Eric de Maeyer de Sheemacker — Photo by KWE Partners
Grand Velas Riviera Maya — Photo by KWE Partners

(Riviera Maya, Mexico) -- Eric de Maeyer de Scheemacker has been named Executive Chef of the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico. In his new position he is responsible for the all-inclusive resort's highly awarded five gourmet specialty restaurants. These include the AAA Four Diamond restaurants Piaf and Frida and the AAA Five Diamond Cocina de Autor, the first restaurant of an all-inclusive resort to ever win that distinction. In all he will oversee eight restaurants, multiple b ars, and the catering operation of the 491 all suite, uber luxury resort, a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Chef Eric grew up in his birthplace Belgium, then moving on to the south of France where his passion for Mediterranean flavors flourished. France and The Netherlands were to be his home for many years, the place where he honed his culinary skills at leading hotels and restaurants in both countries.

In 1992 he moved to Mexico, joining the Small Luxury Hotel Marquis Reforma in the capital. He then moved on to his own consulting practice, working with universities, companies and French and Mediterranean restaurants throughout the country. Top posts as Executive Chefs of leading hotels beckoned, and he went on to head up the kitchens at the Camino Real in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta and the Gran Melia and Hilton, both in Cancun, each with numerous food and beverage outlets. Most recently he was Executive Chef of Live Aqua in Cancun.

The appointment is effective immediately.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

Set on 205 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances in the Leading Hotel of the World, including adults only ocean-front, family friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. All 491 designer-like suittes are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature a Bose sound system, fully stocked mini bars, plasma TVs, wireless internet access, L'Occitane amenities, artisinal tequila and Nespresso machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with a walk-in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaur ants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour of MExico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of celebrity disciples of world celebrity chef Arzak, won the AAA Five Diamond Award, the only all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Grand Velas Spa, a Leading Spa of the World and recipient of the award for "Best Luxury Resort Spa in America 2014" by World Luxury Spas, is the region's largest spa sanctuary. At more than 90,000 square feet, it is known for its authentic Mexican treatment offerings from around world and signature seven step water journey. Other features include 24-hour personal butler concierge, 24/7 ensuite service, three swimming pools, two fitness centers, water sports, innovative kids club and teens lounge, Karaoke bar, Koi Sports and DJ bar, piano bar and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting spaces and outdoor areas for events and has a 31,000 square foot Con vention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today, Best of the Best Spa by Virtuoso, U.S. News, World Report andForbes.com, which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusives in 2012. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts. For more reservations or more information on Grand Velas Riviera Maya, please email reservations(at)velasresorts(dot)com, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit http://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/.

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Megan Sterritt
KWE Partners
786-247-4812
KWE Partners

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