W Algarve has announced the appointment of Andrea Ciuccio as its new Executive Chef, marking a new chapter for the resort’s culinary offering.
Arriving directly from W Barcelona, the Naples-born chef brings more than a decade of international experience gained across restaurants and luxury hotels in Sydney, Barcelona, the Cayman Islands and now Portugal’s Algarve.
His appointment signals a renewed focus on dining experiences across the resort, celebrating the Algarve’s local produce through a contemporary Mediterranean approach inspired by his Italian heritage and shaped by years of cooking in respected international culinary destinations.
Born in Naples, Italy, Ciuccio has built an international career founded on creativity, authenticity and a passion for Mediterranean cuisine.
He began his professional journey in Sydney at Manta Restaurant & Bar, where he developed an appreciation for seafood-led cuisine and contemporary coastal dining.
Around two years later, he relocated to Barcelona, immersing himself in one of Europe’s most dynamic food scenes while working at restaurants including Monvinic and the Michelin-starred Alkimia.
Those experiences helped refine his technical expertise and modern Mediterranean cooking style.
Seeking to broaden his international experience further, Ciuccio moved to the Cayman Islands to join Grand Old House as Senior Sous Chef, leading one of the Caribbean’s respected fine dining kitchens.
One year later, he returned to Barcelona as Consultant and Sous Chef at W Barcelona, where he played an integral role in delivering the bold, lifestyle-led culinary experiences associated with the W Hotels brand.
It was during his time at W Barcelona that Ciuccio developed a lasting connection with Marriott’s luxury lifestyle brand and its coastal destinations.
His success within the hotel led to his appointment as Executive Chef at W Algarve, where he now oversees every aspect of the resort’s culinary operation, from destination dining concepts and menu development to kitchen leadership and guest experiences across its restaurants, bars and in-room dining.
Having worked in destinations known for exceptional produce, coastlines and culinary heritage, Ciuccio’s cooking philosophy combines Italian technique with the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean.
Outstanding local ingredients sit at the heart of his approach.
Speaking about his appointment, Andrea Ciuccio said: “I am incredibly excited to join the team at W Algarve. I believe this new professional challenge, together with the experience of relocating to the Algarve – a region blessed with unforgettable flavours, exceptional produce and breathtaking landscapes – will make a hugely positive contribution to my career while giving me another opportunity to continue evolving as a chef.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside such a talented team to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate both the incredible ingredients found here in the Algarve and the international influences that have shaped my journey.”
Ciuccio succeeds Julio Ferradas as Executive Chef and will lead the continued evolution of W Algarve’s culinary offering, introducing fresh ideas while building on the resort’s reputation for bold, creative and immersive dining experiences.
Whether dining at Vino, enjoying relaxed poolside dining at WET Deck or experiencing the resort’s all-day hospitality offer, guests can expect menus rooted in seasonality, local ingredients and modern Mediterranean flavours, interpreted through Ciuccio’s international perspective.
Looking ahead, Ciuccio will lead the next phase of W Algarve’s culinary evolution, with new seasonal menus, chef collaborations and immersive dining experiences designed to celebrate the region’s gastronomic heritage.
Working closely with local farmers, fishermen and artisan producers, his vision is to create experiences that showcase the Algarve while introducing guests to flavours inspired by his international career.
From tasting menus and chef’s tables to restaurant concepts and one-off culinary events, Ciuccio’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for food at W Algarve.
As W Algarve continues to strengthen its position as one of Southern Europe’s leading luxury lifestyle destinations, the appointment reinforces the resort’s commitment to delivering culinary experiences shaped by place, produce and personality.
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