Paresa Resort Phuket (www.paresaresorts.com), the luxurious Thai hideaway in the Kamala hills has appointed the award winning Spanish chef, Jordi Valles Claverol as the new Director of Food and Beverage and Executive Chef.

Originally from Barcelona, where he grew up surrounded by an extended family of restauranteurs, the celebrated chef spent much of his early career honing his craft in some of the best kitchens in Paris and two of Barcelona's most glittering establishments, the two Michelin Star Restaurant 'Neichel' followed by the illustrious three Michelin Star Restaurant 'El Racó de Can Fabes'.

Leaving Europe for China in 2007 he initially worked at 'Mare Nostrum Restaurant', the best Spanish restaurant in Beijing, before taking up the helm at 'Agua' Spanish restaurant in the Chinese Capital, in 2008.

At 'Agua' he applied his skill in offering old and new open tapas cooking, with modern twists on old classics and received recognition for his superb contemporary Spanish cooking with a string of awards. Notably Time Out's 'Best Innovative Cuisine' award in 2008 and 2009 as well as Beijing's prestigious City Weekend 'Chef of the Year' accolade in 2009, 2011 and 2014.

Fusing Spanish style dishes with techniques gathered on his travels Jordi's signature dishes include 'Traditional-style Crispy Suckling Pig' and a 'Juicy Maine Lobster rice and Smoked Mackerel with fresh Tomato and Herb salad, Black Olives and Basil'. For dessert he favours traditional 'Spanish Torrija, with Catalan cream and almonds, scented with seven year old Havana Club Rum'.

At Paresa Jordi will oversee the resort's range of culinary offerings from its signature fine dining restaurant, 'Talung Thai', which serves authentic Southern Thai cuisine to 'Diavolo', Paresa's Mediterranean  style restaurant, where a generous à la carte breakfast and tempting European delicacies are served throughout the day, in a spectacular setting over the Andaman Sea.  

In addition his new role will see him helping guests to increase their own culinary skills with a series of masterclasses in the resort's Culinary Academy and developing the choice of alternative dining options. Currently these include the popular 'Infinity Dining Experience', where diners are seated on 'private islands' positioned within the shallow waters of the fibre optic lit infinity pool; an intimate private chef cooked dinner deep in the heart of the jungle and a romantic beach seafood BBQ at nearby Hua beach, one of Phuket's best kept secrets.

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For further media information, please contact: Anthea Yabsley (anthea.yabsley@ideal-pr.co.uk; 0208 578 6777) or Anne Marie Hansen (amhansencommunications@gmail.com; 07970 426490)

Notes to Editors:

Paresa Resort Phuket

Translated as 'Heaven of all Heavens' in Sanskrit, Paresa Resort Phuket is a luxurious hideaway built into the cliffs of Kamala on Phuket's 'millionaires' mile'.  Surrounded by lush, tropical virgin forest, it features 48 individually designed suites and villas, each of which has breathtaking 270-degree views over the clear waters of the Andaman Sea.  Service at the hotel is exceptional, with a team of 'Angels' on hand to look after guests, as well as specialist 'Dream Makers' and an 'Adventure team' who will create individual experiences, such as romantic infinity pool dinners, as well as a range of 'off menu' experiences.

Central to the Paresa ethos is offering an experience that is in harmony with nature, and the resort's architecture and design blends into the surrounding environment.  Built around several magnificently preserved Banyan trees, Paresa has been described as a modern day interpretation of Southern Thai design, with an understated style, soaring pavilion-style ceilings and spacious, light interiors which seamlessly link through to the external space, framing the wonderful views beyond.

Awards:

2016       Nominee for 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards

2016       Nominee for Travel+Leisure 2016 World's Best Awards Survey

2015       World Luxury Hotel Awards- Country Winner – Luxury Boutique Hotel

2015       World Boutique Hotel Awards - Winner 2015 – South East Asia's Best Culinary Boutique Hotel

2015       World Luxury Spa Awards – Finalist - Best Luxury Resort Spa

2015       Luxury Travel Guide - Luxury Spa Resort of the Year

2015       Hotels.com - The Best Outstanding Reviews and Rating from Guests

2015       The Best of Thailand Awards - Top Ten Best Resort as voted by Chinese Tourism

2014       World Luxury Hotel Awards - Best Luxury Resort Spa in Thailand

2014       World Luxury Hotel Awards - Luxury Wedding Destination in Thailand

2010, 2011 and 2012 TripAdvisor's Best Spa and Relaxation Hotel in the Traveller's Choice Award