Phuket, Thailand, September 15, 2024 / TOP25RESTAURANTS / Introducing Stefano Mori, a passionate specialty chef who focuses on authentic Italian cuisine and whose journey from Rome to the international stage is simply extraordinary. He enriches the Portofino restaurant at Le Méridien Beach Resort Phuket with culinary excellence from around the world.

Stefano, a native of Rome, has embarked on an extraordinary culinary journey around the globe, shaping him into the exceptional chef he is today. From honing his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe to leading top kitchens in Indonesia, Barbados, and Abu Dhabi, Stefano's unwavering passion and expertise have earned him prestigious accolades, including the TIMEOUT UAE Award for "Best Italian Restaurant in Abu Dhabi." Now that he joins our team, we are thrilled to witness the exceptional Italian cuisine he will bring to the table.

Born and raised in Rome, Stefano embarked on a bold culinary adventure in 2009, driven by his deep passion for cooking. His journey began in renowned hotels and restaurants in the UK and the Netherlands, where he honed his skills and immersed himself in diverse culinary traditions. From the prestigious London Marriott Grosvenor Square to Matijaz in Amsterdam and Baxter Storey, Stefano's dedication to his craft was unmistakable as he steadily expanded his expertise and foreign language skills.

Driven by his insatiable ambition, Stefano took over as head chef at BELLA ITALIA in Indonesia in 2012. This experience only strengthened his passion for culinary excellence and led him back to Europe in 2015. There, he secured a position at Barrafina, a Michelin-starred restaurant in London, where he significantly developed his professional mindset.

Stefano's culinary journey then took him to the Netherlands, where he worked as Senior Chef de Partie at THE DUCHESS, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the W Amsterdam, from 2017 to 2019. He further refined his expertise as Sous Chef at the Marriott Amsterdam Arena before moving to the Park Plaza art'otel Amsterdam to expand his culinary repertoire.

In 2019, Stefano's skills and passion led him to Sandals Resort Barbados, where he excelled as Italian Executive Chef until 2022. Today, Stefano is the esteemed Italian Executive Chef at Rotana Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, where his culinary talents were recognized with the prestigious TIMEOUT UAE Award for "Best Italian Restaurant in Abu Dhabi," which Stefano and his team accepted in May of this year.

Stefano's remarkable career path testifies to his unwavering determination, adventurous spirit, and exceptional culinary skills. We are proud to have him on our team and look forward to the innovative dishes he will continue to create.

About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts: Founded in 1960s Paris, a time of glamorous travel, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts continues to celebrate the world's cultures with a distinctly European appreciation for fine living. With over 115 hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries and regions – from the Maldives to Monaco and from Santa Monica to Sichuan – Le Méridien's stylish, mid-century modern spaces, combined with elegant signature programs, offer a playful interpretation of art, coffee, sparkling cocktails, summer, and family, inspiring creative travelers to discover the world in style. For more information, visit www.lemeridien.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Le Méridien is proud to be part of Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International's global travel program. The program offers members an exceptional portfolio of international brands, exclusive experiences with Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits such as free nights and elite status.