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.

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Retreat Dates & Group Info

2026 Retreat Dates

May Group — May 22–31, 2026
June Group — June 5–14, 2026
September Group — September 18–27, 2026

You know which group you’re in from your confirmation email and invoice.
(If unsure, message me.)

 

1. Getting to Spain & Málaga (AGP)

✈️ Closest Airport: Málaga Airport (AGP)

This is the airport you should book your flights to.
It’s 40–45 minutes from the retreat area.

Flights from Europe

Málaga is extremely well-connected with major European cities.

Flights from USA/Canada

There are few direct flights to Málaga.
Most travelers connect through:
      Madrid
      Barcelona
      London
      Frankfurt
      Amsterdam
      Paris

If you're flying long-haul:
👉 I recommend arriving 1 or 2 days early and staying a night in Málaga.
It gives your body time to rest, avoids jet lag overwhelm, and ensures you’re not stressed if flights are delayed.

Getting From Málaga Airport → Málaga City

You may need to go through Málaga city before transferring to the Pizarra train.

Two easy options:

🚆 Airport → Málaga María Zambrano (train)

  • Cheapest

  • Runs every 20 minutes

  • Takes 5–7 minutes

  • Tickets ~2€

🚌 Airport Express Bus to the City

Runs every 20–30 minutes and also stops at María Zambrano, the main station.

Getting From Málaga → Pizarra (Meeting Point)

📍 Your Meeting Point: Pizarra Train Station

This is where we will pick you up on arrival day, and drive to the retreat venue from.

🚆 Train: Málaga → Pizarra (Cercanías C2 line)

  • Direction: Álora

  • Journey: ~30 minutes

  • Price: ~3€

  • Buy at the station or online
    👉 (Omio link)

Very easy and reliable.

Arrival Day (Important)

All groups (May, June and September) follow the same timing.

🛬 Pick-up Window at Pizarra Station

13:00–13:30 (arrival day)

Please plan your travel so you can be at Pizarra inside this window.

We start our welcome, unpacking, and fruit feast together.

If your flight is very early:

You can spend time in Málaga center, and sightsee (there are lockers for your stuff nearby), or go directly to María Zambrano and then to Pizarra.
The town of Pizarra has cafés and a calm atmosphere.

If your flight is delayed:

Message me on WhatsApp: +34 633960951

 

1. Getting to Spain & Málaga (AGP)

✈️ Closest Airport: Málaga Airport (AGP)

This is the airport you should book your flights to.
It’s 40–45 minutes from the retreat area.

Flights from Europe

Málaga is extremely well-connected with major European cities.

Flights from USA/Canada

There are few direct flights to Málaga.
Most travelers connect through:
      Madrid
      Barcelona
      London
      Frankfurt
      Amsterdam
      Paris

If you're flying long-haul:
👉 I recommend arriving 1 or 2 days early and staying a night in Málaga.
It gives your body time to rest, avoids jet lag overwhelm, and ensures you’re not stressed if flights are delayed.

Getting from Málaga Airport → Málaga City

You may need to go through Málaga city before transferring to the Pizarra train.

Two easy options:

🚆 Airport → Málaga María Zambrano (train)

  • Cheapest

  • Runs every 20 minutes

  • Takes 5–7 minutes

  • Tickets ~2€

🚌 Airport Express Bus to the City

Runs every 20–30 minutes and also stops at María Zambrano, the main station.

Getting from Málaga → Pizarra (Meeting Point)

📍 Your Meeting Point: Pizarra Train Station

This is where we will pick you up on arrival day, and drive to the retreat venue from.

🚆 Train: Málaga → Pizarra (Cercanías C2 line)

  • Direction: Álora

  • Journey: ~30 minutes

  • Price: ~3€

  • Buy at the station or online
    👉 (Omio link)

Very easy and reliable.

Arrival Day (Important)

All groups (May, June and September) follow the same timing.

🛬 Pick-up Window at Pizarra Station

13:00–13:30 (arrival day)

Please plan your travel so you can be at Pizarra inside this window.

We start our welcome, unpacking, and fruit feast together.

If your flight is very early:

You can spend time in Málaga center, and sightsee (there are lockers for your stuff nearby), or go directly to María Zambrano and then to Pizarra.
The town of Pizarra has cafés and a calm atmosphere.

If your flight is delayed:

Message me on WhatsApp: +34 633960951

 

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.

✨ 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 WhatsApp 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