Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives recently appointed Emmanuel Soares as the resort’s new Culinary Director. With 35 years of experience in the restaurant, catering, and hotel business, Emmanuel is a passionate and award-winning chef who has held prominent positions in various regions across the globe, including Europe, South America, the Caribbean, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Born in France, Emmanuel is fluent in Portuguese and English and conversational in Spanish and Russian. He holds a Certificate in Food Service Management from Cornell University in the US. Emmanuel believes that the essence of a dish lies in its ingredients and products, with a balance between simplicity and creativity.

Emmanuel is excited to join the dynamic team at Finolhu, where the focus is 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.

Emmanuel started his culinary journey at the age of 15 at the Trianon Palace (now Waldorf Astoria), where he worked in the restaurant “Les Trois Marches” in Versailles, under the mentorship of legendary Chef Gérard Vié. Emmanuel has worked in the most prestigious places in Paris, including Relain du Parc, Le Doyen, The Ritz Club, Café de France, and Le Chapeau Gris, alongside internationally recognized chefs like Alain Ducasse, Ghislaine Arabian, and Michele Roth (MOF).

Emmanuel made a name for himself in the circle of “cuisine bourgoise” when he provided culinary service to leaders such as Ambassador Sergio de Amaral (Brazil), Family Ricard (France), and Nicolas Sarkozy (French President 2007-2012). Emmanuel’s approach to international hospitality management and culinary expertise has brought a new vision and excellence to food and beverage concepts in over 12 countries for multi-award winning resorts in the ultra-luxury segment, including 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).