Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara Welcomes Italian Executive Chef Massimiliano Ascione
The new chef will oversee the resort’s acclaimed dining venues: Mekong, Al Mina, and Sakalan
Salalah, 2025: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara proudly announces the appointment of Italian national Chef Massimiliano Ascione as Executive Chef. Since joining the resort in July 2025, Chef Massimiliano has already brought his passion, artistry, and international expertise to Salalah, transforming the culinary narrative with a distinctive blend of Mediterranean flair and global influences.
With more than 20 years of experience across some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, Chef Massimiliano has honed his craft in Switzerland, Qatar, Malaysia, the UAE, China, and Jordan. His career includes senior positions at luxury icons such as W Verbier, and The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, where he led teams of up to 90 culinary professionals. Known for his innovative approach to Mediterranean and international cuisine, he has earned accolades for his creativity, precision, and ability to craft memorable dining experiences that transcend borders.
At Al Baleed Resort, Chef Massimiliano oversees the resort’s acclaimed dining venues: Mekong, the award-winning Asian fusion restaurant; Al Mina, a Mediterranean haven by the sea; and Sakalan, renowned for its sumptuous breakfast and themed dinner nights. His focus is on elevating each venue with authentic flavours, refined techniques, and a sense of storytelling that celebrates both the bounty of Oman and the traditions of his Italian heritage.
General Manager Andrea Orrú shared, “We are delighted to welcome Chef Massimiliano to our team. His with decades of international experience, bring an exciting dimension to our kitchens. In just six months, he has already demonstrated the vision and creativity to raise our dining experiences to new heights, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to delight and inspire our guests.”
Chef Massimiliano commented, “Joining Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is a privilege. Oman’s warm hospitality, rich culture, and natural beauty provide endless inspiration, and I am thrilled to bring my Italian passion for food to this extraordinary destination. My goal is to create dining experiences that are not only exceptional in flavour but also memorable in spirit; moments that guests will cherish long after their stay.”
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About Anantara Hotels & Resorts
A luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, Anantara has connected guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations since 2001. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination to create unforgettable memories for every guest. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Anantara is part of global hospitality group Minor Hotels and a member of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
Visit anantara.com for more information, and connect with Anantara on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 550 hotels, resorts and residences in 56 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator and investor, Minor Hotels fulfils the needs and desires of today’s global travellers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 200 hotels by the end of 2026.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
For more information, please visit minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For media enquiries, please contact: Nawfal Mbamba
Director of Marketing and Communications Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
T+968 2322 8222
