Hilton Yala Secures Three Gold Awards at the Inaugural Academy of F&B Artists – Hilton South Asia
Resort recognised for Best Breakfast Score, Best Restaurant Score and Chef of the Year at the inaugural Hilton South Asia F&B awards ceremony
YALA, Sri Lanka – September 2026 – Hilton Yala Resort has secured three Gold Awards at the inaugural Academy of F&B Artists – Hilton South Asia Awards Ceremony, marking a significant recognition of the resort’s culinary performance, guest experience and talent.
The awards were presented during the Hilton South Asia F&B Conference, held from 3–5 September at Conrad Pune, which brought together food and beverage leaders and professionals from across Hilton’s South Asia portfolio.
Hilton Yala Resort received Goldie Awards for:
- Best Breakfast Satisfaction
- Best Restaurant Satisfaction
- Chef of the Year awarded to Jerome Tissera, Director of Culinary, Hilton Yala Resort
The recognition formed part of the inaugural Academy of F&B Artists – Hilton South Asia, a platform created to celebrate the people shaping the future of food and beverage across Hilton in the region. Built around the pillars of Connect. Inspire. Recognise., the Academy brings together culinary and F&B talent while creating opportunities to celebrate craft, creativity, innovation and excellence.
For Hilton Yala Resort, the three Gold Awards reflect a culinary philosophy that places both the destination and the guest at the heart of the dining experience. From breakfast experiences to destination-inspired dining, the resort’s culinary offering draws upon Sri Lanka’s ingredients, traditions and regional influences while incorporating contemporary techniques and international hospitality standards.
The Chef of the Year Goldie Award further recognises the leadership of Jerome Tissera, Director of Culinary at Hilton Yala Resort, and his contribution to developing the resort’s culinary identity. Together with his culinary and F&B teams, Tissera oversees the resort’s diverse dining experiences, with a continued focus on quality, creativity, consistency and memorable guest experiences.
Commenting on the achievement, Sanoj Perera, Director of Marketing & Communication, Hilton Yala Resort, said:
“These three Gold Awards are an important recognition of the people behind our dining experiences. Food and beverage are an integral part of how our guests experience Hilton Yala, and what makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it recognises both the experiences we deliver and the talent that brings them to life. The Best Breakfast Satisfaction and Best Restaurant Satisfaction reflect the consistency and attention to detail of our teams, while Jerome’s recognition as Chef of the Year celebrates the leadership, creativity and passion behind our culinary direction. To receive all three honours at the inaugural Academy of F&B Artists is an incredibly proud moment for Hilton Yala Resort.”
Located alongside the wilderness of Yala National Park, Hilton Yala Resort brings together luxury hospitality, nature and destination-led experiences. Its food and beverage portfolio is designed to complement the resort’s distinctive setting, encompassing locally inspired cuisine, international favourites, relaxed social spaces and bespoke dining experiences.
The three Gold Awards reinforce Hilton Yala Resort’s commitment to continually elevating its food and beverage offering while recognising the culinary and service professionals responsible for delivering exceptional experiences to guests.
As the Academy of F&B Artists – Hilton South Asia begins its journey as a platform for connection, inspiration and recognition, Hilton Yala Resort’s success at its inaugural awards ceremony represents a strong milestone for the resort and its F&B team.
Looking ahead, guests can expect the resort’s culinary journey to continue evolving, with new menus, seasonal creations, immersive dining concepts and destination-led experiences that draw inspiration from the flavours, landscapes and stories of Sri Lanka. Gastronomical experiences, led by Jerome Tissera along with Indika Fernando (Food & Beverage Manager) and the resort’s culinary and F&B teams, the next chapter will place an even greater emphasis on creativity, local provenance and memorable moments that extend beyond the plate — giving returning and first-time guests alike something new to discover with every visit to Hilton Yala Resort.
For more information and reservations, guests may contact Hilton Yala Resort via email at KDWYA_Safari@hilton.com or WhatsApp on +94 74 3911 892.
Hilton Yala Resort is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hilton Yala Resort or call +94 47 255 5555.
Read more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com.
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the globe, connecting people, cultures and communities. Offering striking design and vibrant communal spaces—from buzzing lobbies to lively bars, best-in-class restaurants, and iconic event venues— Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the place to see and be seen in the world’s most sought-after destinations. With more than 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is where the world comes together, and travelers are masterfully hosted with expertise and care. Experience a legendary stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Hilton Yala Resort
Hilton Yala Resort is a luxurious 5-star full-service resort located on the southern edge of Sri Lanka, adjacent to the iconic Yala National Park and overlooking the Indian Ocean. With 42 stylish guest accommodations—including rooms, suites and private pool-villas—the resort marries sophisticated design with the immersive wilderness of the surrounding landscape.
Managed by Hilton Hotels & Resorts and owned by Wild Beach Resorts (Pvt) Ltd, Hilton Yala offers three dining venues, a spa, a fitness centre and a programme of curated experiences including guided safaris, bush walks and coastal excursions.
Designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind, the resort features expansive greenery, large windows that frame the natural surroundings, and a setting that encourages guests to engage with Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage.
Whether travellers seek adventure, wildlife encounters or serene luxury, Hilton Yala Resort provides a distinctive getaway where nature meets refined hospitality.
