Saul Umaña has been appointed Culinary Director at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is pleased to welcomeSaul Umaña as the new Culinary Director. Returning to his native Costa Rica after five years of international F&B experience, Umaña is tasked with elevating the gastronomy offering, positioning the resort as a top culinary destination firmly rooted in Costa Rican flavours and traditions.

In his role as Culinary Director, Umaña will execute what he is best known for: marrying delectable flavours with stunning presentation and exceptional service to create a unique haute cuisine experience. Umaña will develop new food and beverage projects including new menus and sustainable initiatives to highlight the rich culinary offerings of Costa Rica. Using locally sourced and traditional ingredients with top international techniques, Umaña and his team will develop big flavor with a small footprint.

A native Costa Rican with over a decade of culinary and hotel experience, Umaña previously held positions as head chef for Marriot St. Kitts and Santarena Hotel in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Towards the beginning of his career, Umaña worked at Kokotxa, a Michelin restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain, that first piqued his interest in contemporary culinary techniques. Most recently, Umaña held the position of Culinary Director for Islas Secas Reserve & Resort in Panama where he led all culinary operations including staff training, menu development and kitchen management for the luxury resort. He successfully spent two years enhancing the food and beverage concept highlighting sustainability and seasonality.