La Bahia Hotel & Spa, Santa Cruz’s first true luxury hotel set to open this summer, is proud to announce the appointment of two seasoned hospitality professionals to its leadership team: Fernando Reyes as Executive Chef and Jose Heck as Director of Food and Beverage. These strategic hires come at a pivotal time for La Bahia Hotel & Spa as it continues to prepare for its anticipated grand opening.
Chef Fernando enters the role of Executive Chef at La Bahia Hotel & Spa with over 20 years of culinary experience. With his education from Instituto Miguel Bonilla Obando, the accomplished chef has worked within luxury hotels across the world, including The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, The Ritz-Carlton Sanya-Hainan Province, and Maravilla Los Cabos. Additionally, he has worked as a private chef, delivering personalized, farm-to-table dining experiences for clients, showcasing expertise in healthy, fresh and seasonal organic cuisine. Most recently, Chef Fernando worked as Executive Chef at Carmel Valley Ranch. The new Executive Chef will lead the charge in menu innovation and culinary experiences for guests, amplifying the rich bounty and distinct epicurean culture of Santa Cruz.
In his new role as Director of Food & Beverage, Jose brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in luxury hotels and Michelin starred restaurants. Prior to his new role, he was Director of Food & Beverage at Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, where he successfully helped open the hotel and restaurant concepts. Jose’s hospitality experience has spanned across the world, from England, Hawaii, Mexico, and California, and he has led food and beverage operations at major hotels and resorts such as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, St. Regis Princeville Resort, and Rosewood Sand Hill.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fernando and Jose to the La Bahia Hotel & Spa team,” said Markus Krebs, General Manager of La Bahia Hotel & Spa. “Their combined expertise and genuine approach to hospitality align perfectly with our vision for the opening of this highly anticipated property.”
The resort will soon debut in Santa Cruz as a celebration of one of California’s most idyllic, storied coastal towns. La Bahia Hotel & Spa blends a bygone era of relaxed surf culture and eclectic design with a contemporary, host-approach to hospitality, and it is set to be the first true luxury hotel in the destination.
