The award-winning Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach of Meritage Collection welcomes John Sweiss as Director of Restaurants.
Sweiss will manage the food and beverage teams at Koʻa Kea Resort, including for the renowned Red Salt restaurant, in addition to ensuring guests receive the highest level of service and quality. He brings more than two decades of experience to his new role along the sandy beaches of Poʻipu.
Sweiss formally served multiple operations positions with world-renowned hospitality groups including Gotham Hospitality Group, Sugar Factory and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. In his latest role as General Operations at New York City’s Gotham Hospitality – whose portfolio includes the famed Gotham West Market in Hell’s Kitchen and Gotham Market at The Ashland – Sweiss took a hands-on approach to ensuring customer satisfaction every day, while successfully developing new protocols and procedures during the pandemic.
Under Sweiss’ leadership, Koʻa Kea Resort’s dining experiences, such as Red Salt, the Pool Bar and the property’s new Grab & Go Breakfast, will continue to flourish. Guests at Red Salt will still enjoy a diverse menu created by acclaimed Executive Chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas, celebrating fresh, locally sourced Hawaiian seafood and produce. In addition to artfully crafted sashimi, signature dishes include Mahi, Nut & Seed Crusted Mahi and Furikake Crusted Fresh Catch for dinner, as well as Loco Moco and Lemon Pineapple Soufflé Pancakes for breakfast.
“Sweiss brings a fresh perspective to his new role, which will ensure the highest standard of service for our guests who choose to dine on property,” says Sharolyn Kawakami, General Manager at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach.
“With Chef Planas at the helm of Red Salt’s menu and Sweiss overseeing operations, Koʻa Kea will continue elevating the island’s culinary experience for travelers and locals alike.”
To book a reservation at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach or Red Salt, please visit koakea.com or call 877-276-0768.
The Meritage Collection is a lifestyle and luxury hotel brand that blends iconic, one-of-a-kind places with locally-inspired experiences designed for the curious traveler. Débuted in 2013, Meritage Collection is comprised of five hotels & resorts throughout California, Texas and Hawaii – The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, Vista Collina at The Meritage in Napa Valley, Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, Hotel Granduca in Austin and Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort in Kauai. Reflective of its California roots, the Meritage Collection offers a laid-back luxury service culture that caters to the modern-day traveler.
