The new Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang has now fully opened, introducing its new General Manager and unveiling a new flagship spa, offering one of Vietnam’s most comprehensive resort wellness experiences.
Mario Mendis, a seasoned international hotelier, brings a wealth of expertise gained over an illustrious career spanning more than 25 years. His professional journey began in Brisbane, Australia, and has since taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious destinations, including Australia, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bermuda, Thailand and Vietnam.
Throughout his career, Mendis has played pivotal roles in internationally renowned luxury city and resort hotels, consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving operational excellence. Most recently, he served as General Manager of the iconic Sofitel Saigon Plaza, where he further solidified his reputation for visionary leadership in the hospitality industry.
Shangri-La Eros New Delhi proudly announces the appointment of Vikram Sood as Director of Rooms. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, Vikram brings a strong commitment to enhancing guest experiences and improving operations.
Vikram Sood's career reflects his dedication to hospitality, with experience at renowned international hotels and in key roles. A distinguished graduate with a Three-Year Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management and a Degree in Humanities from Delhi University, he has curated an impressive career trajectory across iconic properties. His remarkable professional journey includes leadership roles at Fairmont Maldives, Shangri-La Hotel Colombo and multiple strategic positions at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, where he is now rejoining the hotel's leadership team, having been an integral consistent part of the family.
His exceptional ability to develop strategic operational frameworks, coupled with his keen insight into guest experience optimization, has consistently resulted in elevated service standards and organizational excellence. Vikram's comprehensive exposure across international luxury properties has positioned him as a strategic leader with a holistic approach to hospitality management.
As Director of Rooms at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, Vikram will spearhead comprehensive rooms division management, encompassing guest services, operational excellence, and team performance. He is dedicated to refining service protocols, implementing cutting-edge guest experience innovations, and maintaining the highest standards of operational precision.
His strategic leadership and deep understanding of luxury hospitality are expected to redefine the hotel's operational standards and create unprecedented guest experiences, leveraging his rich history with the Shangri-La brand.
Well situated in Auckland, Hotel Indigo Auckland, an IHG Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center and a restaurant. In a captivating blend of past and present, Hotel Indigo Auckland retains its historic charm of its original façade, once home to “The Motor House” of Dexter and Crozier. This harmony introduces a new neighbourhood experience, where rich history blends seamlessly with modern convenience and comfort.
Alice Scott is appointed as the hotel's Director of Sales and Marketing. Alice brings a wealth of experience from her most recent role as Senior Project Manager of Event Travel for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™. Her expertise spans Corporate, Leisure, and Event Services, honed through previous roles at Corporate Traveller, Flight Centre, and CTM.
Today, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique announces the appointment of Nicolas Piatti as Executive Chef of the highly anticipated resort, set to open spring 2025. Chef Piatti will mirror the property’s vision of redefining ultra-luxury through immersive guest experiences. Drawing inspiration from Costa Rica’s rich heritage, he will lead the culinary team in crafting exceptional dining experiences that celebrate cultural authenticity and locally sourced ingredients. Among the resort’s six food and beverage venues, guests can look forward to a signature restaurant showcasing the flavors of the Pacific with an innovative monochromatic gastronomy concept.
Under the leadership of Chef Piatti, the gastronomic techniques at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique will embody a seamless blend of tradition and innovation derived from expertise in fine cuisine cultivated in Italy, Spain, and Argentina. Through his mindful philosophy, 25% of all ingredients will be sourced locally from Guanacaste farms, coastal waters, and nearby plantations, showcasing Waldorf Astoria’s vision of a sustainable future that merges with luxurious dining.
Guests can look forward to a vibrant culinary journey that celebrates Costa Rica’s rich heritage and culture. Exclusive experiences such as beef-cutting classes, chocolate sculpting, and tours to local farms will provide an intimate connection to the region’s traditions. With contemporary dishes placing a spotlight on traditional Chorotega ingredients including yucca, corn and sugarcane, Chef Piatti has reimagined how to honor these deep-rooted culinary flavors across each concept. Additionally, guests can expect to see local collaborations among the likes of Finca La Josefina, Familia Corso, and Vainilla Mystic Farms.
“Returning to Costa Rica to lead the culinary program is a true honor,” said Chef Nicolas Piatti. “Costa Rica’s natural bounty and biodiversity present an unprecedented opportunity to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate the richness of this land and culture. I’m thrilled to be part of this extraordinary team and excited to share my passion for locally sourced cuisine and local ingredients with our guests. As we look to the future, I envision the property to take sustainable practices even further, by developing on site farms and keeping our carbon footprint and food waste minimal.”
Piatti’s culinary journey spans more than two decades of global and diverse experiences across Europe, Asia and the Americas, as well as esteemed positions at luxury hotels and resorts, including the former Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa. He is also an award-winning chef recognized as the “Food Waste Champion for Americas” in acknowledgment of his commitment to sustainability and waste reduction. Chef Piatti is also the author of La Tierra De Los Platos (“The Land of Piatti”), a cookbook that weaves together his heritage and passion for locally sourced ingredients, rooted in the culinary traditions of his family.
“Chef Piatti is bringing to life the innovative vision we share at the resort,” said Ruben Gabiño, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. “His remarkable culinary expertise and dedication to sustainable practices align perfectly with our vision for the resort. Chef Piatti will undoubtedly elevate the guest experience and bring his own dynamic style to Costa Rica’s already vibrant culinary landscape.”
For more information about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts visit stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria.
