Meet the team: Ioannis Giannes – Executive Chef at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa
Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Ioannis Giannes, the Executive Chef of Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa. Read his interview and find out more about his favourite things at H Hotels Collection.
Please present yourself to us.
My name is Ioannis Giannes, and I am an Executive Chef. I have been working in gastronomy for many years, mainly in high-demand hotels and restaurants with different styles and concepts. I’ve learned to operate in fast-paced environments, to organise teams, and to maintain consistent quality in every dish. I enjoy working with clean flavours, solid technique and proper organisation, while constantly looking for ways to evolve both the team and the product. I believe a strong kitchen is built on teamwork and consistency — and this is what I try to deliver every day: a result that combines creativity, professionalism and respect for the ingredients.
Why do you love working at the H Hotels Collection?
I love working at H Hotels Collection because it is a group that truly values quality, hospitality, and its people. There is good organisation, strong cooperation and an environment that gives you the space to grow and create. I enjoy working with high standards and with a team that shares the same goal: to offer guests an experience that truly stands out.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the culinary arts, and how did your journey lead you to Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa?
What attracted me to gastronomy from the beginning was the creativity, the structure, the intensity and the adrenaline of working in a professional kitchen. That combination made me want to follow this profession and keep evolving. Over the years I worked in different hotels and environments, gaining experience and stability in my craft. Joining Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa was the natural next step — a place where I can work at a high level and offer a complete culinary experience.
What makes the dining experience here unique compared to other luxury resorts?
The culinary experience at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa stands out because we focus on high-quality ingredients and proper execution. We select good products and maintain a consistent standard across all our restaurants. At the same time, the overall experience — from the kitchen to F&B and service — works as one. This makes guests feel they are enjoying something complete, well-balanced and genuinely well-crafted.
What is your favorite ingredient and what is the kitchen tool you can’t live without?
I can’t choose just one ingredient. Cooking is a combination of flavours and technique. From olive oil and feta, to katsuobushi and miso — everything has its value and can add character to a dish when used correctly. As for tools… the classic answer is the knife. But before that, what’s the first thing you do when you enter the kitchen?
For me, everything starts with the apron. If I walk into the kitchen without an apron, it feels like walking in… naked. It immediately puts me into the right rhythm and mindset for the job.
Which is your preferred restaurant of the group?
I can’t choose just one, because the group has excellent restaurants with diverse themes. Each one has its own character and identity, offering a different experience to both us and our guests. Having worked in other hotels within the H Hotels Collection, I’ve seen the range and level of the concepts up close. That’s why it’s difficult to pick a single favourite — the group has built a culinary variety and consistency that makes each restaurant stand out in its own way.
How do you foster creativity and passion within your team
For me, creativity and passion in a team develop in stages:
- Trust:
We start with getting to know each other, clear training and defining responsibilities. Daily collaboration builds confidence and helps people feel secure and supported. - Development:
Once the team begins to ‘read’ each other, performance increases. There is better flow, mutual support and the skills of each member grow naturally. - Perfection:
At this stage, the team operates as one unit. They go beyond limits that no individual could reach alone. This is where true creativity and passion appear — when everyone elevates the work together.
With this approach, the team doesn’t just follow procedures; it builds identity, rhythm and energy that can be seen in every plate.
What is one memorable reaction or compliment from a guest that stayed with you?
There isn’t just one moment — in hospitality there are good and difficult moments, that’s the nature of the job. But what stays with me the most is the look of relief from guests with dietary restrictions or intolerances when they realise that my team and I are here to ensure this won’t affect their holidays. That trust is the most important compliment.
What’s in store for Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa guests for season 2026 in regard to gastronomy?
For the 2026 season, guests can expect a culinary experience that continues to evolve. We are focusing on detail, quality ingredients and cleaner, more contemporary flavors. There will be refreshed menu proposals and targeted improvements that enhance the experience without losing Mayia’s identity. At the same time, we aim to strengthen the overall flow — from the kitchen to F&B and service — to deliver a more mature, consistent and high-quality result.
