Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Announces New Executive Chef

July 11, 2023

INDIAN WELLS, CALIF. – Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa announced Monday the appointment of Omar Salinas as executive chef. A veteran of the Hyatt hospitality brand, Salinas will oversee the resort’s culinary operations including Lantana, the resort’s signature restaurant. 

“We are very delighted to welcome Chef Omar to Hyatt Regency Indian Wells,” said General Manager Dan Johnson. “He possesses a wealth of experience in culinary hospitality, having been an integral aspect of kitchen operations at multiple Hyatt properties. We are confident he will bring a knowledgeable and innovative approach to our food and beverage program, while continuing to elevate our property as a culinary destination within Greater Palm Springs.” 

A native Texan, Salinas’ culinary journey began in Las Vegas where he worked in multiple Michelin-starred dining establishments. His next stop found him along the shores of Kauai where he served as sous chef for the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Salinas then joined the Grand Hyatt Washington D.C. as executive sous chef, where he led a successful culinary campaign for both intimate functions and large-scale events. Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, Salinas returned to his home state of Texas as executive sous chef of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, managing all aspects of the resort’s culinary operations and supporting event bookings for multi-million-dollar contracts. 

“I’m thrilled to join the team at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells and work alongside this stellar group of professionals,” said Salinas. “I’ve been part of the Hyatt family for the bulk of my career, and I look forward to this next chapter and continuing to uphold the excellence in hospitality that has become synonymous with the brand.” 

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells presents several culinary options on-site, including signature restaurant Lantana. Lantana focuses on locally sourced, California-inspired fare, serving seafood from California’s Pacific waters, steaks produced from California ranchers, and fresh produce provided by farmers in the surrounding region.  The restaurant offers laid-back breakfasts in the mornings before transitioning to an elevated dining experience at night from 5pm – 10pm daily. Agave Sunset, the resort’s bar and lounge ideal for a mid-day cocktail break, offers daily happy hours with lighter fare, desert-inspired cocktails and the resort’s private-label Agave Sunset tequila. Poolside, Roadrunner Café is open from 11am – 6pm daily with convenient choices for lunchtime cravings.