YUH KNOW DE TING! MEET CHEF RON MAYNARD

A Culinary Artist with Bajan Soul

A legend at Sea Breeze Beach House, Chef Ron Maynard’s story is a true testament to the power of hard work and passion. For more than two decades, he's been a steady presence, starting out as a barman and working his way up to Executive Chef.

Cooking has been part of Chef Ron’s life since childhood, when he helped his mother and grandmother prepare food for weddings. That early foundation inspired him to master every aspect of the kitchen.

Entering the hospitality industry at just 15 years old, he was captivated by the magic happening in the kitchen. His early inspirations have fuelled his culinary journey, and today he leads the resort’s amazing team that constantly bewitches guests’ tastebuds. It’s a real ‘from little things, big things grow’ kinda story, and he’s done it all with a cool head and a whole heap of dedication.

Uniquely Inspired

His training at the former Michelin-starred restaurants Le Gavroche and Roux at Parliament Square in England broadened Chef Ron’s expertise and elevated his international profile. By 2015, he had risen to Executive Sous Chef at Sea Breeze, later advancing to his current role where he oversees five restaurants, leading daily operations, menus, staff training, and quality standards.

Now recognised as one of Barbados’ top culinary talents, his many awards—including a NIFCA gold medal, multiple wins in the Barbados Pastry Chef Competition, and gold at Taste of the Caribbean—reflect both his artistry and leadership. For the 2019 Barbados Food and Rum Festival, he delighted guests at Sea Breeze Beach House with Desserts for Dinner—a bold six-course menu made entirely of sweet creations. This innovative showcase highlighted the creativity and imagination that have shaped his career.

Simple Yet Classy

So, what's his secret? It’s simple, really. Chef Ron’s cooking is all about keeping it real. He ain’t into fancy-schmancy food that nobody can pronounce. His goal is to make food that’s "simple yet classy with bold flavours," and he always finds a way to add a little Bajan flair.

For Sea Breeze Beach House, he has redefined the concept of “all-inclusive dining,” with that Bajan inspiration visible in all its eateries. At The Flying Fish, Mahogany Lounge, Aqua Terra, Cerulean, and Tipsy On The Beach, guests will find locally-inspired dishes like Bajan Fishcakes, Saltfish & Plantain Roti, and Baxters Fish Cutters, while every Saturday at De Rum Shop Cafe features the island’s traditional Pudding and Souse. From overflowing buffets to upscale à la carte and bespoke dining options, every meal is an island adventure created by Chef Ron and his team.

The five different bars at Sea Breeze Beach House also offer a taste of Barbados, with award-winning local rums and Banks Beer, as well as custom cocktails like ‘Waves of Passion’ (featuring Old Brigand Rum, Passoa, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice and Bitters) and ‘South Coast Colada’ (a blend of Crisma Rum Liqueur, Coconut Cream, Pineapple Juice and Doorly's XO Rum). Let’s just say that guests are always spoiled for choice.

Bajan Roots

If Chef Ron’s food tells the story of his roots combined with international flair, his style is all about balance. Whether it's a dish with breadfruit or a hearty bowl of pork souse, he's happiest celebrating the flavours of home. He takes the best of global culinary concepts and infuses them with fresh, vibrant Bajan ingredients and his signature local touch.

His most important consideration when crafting a menu is keeping those Bajan elements front and centre, because as he always says, local produce is simply fresher and more flavourful.

Outside the kitchen, you might find him chilling on his balcony or liming and dining at a rum shop rather than at some high-end restaurant, and it’s clear that his true joy comes from the creative infusion of local cuisine into international dishes.

For him, it’s all about the fresh, delicious produce that Barbados has to offer, creating a taste of the island that’s both authentic and distinctly modern. So, next time you’re at Sea Breeze Beach House, know that you’re not just dining, you’re tasting a piece of Chef Ron's Bajan heart and soul.