Your
Chef Training Retreat
– All You Need to Know
Welcome! This page has everything you need to know for your retreat in Málaga.
Please read the Arrival & Departure section carefully before booking flights.
If anything changes, this page will always be updated first.
Read more
Arrival at the Venue (Valle de Vida)
🌿 What Happens When You Arrive
After picking you up from Pizarra, we drive 20 minutes into the countryside to Valle de Vida, the venue for the retreat.
Here’s what to expect:
- Quick tour of the space — rooms, pool, dining area, kitchen, and common areas.
- Check-in to your room (shared 2–4 people, AC/heating, towels + linens provided).
- Light welcome lunch / snacks depending on time.
- Unpacking and settling in for a short moment.
- Opening circle with everyone: introductions, overview of the retreat, expectations, and schedule.
- Easy dinner together, time to get comfortable, connect, and rest before the first full day.
The idea is to keep arrival day simple, relaxed, and grounding so you start the retreat fresh and ready.
Departure Day
🛫 What to Expect on Departure Day
Departure day is simple and relaxed.
-
Breakfast and a short goodbye moment with the group
-
Time to pack, clean your space, and get ready
-
We leave the venue late morning
🚐 Drop-off
We will drive everyone to Pizarra train station.
Drop-off time: 11:00–11:30
🚆 From Pizarra back to Málaga
At Pizarra, you will take the Cercanías train (C2 line) back to Málaga María Zambrano.
Trains run frequently, and the ride is about 25–30 minutes.
From María Zambrano, you can:
-
Take the airport train (5–7 minutes)
-
Or the airport express bus
-
Or spend time in Málaga if your flight is later
✈️ Flight Timing
Please book your flight after 14:00. This gives you enough time for:
-
The drop-off
-
The train to Málaga
-
Airport check-in / security
-
Any unexpected delays
If flying internationally or with checked baggage, a 15:00 or later flight is even safer.
What to bring
Mindset
- Come ready to focus, this is a hands-on training
- Come ready to learn, practise and ask questions
- Come ready to taste, you will be working with food throughout the day
- Come ready to participate and work with the group
- Come ready to enjoy the process
Clothes
- Light, breathable clothing for warm days
- A light layer and long trousers for the evenings
- Comfortable, casual clothes you can cook and move in
- Closed, comfortable shoes for the kitchen
- Swimwear for the pool
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for outings
Other essentials
- Notebook and pen
- Reusable water bottle
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small backpack or tote bag for outings
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Passport and plug adapter, if needed
Towels and bed linen are provided, and a washing machine is available.
What to expect
- An active, hands-on cooking programme
- Plenty of learning, tasting and practical work
- Shared kitchen tasks and teamwork
- Several hours of standing and moving during workshops
- Warm weather, especially in the afternoons
- A structured daily rhythm with time to rest
- Communal meals and time to enjoy the property
- One or two outings during the retreat
You do not need professional experience or specialist kitchen equipment, but active participation is expected.
✨ Final Notes
That’s everything you need right now to book your flights and plan your arrival.
Once we get closer to the retreat, you’ll receive:
-
A Telegram group invite
-
Packing reminders
-
Final schedule details
-
Any last practical instructions
If you’re unsure about flight times or connections, just message me — I’m happy to check your proposed itinerary and confirm it works with the arrival window.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Spain and starting this experience together.
See you soon!
— Damian
