Spanish Gastronomy Series Comes to Meliá Chiang Mai
- Joanna Garingarao
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Nov. 5, 2025) – The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai is about to experience a decidedly Spanish flavour this winter with the announcement that one of the city’s leading hotels, Meliá Chiang Mai, is to play host to a rotating succession of top chefs from Spain over the coming three months.
The four chefs – who bring a galaxy of MICHELIN stars with their culinary resumés – will take turns at exhibiting their cooking skills at Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar, the highest rooftop venue in the city, which offers spectacular views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. This remarkable venue also features a spectacular glass bridge.
Titled the “Spanish Gastronomy Series”, the hispanic food fiesta begins on 17 November 2025 with a five-night special set menu courtesy of Chef Sergio, and continues with similar culinary events in December and January, culminating on February 6, 2026 in the adept hands of Chef Manuel.
Aficionados of Spanish cuisine in Chiang Mai will be licking their lips at the prospect of multi-day Spanish culinary journeys led by four guest chefs at MAI The Sky Bar. Dining will be from 6:30pm till 11pm on the following dates:
Nov 17 - 20, 2025: Chef Sergio Nieto Garcés
Chef Sergio comes from a family of restaurateurs, and learned the craft of the kitchen from his mother and grandfather. His journey across Spain included a spell with legendary Basque chef Martin Berasategui at his eponymous restaurant in Lasarte-Oria, which has been awarded no fewer than three MICHELIN stars. After gaining further experience at another MICHELIN-starred restaurant, El Chaflán in Madrid, Sergio went on to be a finalist at the “World’s Best Tapas” competition in 2009, and in 2017, he achieved third place as Best Chef in Madrid Community, further recognition of his talent and creativity. Chef Sergio then joined the Meliá group and is currently Culinary Director at Meliá Serenity Cam Ranh Beach Resort.
Nov 21, 2025: Sky & Vine Finale: A vibrant closing night featuring the guest chef’s curated menu paired with wines, alongside live DJ and band entertainment at the Upper Deck.
Dec 1–4, 2025: Chef Juan Ignacio García Racionero
Visiting Chiang Mai from sister hotel INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, Madrid-born Chef Nacho has previously been chef de cuisine at the one MICHELIN-starred Saddle, as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, among other acclaimed restaurants in Spain. Chef Nacho said he achieved a lifelong ambition in coming to work in Thailand in 2024 when he joined INNSiDE in Bangkok.
Dec 5, 2025: Sky & Vine Finale: Chef Nacho will host a special evening on the Upper Deck to celebrate MAI The Sky Bar’s third anniversary.
Jan 5–8, 2026: Chef Alejandro García Martín
Hosting Spanish Gastronomy Week in the first week of 2026 will be Chef Alejandro, visiting from Indonesia where he is currently Head Chef of the Gran Meliá Jakarta’s restaurant, ERRE & Urrechu. Chef Alejandro brings his signature blend of Mediterranean elegance and modern technique to the Spanish Gastronomy Series, having honed his craft across prestigious hotels and fine-dining establishments in Europe and the Middle East.
Jan 9, 2026: Sky & Vine Finale A vibrant closing night featuring the guest chef’s curated menu paired with wines, alongside live DJ and band entertainment at the Upper Deck.
Feb 2–5, 2026: Chef Manuel Robles Cons
Having led diverse culinary teams in various international destinations, including Spain, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Cuba, Chef Manuel brings a wealth of gastronomic experience to the high table as he visits Chiang Mai on loan from his current position as Executive Chef at Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort in Vietnam.
Feb 6, 2026: Sky & Vine Finale A vibrant closing night featuring the guest chef’s curated menu paired with wines, alongside live DJ and band entertainment at the Upper Deck.
For further information or to make a reservation, call Mai The Sky Bar on +66 52 090 600, email maiskybar@meliachiangmai.com or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm
Comments