The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton™, proudly announces the appointment of Chef Simone De Vivo as its new Executive Chef, a strategic move poised to significantly elevate the hotel’s culinary landscape and enhance the vibrant Abu Dhabi dining scene.
With two decades of distinguished global culinary expertise, Chef De Vivo brings a wealth of international experience and an inherent Italian passion to his pivotal role on Yas Island. His impressive resume includes tenures with world-class hotel brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Atlantis Paradise Island, and Sandals Resorts, underscoring his capability in diverse and high-volume environments.
Most recently, Chef De Vivo served as Executive Sous Chef at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, where he successfully oversaw ten distinct dining outlets. His responsibilities spanned critical areas like cost control, team development, and innovative concept creation, demonstrating a proven track record of operational excellence and strategic leadership, perfectly aligning with the standards expected of a Hilton Curio Collection property.
The WB™ Abu Dhabi is more than a themed hotel; it stands as a burgeoning culinary destination within the dynamic Yas Island hotels landscape. Under Chef De Vivo’s guidance, its three unique restaurants—Sidekicks, The Director’s Club, and The Matinee steakhouse—are poised for new heights, promising an unparalleled experience in hotel gastronomy.
Chef Simone is renowned for his ability to cultivate high-performing culinary teams and introduce service innovations that consistently delight guests. His approach integrates high quality with cost efficiency, a balance crucial for a resort of The WB™ Abu Dhabi’s scale. Furthermore, his strong emphasis on sustainability and meticulous kitchen organization highlights a holistic commitment to modern culinary best practices.
Simone’s extensive journey has spanned continents, from Europe’s esteemed fine-dining establishments to the vibrant beachfront resorts of the Caribbean. These diverse experiences have profoundly shaped his signature style: bold, flavor-rich, and unwaveringly guest-centric. His deep understanding of adapting menus to cater to diverse cultural tastes is particularly vital in Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan market, enriching the overall Yas Island dining experience.
As the world’s first Warner Bros.-themed hotel and a cornerstone of Yas Island’s appeal, The WB™ Abu Dhabi attracts a wide array of leisure and family travelers. Chef De Vivo’s creative flair and profound operational acumen make him an ideal fit for this vibrant brand, supporting the hotel’s vision of delivering “playful luxury” and transforming every meal into an unforgettable story.
This strategic Executive Chef appointment signals an exciting new chapter for The WB™ Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage narrative. Chef Simone De Vivo’s blend of global expertise, nuanced local insight, and dynamic energy perfectly complements the hotel’s mission. Guests can anticipate a refined, story-driven dining experience, from casual poolside bites to elegant steakhouse dinners, ensuring the hotel remains a leader in Yas Island’s rapidly growing travel and food scene.
