Photo credits: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
In the rarefied world of haute cuisine, where innovation and tradition vie for supremacy, Chef Marcel Ravin has carved out a singular place. On May 13, 2025, at the Hôtel & Lodge Awards in Paris, Ravin, the visionary chef behind the two-Michelin-starred Blue Bay Marcel Ravin at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and the one-Michelin-starred Elsa at Monte-Carlo Beach, was awarded first prize in the “Chef” category. This accolade, bestowed by a jury of industry luminaries, underscores Ravin’s extraordinary ability to fuse his Martinican heritage with Mediterranean influences, creating a cuisine that is as soulful as it is sophisticated.
Ravin’s journey from a young dreamer in the Caribbean to a celebrated figure in Monaco’s gastronomic scene is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. His dishes—marked by a delicate interplay of bold flavors, meticulous technique, and a deep respect for ingredients—challenge the conventions of fine dining. At Blue Bay, diners might encounter a dish that marries the vibrancy of Caribbean spices with the elegance of Mediterranean seafood, a reflection of Ravin’s dual roots. “Receiving this award as a chef is a great pride,” Ravin said in a statement. “It crowns a passionate commitment and the dream of a child drawn to global haute gastronomie.”
Photo credits: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
The award also burnishes the reputation of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the storied hospitality group that oversees Ravin’s restaurants. With this latest honor, the group’s establishments now boast a collective 10 Michelin stars, cementing Monaco’s status as a global culinary destination. The Hôtel & Lodge Awards, organized by the French magazine Hôtel & Lodge since 2018, have become a benchmark for excellence in luxury hospitality, celebrating achievements in architecture, design, wellness, and gastronomy. Ravin’s victory in the “Chef” category places him among the world’s culinary elite, recognized for a style that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Photo credits: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
For Monaco, a principality synonymous with opulence, Ravin’s success is more than a culinary triumph—it is a cultural milestone. “Through Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, I have the honor of contributing to Monaco’s radiance as a gastronomic destination,” Ravin noted. His work not only elevates the dining experience but also weaves a narrative of identity and innovation, inviting diners to savor the world through his lens.