Puneet Bajaj, Director of Food & Beverage at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai seamlessly blends authenticity, innovation, and immersive dining experiences. With over 20 years of expertise in luxury hospitality, he has been a driving force behind the resort’s culinary excellence since its pre-opening phase. From conceptualising signature restaurants to curating exceptional guest experiences, his strategic leadership has positioned Taj Exotica as one of Dubai’s most sought-after dining destinations. His hands-on approach ensures that every outlet embodies Taj’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary trends, creating a dynamic and diverse F&B offering.
From the inception of Taj Exotica, Puneet, along with his team, has meticulously crafted the resort’s F&B program, introducing distinctive dining concepts that set the resort apart. His innovative initiatives include a poolside food truck, which has significantly enhanced guest engagement and revenue, along with seasonal pop-up events and themed dining experiences that attract both in-house and external patrons. Collaborations with renowned international chefs have further elevated the resort’s culinary reputation, ensuring menus remain dynamic, sophisticated, and relevant. His dedication to sustainability is reflected in farm-to-table initiatives and locally sourced ingredients, reinforcing Taj’s commitment to responsible luxury.
Puneet’s expertise extends beyond restaurant operations to orchestrating large-scale, high-profile events with unparalleled precision. He has successfully led major buy-out events hosting over 1,000 guests, overseeing complex logistics and world-class entertainment.
The festive season at Taj Exotica has flourished under Puneet’s direction, with New Year’s Eve gala dinners welcoming 1,200 guests annually and generating $2 million in incremental revenue each year. His ability to deliver extravagant, high-energy events with exceptional gastronomy and entertainment has firmly established the resort as a preferred destination for celebratory occasions.
Beyond guest experiences, Puneet has championed cost optimisations, achieving significant savings while maintaining superior quality and service. His leadership has fostered a culture of growth and professional development, ensuring high team retention and motivation. His involvement in the Dubai Food Festival and collaborations with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) have facilitated partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs like Greg Malouf and Chef Sriram, further solidifying Taj Exotica’s reputation as a global culinary powerhouse.
