Vincent Wallez – Executive Chef
Wallez was born and raised in Bayonne, France but has since traveled the globe developing his signature culinary style. His skills have been recognized by world-class resorts and restaurants, earning him tenure at multiple five-star establishments, from Russia to the Caribbean. Prior to joining the Andaz Mayakoba team, Wallez held the title of Executive Chef at Nizuc Resort and Spa in Mexico where he elevated Cancún’s gourmet scene. Now appointed at Andaz Mayakoba as Executive Chef, he will work to follow the Andaz brand ethos of providing inspiring, indigenous and unscripted experiences, creating new culinary and cocktail offerings unique to Mayakoba and Riviera Maya. In his cooking, Chef Wallez seeks a balance between flavors and classic techniques, focusing on fresh ingredients and visionary touches which can be found in all four of the diverse and unique restaurant concepts at the resort.
Stephan Karl – Executive Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage
Karl arrives to the Andaz Mayakoba team with international experience and a creative flare for the position. He began his Hyatt career in 2006 as the Assistant Banqueting Manager at Hyatt Regency Mainz in Germany and has remained a part of the Hyatt family ever since. He continued on to hold executive positions at various Hyatt brands across the world, namely Park Hyatt in both Dubai, UAE and Sydney, Australia, as well as the Grand Hyatt Beijing. He has a strong belief in keeping a constant eye on the local culture and staying current. Karl enjoys exploring Riviera Maya and beyond with his family, getting to know Mexican culture and cuisine firsthand. Karl will work closely with Chef Wallez on developing the food and beverage concepts for each of the four unique dining venues at the resort as well as overseeing catering for meetings and events.
Daniel Escalante – Spa Manager
Escalante comes to Andaz Mayakoba Resort with over a decade of experience in spa management and hospitality. He began his career at MCM Spa International as Spa Manager, where he oversaw the spa facilities of the Hyatt Regency Cancún. He then moved on to the YHI Spa at Gran Meliá Cancún where he managed over 6,000 square feet of facilities and 13 treatment rooms. After nearly four years, Escalante made his way to the United States to hold the title of Spa Director at Spa950 at Embassy Suites Resort in Deerfield Beach, Florida. In his most recent position as Spa Manager at the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya, he was responsible for overseeing the spa’s 75 treatment rooms. He now brings his talents and expertise to the Naum Spa at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. The 10,000-square-foot facility houses six treatment rooms and offers a complete menu of services, some of which will feature indigenous Mayan methods and all-natural, locally sourced products.
