La Quinta Resort & Club, the desert retreat set at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, has appointed Marco Aguilar as Executive Chef, a move announced on July 9, 2026, during the property's centennial year. Aguilar, who brings more than 20 years of culinary leadership across luxury resorts and private clubs, will oversee all culinary operations at the resort, including menu development, restaurant and banquet programming, team leadership and strategy.
In his new role, Aguilar leads the culinary direction across the property's food and beverage outlets, including the signature historic Morgan's in the Desert and the authentic Adobe Grill, as the resort continues to evolve its culinary program for the next generation of guests.
"Finding the right Executive Chef for La Quinta Resort & Club was an incredibly important decision," said Dermot Connolly, General Manager of La Quinta Resort & Club. "Throughout the process, Chef Marco consistently demonstrated the qualities we were seeking, including exceptional culinary talent and a genuine commitment to both our team members and guests. Having already played such an important role in the resort's success, we are thrilled to see him step into this well-deserved position."
Two Decades Across the Southwest
Aguilar's experience spans luxury resorts, private clubs and high-volume hospitality destinations across the Southwest and beyond. He began his culinary career in Santa Fe, where he built a foundation in resort dining while developing the technical expertise and leadership skills that would define his career. Early roles as sous chef at Bishop's Lodge and La Posada strengthened his command of both culinary execution and kitchen operations. He later expanded his experience at Grappa Bistro in Colorado and in culinary roles across Arizona, broadening his repertoire and reinforcing his adaptability across a variety of dining environments.
Over the past decade, Aguilar has played an integral role in transforming Adobe Grill into a sought-after standalone dining destination. A familiar and respected presence throughout the resort, he has cultivated lasting relationships with guests and team members while consistently delivering an exceptional culinary experience to Adobe Grill diners.
Aguilar's appointment marks a new chapter for La Quinta Resort & Club in its centennial year, reflecting the property's tradition of developing culinary leadership and pioneering an exceptional hospitality experience.
About the Property
La Quinta Resort & Club, a member of Hilton's Curio Collection, is set on 45 acres of gardens and pathways at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, positioning it among the premier greater Palm Springs resorts. The property features 620 casitas and suites and 98 villas, the 23,000-square-foot Spa La Quinta, nearly 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting facilities, 42 climate-controlled swimming pools and 53 hot spas, championship-caliber golf, 23 tennis courts and seven dining options, including fine dining at the award-winning Morgan's in the Desert, a showcase of contemporary American cuisine inspired by the bounty of the Coachella Valley.
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