Tulum, Quintana Roo — A familiar name from American college football is making an unexpected appearance on Tulum’s beachfront—this time in the kitchen.
La Zebra Tulum has announced a three-day guest event featuring Ed Orgeron, better known as “Coach O,” who will take on the role of celebrity chef from May 12 to 14.
Orgeron, who led the LSU Tigers to an undefeated season and national championship in 2019, will be trading the sidelines for the stove, serving guests his signature shrimp étouffée—a classic Louisiana dish rooted in Creole cuisine. The version presented in Tulum will incorporate local ingredients and spices, blending Gulf Coast flavors with a Caribbean touch.
The event is designed as more than just a dining experience. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Orgeron, sample the dish, and take part in a series of activities built around food, sports, and the resort’s beachfront setting.
The highlight comes on May 14, when La Zebra will host a beach football event with Orgeron calling plays. The informal game is expected to bring together guests for a mix of light competition and entertainment, set against the backdrop of Tulum’s coastline.
The concept reflects a broader trend among high-end resorts in the Riviera Maya, where curated, personality-driven events are increasingly used to attract visitors and differentiate properties in a competitive market.
La Zebra, part of the Colibri Boutique Hotels group, has positioned itself as a hybrid destination—combining a boutique hotel experience with a lively social atmosphere. The property is also home to one of Tulum’s few beachfront sports bars, equipped with large-format screens, poolside viewing areas, and recreational features like mini golf, catering to guests looking for more than the typical beach-and-relax format.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Coach Ed Orgeron as our celebrity chef and to host the beach football event,” said Paul Cohen, CEO of Colibri Boutique Hotels. “This collaboration brings together food, sports, and the natural setting of Tulum in a way that creates a memorable experience for guests.”
Orgeron’s appearance adds a distinctly American sports element to Tulum’s evolving tourism scene, which has been expanding beyond its traditional wellness and beach-focused identity. Events like this signal a shift toward more diverse programming aimed at a broader international audience.
La Zebra is part of a collection of boutique properties that includes Mi Amor, Mezzanine, and Nevana, all of which cater to travelers seeking a more curated and design-forward stay in Tulum.
For Orgeron, whose career spans more than three decades across major college football programs—including stints at Miami, USC, and LSU—the event offers a different kind of stage. Known for his high-energy personality and leadership style, he now brings that same presence to a setting far removed from the stadium.
The event runs May 12–14 and is open to hotel guests and visitors, adding another layer to Tulum’s growing calendar of lifestyle-driven experiences.
Discover more from Riviera Maya News & Events
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.