Job title
head chef at a private villa/retreat centre.
duration
6 months minimum commitment from both parties with possibility to extend and/or return for multiple seasons.
start date
late sep/oct, 2026
location
xpuha rivera maya, mexico. (30mins from playa del carmen and tulum)
job summary
onze xpuha is a large private resort that caters to both large family/friends vacations as well as well-being/business retreats groups. The group size can vary between 10-20 guests. We´re looking for a creative, organised and outgoing individual who can produce wonderful looking and tasting food. You will be responsible for producing an incredible nutrition packed breakfast, lunch and dinner & dessert for the group.
key responsibilities and tasks
menu planning, inventory management, sourcing and purchasing of ingredients, kitchen hygiene, food prep and service, guest interaction and most importantly guest enjoyment.
the work environment
you will be working in a large plan open kitchen that is located in the centre of the resort overlooking the dining area and swimming pool. The team at villa are a mix of local spanish speaking locals and owners who emigrated. The kitchen is of commercial grade with a large number of appliances. The owners are willing to invest in further equipment if required.
reporting structure
you will report directly to the villa manager. You will have one permanent kitchen hand for all times and a second kitchen hand depending on the group size.
pay
between $1,800 & $2,250 pesos daily as well as tips. Includes full benefits.
work schedule
you will need to be able to work any and all days (weekends/holidays) that the guests are checked in. On average this is 20 days a month. Most days are full (three services but some can be only one service).
job specification
important requirements
must be willing to cook meat & fish as well as vegan/veg menus.
must speak both fluently both spanish and english.
must be able to drive a car.
must have permission to work in mexico and be ready to show your curp, rfc (tax id), ine id or permanent residence, nss ( social security card).
experience
minimum 5 years working as private chef, retreat chef or working in front facing hotel kitchen.
skills
must be able to; prepare fresh seafood safely, prepare baked pastries, cakes, flat breads etc, plate a beautiful dish & plan and present food on a buffet table. Must be able to plan your day to deliver the meals on time.
knowledge
must have knowledge to produce local and non local mexican dishes. Must have knowledge aboutdietary restrictions (dairy, shellfish, gluten, peanut). Must know how to calculate portion sizes. Must have knowledge about different diets including low gi, gluten free, plant based, whole foods and ayurvedic. Must have basic knowledge of nutrition.
abilities
must be an adaptable individual and especially to the different clients we receive. One week cooking for a small intimate (at times emotionally sensitive guests) as part of a retreat group and another week being ready to cook for a large family with children. Must be able to delegate to your kitchen hand. Must have the ability to collaborate and to communicate effectively with the retreat leader or family lead.
personality traits
must have a positive mentality. Must be outgoing and willing to interact with guests and be comfortable with the idea that you´re part of the retreat group as an important contributor to the retreat's success.
additional info
option for short/long term accommodation either on site or nearby. Use of car for purchasing and some personal errands. Potential to grow the role by creating cooking classes/ your own retreat format as well as expanding our kitchen garden/greenhouses.
final notes
we have high expectations of the role but we also know it can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable palace to spend your day with wonderful conscious guests in a beautiful environment.
job type: temporary
contract length: 6 months
pay: $30, $40,000.00 per month
language:
* english (required)
work location: in person
application deadline: 20/09/2025
expected start date: 26/09/2025