Press Release

The sophisticated and innovative environment that Vidanta Riviera Maya offers makes it the ideal stage for the last two episodes of season two of Top Chef México. In these two episodes, the finalists are challenged with advanced culinary tests that also happen to showcase the beauty of the resort, including Havana Moon restaurant, the award-winning Azur, as well as Cirque du Soleil Theater, an award-winning architectural marvel in its own right.

Staying at Grand Luxxe, the exclusive hotel located at Vidanta Riviera Maya offering the best of luxury and comfort, the top two finalists experience the most surprising challenge yet in the final episode. After watching Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ, which is Cirque’s first resident show outside of the US and their only production that includes a culinary experience, the finalists are put to a momentous task that involves both JOYÀ’s artists and its audience.

To replicate the level of pressure place on one of the country’s best chefs, the finalists will have to compete for two internationally renowned guest chefs. Danish René Redzepi, recognized as the best chef in the world by Restaurant Magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014 and creator of the Michelin star-winning Noma, will act as the competitors’ mentor while Alexis Bostelmann, Corporate Chef of Vidanta, will join the judges. The finale’s jury of judges consists of Martha Ortiz Chapa, Aquiles Chávez, Mikel Alonso, Guillermo González Beristáin, and Juantxo Sánchez. For the last challenge, a surprise auction will take place at Nektar restaurant, where the finalists will bid on all the ingredients that they need for this last meal, many of which are local organic ingredients.

Top Chef México was created with the mission of promoting Mexican gastronomy and showcasing the grand and diverse destinations of the country. The show will highlight the beauty, luxury, and architecture of Vidanta Riviera Maya, a stunning resort that extends over 1,000 acres of tropical paradise. Also included in the program will be sweeping aerial shots of the property, thrilling footage of Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ, an intimate look at some of the five resort hotels, the impressive offering of world-class restaurants, spectacular pools and boutiques, along with the Nicklaus Design Course, among other amenities available at Vidanta Riviera Maya.

The collaboration between Grupo Vidanta and Top Chef México reinforces the company’s philosophy to promote the quality and variety of Mexican gastronomy while also showcasing the wealth of gorgeous tourist destinations the country offers.

Don’t miss the grand finale of the second season of Top Chef México featuring the beautiful Vidanta Riviera Maya. The show will premiere this Friday, June 9^th, at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television.

About Vidanta
As Grupo Vidanta’s luxury vacationing brand, Vidanta boasts an impressive portfolio of entertainment and destination resorts along the most coveted beaches in Mexico including Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Acapulco, Puerto Peñasco, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán. At the Vidanta destinations, guests can stay in luxury resort hotels that include Grande Luxxe, The Grand Bliss, The Grand Mayan, The Bliss, Mayan Palace, and Sea Garden, with more under development. Innovative partnerships include collaborations with the creative visionaries at Cirque du Soleil to create JOYÀ – a permanent theatrical and culinary experience in Riviera Maya. Vidanta has also partnered with global hospitality company Hakkasan Group on an exclusive, long-term agreement to debut new nightlife, daylife and dining experiences. The first phase includes Omnia Dayclub, Herringbone, Casa Calavera and SHOREbar at Vidanta Los Cabos. For more information, visit www.vidanta.com.