Alila Villas Koh Russey welcomes its new Executive Chef, German-born Bjoern van den Oever, a veteran of Rosette and Michelin-starred kitchens who brings a wealth of creativity, passion and five-star experience to the resort’s peaceful Cambodian shores. Bjoern’s culinary journey has spanned the globe, taking him from kitchens in Germany, Ireland, Portugal and Switzerland, to UAE, Qatar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turks & Caicos Islands, the Maldives and Africa.
In the role of Executive Chef, he has created unique and world-class dining experiences for Avani Bentota and Avani Kalutara in Sri Lanka; Sevens Stars Resort in Turks & Caicos; and Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives, where he made a splash with his imaginative cuisine at the undersea 5.8, the largest all-glass underwater restaurant in the world.
Prior to joining Alila Villas Koh Russey, Bjoern could be found working his magic at the exclusive resorts of Diamonds la Gemma dell’Est and Diamonds Star of the East on the Spice Island of Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast.
Trading one exotic island for another, Bjoern now looks forward to indulging guests at this luxury eco- resort in new gastronomic adventures, as he puts a fresh spin of imagination on the Beach Shack’s authentically Khmer and Caribbean-inspired comfort food, and French-focused cuisine at Horizon.
