Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Jose Ballester as Executive Chef.</
Chef Ballester is returning to Puerto Rico with more than 20 years of experience with Marriott International, most recently holding the position of Multi-Property Executive Chef for Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan, and The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui in Thailand. Throughout his career, he has worked in all areas of the culinary field at various Marriott brand hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan; JW Marriott, Santo Domingo; and The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.
“I am honored to be taking on the role of Executive Chef of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and lead the immensely talented culinary team at this iconic property,” said Chef Ballester. “Having grown up on the island, I am excited to return and continue my culinary journey at The Reserve. I look forward to creating new and inventive dishes utilizing the dynamic flavors of Puerto Rico.”
Known to friends and colleagues as Chelo, his career has garnered an array of culinary honors and accolades, including the Sal Award for Culinary Excellence 2012 in addition to being recognized as a 2015 Global Discipline Awards Rising Star Nominee. Additionally, Chef Ballester had the distinct honor of leading the culinary team for the reopening of JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur in 2017 as well as a Mercedes Fashion Week event in Kuala Lumpur in 2018.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Ballester to The Reserve,” said Ana Henriques, General Manager of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “Our culinary program at The Reserve is focused on providing guests the chance to explore flavors and techniques from Puerto Rico and around the world. We look forward to welcoming Chef Chelo home to Puerto Rico and are excited to see what he will bring to this role.”
