Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2022
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Executive Pastry Chef, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
  

Employment History

• Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC; Hard Rock Hotel, New York; Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown; Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco; Hotel Fairmont Empress, Victoria, Canada; Grand Hyatt Muscat, Oman

Education

• Diploma, Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Mumbai; Tea Sommelier Certification, Metropolitan Tea Company, Toronto, Canada

Birthplace

• Mumbai, India

Languages Spoken

• Hindi, English, operational French and Spanish

As the Executive Pastry Chef at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Ashish Thalakkat is not just creating desserts - he’s crafting experiences that capture the essence of the island. "Wherever I’ve worked, I’ve always had certain standards and expectations, and here at Four Seasons Resort Maui, it's about creating pastries that truly reflect our identity and location," Thalakkat explains. "Here, I’m able to revisit and elevate the tropical flavours of my childhood - like lilikoi and mango - with a thoughtful flair that speaks to Hawaii."

Thalakkat’s role encompasses designing pastry menus and bakery items across the Resort’s diverse dining venues, including the signature Ferraro's Restaurant & Bar, DUO Steak and Seafood, Lobby Lounge, In-Room Dining, and Special Events. His creativity is deeply intertwined with the Resort’s vision, which he enhances through his distinctive style. He describes his approach as “doing things tastefully and beautifully,” emphasizing the importance of thoughtful garnishes and harmonious flavours that create a memorable bite.

For Thalakkat, it’s all about aligning with the Four Seasons ethos. “If a child is checking in on their birthday, for example, we craft a special cake to transform a moment into a cherished memory through an exceptional dessert. That’s the essence of what we do,” he says. It’s this commitment to genuine kindness and memorable moments that keeps guests returning to the iconic Resort year after year.

Originally from Mumbai, Thalakkat comes from a family of doctors and engineers. Initially studying medicine, he was inspired to shift his focus after a friend introduced him to the world of pastry. “The precision required in pastry fascinated me,” he recalls. “I never arrived with pre-set recipes. Instead, I prefer to create my own, understanding how each ingredient interacts in the process.”

Thalakkat’s scientific background has shaped his unique approach, involving deep dives into the properties of individual ingredients and their molecular structures. His dedication to innovation has led him to work with prestigious international luxury hotel groups, from Muscat and Victoria to San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York City, where he briefly served as executive sous chef before joining Four Seasons.

Wherever he goes, Thalakkat finds fulfillment in making people happy. “It’s incredible how many choose to end their dining experiences at Four Seasons Resort Maui on a sweet note. If there was ever any doubt, I can assure you: People still love dessert.”