Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Fawkes as the new Executive Chef.  The decorated Englishman who has two Iron Chef Thailand wins to his name is rightfully considered one of the most experienced Executive Chefs in the industry. An Honorary Director for the Thailand Culinary Academy and Member

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Fawkes as the new Executive Chef. 

The decorated Englishman who has two Iron Chef Thailand wins to his name is rightfully considered one of the most experienced Executive Chefs in the industry. An Honorary Director for the Thailand Culinary Academy and Member of the British Culinary Federation, he is well respected for his involvement in mentoring the next generation of young chefs. 

Chef Kevin joins Anantara Lawana from the pre-opening team of The Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands where he was in charge of restaurant operations as Food & Beverage Director. Prior to that, between 2017 and 2021, Chef Kevin did two stints as Culinary Director for the Soneva Group Maldives overseeing all culinary operations in Soneva Fushi and Soneva in Aqua, as well as launching Soneva’s artisanal cheese and charcuterie programme and founding the Soneva Food and Drink laboratory. 

His previous experiences working in luxury Thai properties include running restaurant operations at The Nai Harn luxury resort on Phuket, Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel Bangkok, Soneva Kiri Resort and Residences Koh Kood, and Evason Phuket and Bon Island – a Six Senses Resort & Spa. Under his guidance, the latter won Thailand’s Best Restaurant by Thailand Tatler magazine in 2021. 

A Noma alumnus, Chef Kevin worked for many renowned restaurants and properties outside of Thailand as well, including leading culinary teams at Al Faisaliah Hotel – a Rosewood Hotel & Resort in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Kempinski Residences & Suites in Doha, Qatar. He got his first taste of luxury hospitality at The Savoy Hotel – A Fairmont Hotel in London where he started his culinary career. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Kevin to the team,” said Anantara Lawana’s General Manager, Emanuel Grosch. “His understanding of Thailand’s luxury hospitality scene and wealth of experience running upscale restaurants will be instrumental in creating authentic culinary experiences for travellers as they return to Samui.” 

In addition to his stellar leadership and mentorship skills, Chef Kevin is bringing his Michelin background, extensive knowledge of raw food concept, plant-based cuisine, fine patisserie and artisanal cheesemaking to elevate the guest experience at Anantara Lawana. In his new role, he will manage the annual and seasonal strategies for all of the outlets, including analysing the latest trends and forecasts of tactical promotions. 

Located right at the heart of Chaweng beach, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui provides surpassing dining venues for every occasion: dine beachfront, in the trees or even in a private setting of unmatched beauty. The resort is also home to one of the finest restaurants on the island, Tree Tops Signature Dining, that was presented with Wine Spectator Magazine’s coveted Award of Excellence in 2022. 

For more information about Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, please visit www.anantara.com/en/lawana-koh-samui 

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