Chef Hector Espinosa
With nearly two decades of culinary experience across luxury hotels, resorts, and private estates, Espinosa brings a refined global perspective and creative vision to the resort’s award-winning dining program. As Resort Executive Chef, Chef Espinosa will oversee the resort’s culinary program, including locally beloved and award-winning BALEEN Naples, known for inventive coastal cuisine and breathtaking Gulf views.
Chef Espinosa joins LaPlaya from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he served as Executive Corporate Chef at the Charles Schwab Corporate Headquarters, overseeing quality and service for more than 3,000 executives daily. His extensive background includes leadership positions at prestigious properties such as Hotel Vin (Marriott Autograph Collection) in Dallas, Sea Island Resort in Georgia, and Nikki Beach Resorts in Miami and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
A native of Mérida, Mexico, Chef Espinosa has trained at Escuela Culinaria del Sureste and completed a Master Class in French pastry at Universidad Tecnológica in Mérida. His career has also included private chef roles for high-profile clients and professional athletes, including Novak Djokovic, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo, as well as media features on “Chef on the Water” and the Travel Channel.
