W Hotels Welcomes Andrea Ciuccio with More Than a Decade of Hospitality Experience across Sydney, Barcelona and the Cayman Islands as the New Executive Chef for it’s Portugal Property in Algarve

W Algarve has strengthened its culinary leadership with the appointment of Andrea Ciuccio as its new Executive Chef, bringing more than a decade of international hospitality experience across Sydney, Barcelona, the Cayman Islands and Portugal. The appointment marks a new phase for the resort’s culinary offering, with Andrea Ciuccio set to lead dining experiences that highlight Algarve’s local ingredients through a contemporary Mediterranean approach.

With a career shaped by luxury hospitality environments, respected restaurants and diverse global destinations, Andrea Ciuccio has been appointed to oversee the resort’s culinary operations, including menu development, restaurant concepts, kitchen leadership and guest dining experiences across W Algarve’s restaurants, bars and in-room dining services.

W Algarve Strengthens Culinary Leadership Through International Expertise

The appointment of Andrea Ciuccio reflects W Algarve’s continued focus on delivering distinctive hospitality experiences in Portugal. The Naples-born chef joins the Algarve property after developing his international culinary profile through roles across several leading food destinations.

Andrea Ciuccio began his professional journey in Sydney at Manta Restaurant & Bar, where his culinary approach was shaped by seafood-focused cuisine and contemporary coastal dining. This early experience provided a foundation for his understanding of fresh ingredients and modern interpretations of regional flavours.

Following his time in Australia, Andrea Ciuccio moved to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most recognised culinary destinations. During his career in Spain, he worked with restaurants including Monvinic and Michelin-starred Alkimia, where his technical skills and modern Mediterranean cooking style were further developed.

The chef later expanded his international experience by relocating to the Cayman Islands, where he joined Grand Old House as Senior Sous Chef. His role involved leadership within a respected fine dining kitchen, adding further depth to his global hospitality background.

Andrea Ciuccio subsequently returned to Barcelona to work as Consultant and Sous Chef at W Barcelona. During this period, he became closely connected with the W Hotels brand, contributing to the lifestyle-focused culinary experiences associated with the luxury hospitality group.

Andrea Ciuccio Brings Mediterranean Vision to Portugal’s Algarve Region

As Executive Chef at W Algarve, Andrea Ciuccio will be responsible for guiding the next stage of the resort’s culinary development. His role will include creating dining concepts, developing menus and managing culinary operations while ensuring guests receive memorable food experiences throughout the property.

The chef’s culinary philosophy is centred around Mediterranean flavours, Italian techniques and high-quality local produce. His international journey across different hospitality markets has influenced an approach that combines authenticity, creativity and respect for ingredients.

At W Algarve, local produce from Portugal’s Algarve region will remain central to the dining experience. The chef’s vision focuses on showcasing the area’s gastronomic heritage while incorporating influences gained throughout his international career.

The resort’s dining venues, including Vino and WET Deck, together with its wider hospitality offerings, are expected to continue presenting menus based on seasonality, regional ingredients and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Through these experiences, Andrea Ciuccio will introduce his personal culinary perspective while celebrating the character of the Algarve.

Speaking about his new position, Andrea Ciuccio expressed his enthusiasm for joining W Algarve and described the opportunity as an important professional challenge. He highlighted the Algarve’s exceptional produce, flavours and landscapes as key inspirations for his next chapter. He also shared his ambition to work with the resort’s culinary team to create dining experiences that reflect both local ingredients and the international influences that have shaped his career.

W Algarve Continues Commitment to Luxury Hospitality Experiences

The appointment of Andrea Ciuccio represents a new development in W Algarve’s hospitality strategy, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to culinary creativity and destination-led dining.

Succeeding Julio Ferradas as Executive Chef, Andrea Ciuccio will lead the evolution of the resort’s food and beverage programme while building on the property’s reputation for immersive and innovative dining experiences.

Future culinary initiatives under his leadership are expected to include seasonal menus, chef collaborations and exclusive dining events designed around the Algarve’s culinary identity. The chef will also work closely with local farmers, fishermen and artisan producers to strengthen connections between the resort’s hospitality offering and the surrounding region.

From tasting menus and chef-led experiences to restaurant concepts and special events, Andrea Ciuccio’s appointment marks the beginning of a new culinary chapter for W Algarve.

Located in Portugal’s Algarve region, W Algarve continues to position itself as a luxury lifestyle destination where hospitality, design and gastronomy come together. With Andrea Ciuccio leading its culinary operations, the resort is set to further enhance its focus on experiences shaped by local culture, exceptional produce and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.