Michelin-starred chefs from Spain to fly in for launch of new culinary hotspot
HO CHI MINH CITY (Dec. 22, 2023) - Spanish flavors are set to make waves on the shores of Nha Trang with the official launch of Gran Meliá Nha Trang’s signature restaurant Hispania, the most upscale Spanish restaurant to debut in the popular beachside town. Guided by a chef with a Michelin star track record and based on the successful Hispania restaurants of Europe, the first Hispania in Asia brings Spanish cuisine to life with the freshest Vietnamese ingredients.
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“Gran Meliá Nha Trang is set to become more than just a luxury resort,” said Ernesto Osuna, General Manager of the hotel. “With Hispania and the hotel’s other upscale dining outlets, such as Shibui, we expect to become a destination of reference for haute cuisine in Nha Trang, set to raise the bar on gastronomy in the city.”
To cement its position as a hub for the best in luxury gastronomy, Gran Meliá Nha Trang will host “Una Cita at Hispania” on January 13th. Limited seats are available for this exclusive VIP multi-course meal by Michelin-starred chefs. The fine dining will be accompanied by live entertainment that fuses Spanish and Vietnamese cultures. The luxury resort is also offering a one-off gastronomic weekend package “A Culinary Escapade to Spain” that is available to the public. Several of Spain’s top chefs will be gracing the kitchens for the multi-day extravaganza, including Marcos Morán, the seasoned culinary star behind the Hispania concept and the restaurant’s menu.
Marcos Morán is the fifth generation in a lineage of chefs. He currently helms Casa Gerardo, a one-star Michelin restaurant serving authentic Asturian cuisine — something which the Moran family has done at the location since 1882. During his career Morán has been awarded one Michelin Star, three Soles Repsols, Spain’s version of Michelin Stars; and “Chef of the future” by the International Gastronomy Academy. He is also behind Hispania’s two other outposts, including its Michelin-starred Brussels restaurant.
Joining Morán will be his right-hand man, Adrián Mancheño, from Hispania Brussels who has worked in some of Spain’s most prestigious restaurants including Casa Gerardo, Coque Madrid and the three-starred Celler de Can Roca, which was crowned the World’s Best Restaurant in 2013 and 2015.
Pepe Solla of the family-owned Michelin-starred Casa Solla also joins the stellar chef line up. Solla, according to the Michelin guide has “hospitality coursing through his veins,” and is known for his creative cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of the region of Galicia. He is also a founding member of the Asociación Gallega de Sumilleres (Association of sommeliers of Galicia).
Casa Solla and Casa Gerardo, both are proud to be the restaurants that own the oldest Michelin stars in Spain.
Begoña Rodrigo will also be showcasing her skills in Hispania’s kitchen, which she has cultivated around the globe since beginning her career at 19. The exceptional chef is behind the Michelin-Starred La Salita restaurant and has worked in upscale restaurants throughout Europe, including as Head Chef at the two Michelin-Starred private club Aquarium.
“Hispania, and the talented chefs joining us in January, will offer an immersive escapade through the food and wine of Spain's beautiful regions,” explained Osuna. “The dishes are inspired by Spanish culture, culinary history, and the different seas and oceans that surround Spain: Mediterranean, Cantabria and Atlantic, as well as each chef’s hometown.”
Hispania Nha Trang’s menu includes signature dishes that feature in Hispania London and Brussels and showcase the best of Spanish gastronomy, while embracing new culinary trends in Spain. The wine selection is representative of the best of hundreds of years of Spanish wine-making traditions. The new menu for 2024 will be launched during the event.
Located in its own private bay with the Fairy Mountain peaks behind and the sea stretching out in front, Gran Meliá Nha Trang is an upscale sanctuary inspired by the surrounding landscape. The new property features 91 expansive private pool villas; five gastronomic destinations; and indulgent wellness offerings from onsen to spa.
The property’s four other dining destinations introduce global flavors from Japan to the Mediterranean. The refined Shibui restaurant is an elegant affair that taps the abundant seafood Nha Trang is known for, for superior Japanese cuisine. In addition to the main dining area the restaurant features a sushi bar and a Teppanyaki counter. The upscale offering highlights omakase-style dining (chef’s choice menus) made with the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Three distinct courses are available consisting of 8-9 courses each. The aesthetic embraces Japan’s penchant for understated luxury, simplicity, and clean lines.
Natura highlights the bounty of the natural world through a blend of dishes from the surrounding region and the Mediterranean. The chic lobby bar Theia is named for the Greek goddess of sight and light. The laid-back Sal pool bar offers refreshing cocktails and light bites in the sunshine with a tropical breeze.
“The Gran Meliá brand brings the Spanish luxury of ‘A Life Well Lived’ to the world while embracing the local culture and traditions of each destination,” added Osuna. “Our Hispania event with its fusion of Vietnamese ingredients and Spanish flavors, alongside performances that span both cultures, is the perfect example of this.”
The five-star Gran Meliá brand currently has 14 hotels worldwide in leading destinations. These include such hotels as Gran Meliá Iguazu in Argentina; along with Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá in Madrid and Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in Rome, both of which are converted palaces and Leading Hotels of the World.
The ‘Una Cita at Hispania’ dinner with wine pairing is VND 5 million per person, dinner without wine pairing is VND 3 million per person. The weekend package per couple is VND 25 million (1,035 USD) including a dinner by Michelin-starred chefs with wine pairing. The special offer is also inclusive of a two-night villa stay with free upgrade, daily breakfast, and round-trip airport transfers. This one-time experience has very limited seats available.
For more information or to make a booking call +84 258 386 8888, email to gmnt.info@melia.com, or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/vietnam/nha-trang/gran-melia-nha-trang
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About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of ten brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon's Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world's leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the world's most sustainable hotel in 2022 according to S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment, as well as being a "Top Employer 2023" brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35. For more information, please visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com
About Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the first Spanish luxury hotel brand, which takes residence in some of the world’s most beautiful landmarks, combining timeless luxury, stunning architecture and Spanish culture. Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts offers exceptional experiences and services, which are a modern expression of Spanish culture. There are currently 14 Gran Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the most important global travel destinations, such as Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques (Madrid, Spain), Gran Meliá de Mar (Mallorca, Spain), Torre Melina, A Gran Meliá Hotel (Barcelona, Spain) Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá (Milan, Italy), Gran Meliá Colón (Seville, Spain), Gran Meliá Xi’an (China), Gran Meliá Rome (Italy), Gran Meliá Sancti Petri (Cádiz, Spain), Gran Meliá Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Gran Meliá Iguazú (Argentina). The brand is set to expand further in Asia, with the launch of Gran Meliá Lombok within the next few years. Follow Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts on Instagram @gran_Meliá and Facebook @GranMeliáHotels, www.granmelia.com