Gianluca Nurchis: a career spanning Europe and the Caribbean
Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences has appointed Gianluca Nurchis to lead the property. He is an Italian luxury hospitality professional with experience in Europe and in several Caribbean destinations.
His career began in Italy, mainly in Sardinia and Rome. Over fifteen years there, he built operational and commercial expertise in upscale hospitality.
After earning a master’s degree in Hotel & Revenue Management in Milan, he moved on to the Caribbean. He first joined Meliá Hotels International in Cuba, at a Paradisus-branded property.
In 2014, he joined Viva Resorts by Wyndham, where he held successive roles in Mexico, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.
This experience across several international tourism markets is an asset in leading Sublime Samana, which is positioned as a luxury hotel on an intimate scale.
A new role as the hotel repositions its offering
The appointment of Gianluca Nurchis comes as Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences reopened on 8 October 2026 after a short technical closure.
Located on the Samaná Peninsula, the property has 40 suites and casitas and belongs to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection.
This new chapter brings changes to several parts of the guest experience, notably dining, wellness and activities for families.
With these changes, the hotel aims to strengthen its position in the intimate luxury segment by combining upscale accommodation, natural surroundings and personalised experiences.
A refreshed culinary offering under Patricio Mardones
Alongside the arrival of Gianluca Nurchis, executive chef Patricio Mardones is developing new menus for the La Palapa and Le Bistro restaurants. His career includes positions in Santiago, New York and Miami.
Recently back from a stay in his native Chile, he continues a culinary approach built on local sourcing, notably the local catch from Sánchez and produce from the hotel’s organic kitchen garden.
The hotel is also expanding its programme of experiences. This includes the “Sublime Redefined” weekend, scheduled for 20–22 November 2026, which combines gastronomy, wellness and on-site activities.
These initiatives add to an offering that already includes the Coconut Whispers Spa, outdoor activities and the Nido Azul family programme.
Strategic analysis | Experienced leadership to consolidate a niche positioning
Gianluca Nurchis takes up the role at a time when independent luxury hotels must balance several demands: a distinctive guest experience, control over distribution, commercial performance and operational quality.
His experience with international groups and his training in revenue management are particularly relevant to a property of only 40 accommodation units. The economics of a hotel this size depend notably on lifting the average rate and building guest loyalty.
Membership of Small Luxury Hotels of the World also gives the hotel international visibility while letting it keep its own identity.
For the new management, the challenge will be to turn the changes to the culinary and experiential offering into lasting drivers of appeal and performance, without diluting the property’s intimate character.
The appointment therefore points to operational continuity and commercial consolidation rather than a change to the hotel model, which the property has not announced.
At a Glance
Appointment: Gianluca Nurchis takes over as General Manager of Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences.
Property: Five-star luxury hotel with 40 suites and casitas in the Dominican Republic.
Affiliation: Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Career: Previous experience with Meliá Hotels International and Viva Resorts by Wyndham.
Reopening: 8 October 2026, following a short technical closure.
Positioning: Boutique luxury hospitality, gastronomy, wellness and personalised experiences.
