Finolhu Baa Atoll Appoints Chef Emmanuel Soares as Culinary Director

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has appointed Emmanuel Soares as the resort’s new Culinary Director. A passionate and award-winning chef, Emmanuel’s 35 years of experience in the restaurant, catering and hotel business have seen him hold prominent positions in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Born in France, Emmanuel is also fluent in Portuguese and English, with conversational proficiency in Spanish and Russian. He holds a Certificate in Food Service Management from Cornell University in the US. Defining his professional outlook, Emmanuel says the chefs who influenced him the most were those who focused on the essence of the ingredients and products with a balance between simplicity and creativity.

On taking up his new role with Finolhu, Emmanuel stated, “I’m excited to join a dynamic team with a strong emphasis on quality and guest experience, with a multi-cultural background and no compromises on quality.”

Emmanuel graduated in Paris with the highest rank of BTS in hospitality, following his final steps as a student of the prestigious Cornell University. He started first essential culinary experience at the age of 15 at a noble Trianon Palace (today Waldorf Astoria), in the restaurant with 2 stars Michelin ”Les Trois Marches” in Versailles under the mentoring of legendary Chef Gérard Vié. During his career path, Emmanuel developed his experience by working in the most prestigious places in Paris: Relain du Parc, Le Doyen, The Ritz Club. Café de France, Le Chapeau Gris with internationally recognised Chefs like – Alain Ducasse, Ghislaine Arabian and Michele Roth, (MOF).

Emmanuel really started being noticed in the circle of “cuisine bourgoise’ when executing his significant culinary service to leaders such as  Ambassador Sergio de Amaral (Brazil), Family Ricard (France) and Nicolas Sarkozy (French President 2007-2012). His approach to international hospitality management and culinary expertise brought a new vision and excellence to food & beverage concepts in more than 12 countries for multi-award winning resorts in ultra-luxury segment as: One & Only Reethi Rah (Maldives), Jumeirah (UAE), La Réserve (Switzerland), Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean Club (Bahamas), Opera Hotel & Donbass Palace (Ukraine), First IHG (Portugal) and Kenzi (Morocco).