KEY STAFF APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF VICEROY AT OMBRIA ALGARVE LAUNCH THIS OCTOBER (Portugal)
Opening 1st October 2024, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is delighted to announce key leadership appointments to support its European expansion including Duarte Gonçalves da Cunha as General Manager, Pedro Pinto as Executive Chef and Gonçalo Mendes as Head Sommelier. |
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KEY STAFF APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF VICEROY AT OMBRIA ALGARVE LAUNCH THIS OCTOBER (Portugal)
Opening 1st October 2024, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is delighted to announce key leadership appointments to support its European expansion including Duarte Gonçalves da Cunha as General Manager, Pedro Pinto as Executive Chef and Gonçalo Mendes as Head Sommelier. |
Category: Europe - Portugal - Careers
- Appointments
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2024-09-09
 Duarte Gonçalves da Cunha, General Manager
Photo credit © Viceroy Hotel Group
Together, this new team will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations from the outset, from guest services to food and beverage, and property management.
Duarte Gonçalves da Cunha, General Manager
As General Manager at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Duarte Gonçalves da Cunha brings his wealth of luxury hospitality experience to the resort, with the goal to become one of Europe’s most celebrated hotels.
With previous experience at properties with exceptional service standards, Duarte holds a core belief in the inherent nobility of serving others, both his guests and the teams he integrates and leads.
Throughout his career, Duarte has worked at four Aman Resorts in Morocco, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Montenegro, as well as Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol. Most recently, he distinguished himself as General Manager for Discovery Hotel Management, leading the team at Octant Douro in Portugal for the past four years. Duarte holds degrees in Hotel Management and Strategic Marketing from Les Roches Hotel Management School in Switzerland and has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
"I am honoured to be leading the team at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve," says Duarte Gonçalves da Cunha.
"The resort is a one-of-kind concept and when we open our doors, we will welcome our guests to discover the ‘other side’ of the Algarve. All guest experiences will be guided by locals, preserving and honouring traditional ways of life. Our team will guide guests to foster a deep appreciation of the nature, land and culture of the region, which I believe is so distinctive and beautiful."
Pedro Pinto, Executive Chef
Originally from Ovar, Northern Portugal, Pedro Pinto is a distinguished culinary professional and a passionate advocate for Portuguese gastronomy.
His professional journey includes notable stints at AbaC Barcelona (3* Michelin), Vila Joya (2* Michelin), The Yeatman (2* Michelin), Areias do Seixo, Bela Vista (1* Michelin), Vila Vita Parc (where he worked for six years), and Pine Cliffs Resort (where he managed six outlets for two years).
Pedro’s culinary philosophy is rooted in creativity, innovation, seasonality, and a profound respect for the product, producer, and Portuguese traditions.
Pedro is an advocate of utilising local products and honouring cultural heritage.
As Executive Chef for Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Pedro believes that the project will become a landmark in the region. He envisions it as a breath of fresh air in the Algarve's hotel scene, offering an experience that promotes nature and modern luxury in a region predominantly known for its coastal dining destinations.
Gonçalo Mendes, Head Sommelier
Gonçalo Mendes serves as the Head Sommelier at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, influencing and inspiring through his extensive knowledge and passion for wine.
Over nearly two decades, Gonçalo has been deeply involved in wine tourism.
His dedication was recognised when he won the award for Best Wine Tourism Sommelier in the country at the National Wine Tourism Awards by APENO - Portuguese Wine Tourism Association. In 2023, he was honoured as the Best Sommelier of the Year by APENO, further solidifying his status in the industry. In 2019, Gonçalo achieved a Bronze medal in the National Course by the National Association of Sommeliers. In 2020, he further enhanced his credentials with the Certificate of Pedagogical Skills from Turismo de Portugal, enabling him to provide training in the sector.
Gonçalo's career took a significant turn in 2012 when he joined L'AND Vineyards as Sommelier and Maître. In 2013, he was part of the team that received an international distinction, earning a Michelin Star with Chef Miguel Laffan. This achievement marked him as the first sommelier in the region to receive such an award, highlighting his exceptional skills and contributions to the field.
Embodying a vibrant village, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve will offer 141 rooms including guest rooms, suites and residences all set within 5.2 hectares.
The resort will launch with six dining outlets, each paying homage to the hotel’s locality and utilising produce either grown on-site in their gardens and orchards or sourced locally. With far-reaching 360 degree views of rugged Algarve hills and open plains, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve showcases a new destination in the creative heart of the region - a peaceful, cultural and sensitively designed resort just north of Loulé and only 30 minutes from Faro airport and the coast.
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve will be open year-round with rates starting from £450 for a Deluxe King Room on a B&B basis.
About Ombria Algarve
Located in the heart of Algarve’s countryside, Ombria is a naturally exceptional destination fostering a harmonious balance between its surrounding landscape and the local communities. With a genuine commitment to authenticity, sustainability and to the highest international standards of design and service, Ombria’s state-of-the-art facilities include:
- Several different types of homes for sale, including villas, townhouses and apartments
- ‘Viceroy at Ombria Algarve’, a 5-star hotel managed by Viceroy Hotels & Resorts which includes 141 rooms, a spa, fitness facilities, 8 restaurants and bars, kids club, a conference centre and several heated swimming pools
- 18-hole golf course designed by Jorge Santana da Silva
- Leisure and entertainment facilities include an organic farm, honey harvesting, hiking trails, mountain biking tracks and a beach club at one of the nearby beaches.
Ombria’s owner and developer is Pontos Group, a Finnish family office, investor and active owner that seeks to transform the real estate industry through digitalisation.
For more information, please visit www.ombria.com.
About Pontos Group
Pontos Group is a Finnish family office that invests in real estate development and digitalization, growth companies and private equity funds in Finland and globally. The company is an active and long-term owner committed to the continuous development of its portfolio companies. It seeks to increase investments in the development of real estate lifecycles, all the way from construction to usage. Pontos pursues strategic actions to develop cities and population centres in a way that is sustainable for people and the environment. Visit pontos.fi
About Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
With hotels and residences in Los Cabos and Riviera Maya (Mexico), Snowmass (Colorado), Kopaonik (Serbia), St. Lucia (West Indies), Santa Monica (California), Chicago (Illinois) and Washington, D.C., Viceroy offers a fresh take on hospitality, centred on the richness of experiences and genuine connection. Guests can expect intuitive service, elevated design, and carefully designed moments inspired by the culture, artistry, and natural wonders of each locale. Viceroy is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) DISCOVERY, a unique loyalty program offering exclusive benefits and experiences to its members at over 550 hotels around the world.
 Pedro Pinto, Executive Chef
Photo credit © Viceroy Hotel Group
 Gonçalo Mendes, Head Sommelier
Photo credit © Viceroy Hotel Group
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