Executive Chef Carlos Exprua has received a warm welcome from Universal Resorts as he returns to the Maldives in his new role as Cluster Executive Chef for both Velassaru and Huvafen Fushi. Chef Carlos, a native of Costa Rica, originally acquired a degree in business administration with a marketing emphasis from the International University of America before following his love of the culinary arts at the California Culinary Academy.

Chef Carlos’ tremendous passion for cooking has propelled him far in his profession, where he has worked for renowned hospitality companies such Royal Caribbean International, the Rotana Hili Rayhaan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the Fairmont Plaza Kansas City in the United States. In 2015, Chef Carlos was brought on as the Executive Chef at Velassaru Maldives, and he served in that capacity for four productive years. Later, he went to Phuket, Thailand, where he worked as Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ group executive chef.