It is this potential for creativity that most excites Justin Wermers, who has just been appointed as Area Director for Food and Beverage at Banyan Tree and Angsana Lang Co – the two award-winning luxury resorts currently on the books at the integrated project in Central Vietnam.
Wermers, a Dutch national with more than 15-years of experience in F&B and hospitality, comes to Lang Co following stints in the Middle East with InterContinental and, most recently, at the New World Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
He is relishing the challenge ahead, especially the opportunity to expand the two resorts’ range of customised culinary experiences, which currently encompass everything from romantic in-villa dining to candlelit meals on the pristine three-kilometre-long beach that runs alongside Laguna Lang Co.
“The grounds and surroundings at Laguna Lang Co are stunning and the potential to curate special moments is endless. Therefore, I’m very keen to further develop our destination dining offering”, he said. “We also have an opportunity to introduce some additional experiences within our outlets. I’m very excited about running a great team here and helping the resort stand out in Vietnam.”
In addition to putting his mark on destination dining, Wermers will take charge of operations at the eight dining and lounge outlets at the two properties. These include the beachfront Azura, where Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood can be savoured to the soundtrack of gently lapping waves; The Water Court, a place to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine; and Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant which, at Lang Co, is perched on a hilltop with stunning sea views.
He will also oversee all in-room dining at the two properties in addition to banquets and events.
“Justin’s passion for quality and leadership is evident and widely recognised through his many contributions”, said Brett Burton, Area General Manager at Banyan Tree & Angsana Lang Co. “With his experience, vision and the support of our Executive Chef Neeraj Parmar, we are excited about the culinary innovations and unique dining experiences that await our guests.”
