By combining his passion for art with his love of food, Waldorf Astoria Panama’s Art Chocolatier has really broken the mold

Since opening in 2013 in Panama City, Waldorf Astoria Panama has made its mark on the fashionable Calle Uruguay neighborhood.

From the outset, Waldorf Astoria’s first Latin-American outpost broke with some of the brand’s classic roots, occupying a trendy address – where historical Spanish heritage buildings meld with the modern skyline – and boasting a poolside bar.

Inside, however, Waldorf Astoria’s signature elegance is channeled through a gold and white motif and art deco-inspired accents, as well as in the shimmering interiors by Miami-based firm Ba-Haus/KNF.

It seems fitting then that a creative talent such as Aldo Apolayo should rise through the ranks to become the hotel’s Art Chocolatier with his boundary-pushing creations.

While at hotel school, Aldo was presented with an opportunity to join the Waldorf Astoria Panama team as a trainee in the Food and Beverage Department. Little did he know that this trainee role would lead him to reconnect with his passion for art.

As part of the Waldorf Astoria Panama’s pastry team, he began using creativity and artistic design in his dishes, eventually specializing in the artistic use of chocolate.

Today, Aldo serves as the hotel’s Art Chocolatier and his creations can be found in every outlet in the property.

“Just like a craft in an indigenous town molded from zero, everything we deliver in our restaurants has its own unique personality for the moment,” Aldo explains.
The hotel’s dining options – which include a casual restaurant focusing on simple and delicate breakfasts, an outdoor pool bar and the iconic Peacock Alley –elevate Waldorf Astoria Panama’s reputation further as a destination for inspired dining, with Chef German Ghelfi at the helm.

To book your stay, visit Waldorf Astoria Panama