Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Announces New Roles: Christophe Laplaza as Director of Food and Beverage and Laurent Grolleau as Executive Pastry Chef

On the Red Sea shores between the desert and the sea, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt offers a diverse dining destination with a staggering total of twelve restaurants and bars, taking guests on a culinary journey around the world via the Middle East.

The Arabian fairytale now welcomes Christophe Laplaza as the new Director of Food and Beverage who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to his new role at the Resort. Further expansions to the culinary team include Laurent Grolleau as Executive Pastry Chef with a career spanning prestigious kitchens and luxurious destinations.

Christophe Laplaza

Christophe Laplaza began his career with Four Seasons in 2018 as Executive Sous Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca and quickly advanced to Executive Chef by 2019, managing the Hotel's entire food-and-beverage operation by 2020. He further refined his skills at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano before moving to Sharm El Sheikh. Now, he oversees one of the largest food and beverage operations in the company’s portfolio, with twelve dining venues along the Red Sea.

Laplaza aims to create unforgettable dining experiences that allow diners to travel the world from the comfort of their table, offering a variety of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Italian, Latin American, Lebanese and pan-Asian among others. He leads a team of 320 professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment focused on excellence and authentic culinary experiences. His leadership maintains the Resort's status as a premier culinary destination. “Our restaurants and bars re-define the dining experience in Sharm El Sheikh with fine local ingredients, creative cuisines and interactive atmospheres immersed in our desert-to-sea culture, all led by the most talented chefs and mixologists,” he emphasizes.

Laplaza’s passion for cooking began in his grandmother’s kitchen in Burgundy, France, and his career has included working at a hotel restaurant in Versailles with Gordon Ramsay as a consultant. Now in Sharm El Sheikh, he embraces a balanced lifestyle focused on health, sports and family, inspired by the tranquil environment of the Red Sea, aligning with his goal of advancing in the food and beverage industry.

Laurent Grolleau

Laurent Grolleau brings extensive international experience, having worked with renowned pastry chefs such as Pierre Hermé and Nicolas Boussin, and held prestigious positions at luxury global addresses in Japan, Brazil and most recently Baku, Azerbaijan.

A well-rounded and ambitious pastry chef, Grolleau is celebrated for his creativity and open-minded approach. He has also been a distinguished educator at several international culinary schools and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the culinary arts. Passionate about incorporating healthy and wholesome ingredients into his sweet creations, Grolleau believes that dining should be an immersive experience for all the senses.

“My journey in the culinary world is inspired by my love for tasting exquisite cuisines and my belief that dining should be more than just a meal, it should be an experience,” says Laurent.

Born and raised in Saint Germain en Laye, France, Grolleau initially obtained a degree in Robotics & Automation Engineering before discovering his true passion for pastry. He subsequently earned a diploma from the Culinary Pastry World, which propelled him into a career that combines technical precision with artistic creativity.

Together, Christophe Laplaza and Laurent Grolleau are set to elevate the culinary offerings at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. Their combined expertise and shared passion for culinary excellence ensure that every meal is a memorable experience, showcasing the finest ingredients and most innovative techniques.

For reservations at any of the Restaurants and Bars, visit online or e-mail res.sharmelsheikh@fourseasons.com.