Did you know that we can arrange a private chef to cook for you in around 180 of our villas in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Mallorca and France?

1) Comfort and convenience

Unless you’re a super-keen cook (if you are, this is probably not the blog for you) food shopping and prep on holiday is a chore just like it is at home. And if your group is large and the local supermarket is tiny, the logistics inevitably start to dominate the day when you should be chilling by the pool or swimming in the sea instead. Solution? Book a private chef for at least one unforgettable night or a whole week of freedom.

2) Restaurant quality, zero effort

Home-cooked meals are marvellous, but it’s always an effort, especially with new ingredients in an unfamiliar kitchen. Your private chef knows not just their trade but also the local area, so let them give you all a break while they conjure up typical dishes and treat you to new flavours. And if you’ve got something special to celebrate, this is the perfect, no-pressure solution so everyone gets to enjoy the occasion. 

3) The best table in town

Restaurant dining is fun and full of atmosphere, but you just can’t beat stepping out onto your private villa terrace at sunset, to be greeted by a beautifully laid table and that spellbinding view that’s going to live on in your mind for months to come. You’ve earned this amazing holiday, so take seat, relax and enjoy the moment in a truly wonderful place. And if you’re travelling with young kids, there’s no need to eat super-early or find a babysitter either; you choose the time, the chef takes care of everything else.

4) Support a local business 

Holiday destinations need guests to spend locally, so another upside of booking a private chef is that you’ll be putting money right where it’s most needed, directly into the local economy, helping not just individuals but the wider community of shops and vital services to survive and thrive. Guilt-free luxury, and a win for everyone, plus you might even come home inspired to try some new recipes.

5) Totally bespoke 

Catering for a crowd can be a challenge, especially if you’ve got a big age range to consider. Hiring a private chef for your villa means you can tailor the entire evening the way you want it, so you can eat early with the kids if you like, or later once they’ve gone to bed. Veggie options are always on offer, with scope to cater for most allergies and preferences. Keep it simple with a mezze and barbecue spread, or go all out for that big birthday dinner with wines and Champagne to match: the choice is entirely yours.

Things to consider when booking a private chef

Like the sound of this service? Before you go, here are just a few more things to consider:

Book well ahead – especially in peak season when chefs are in high demand on yachts as well as in villas. 

Be open minded – you’re in charge, but your chef knows the local food scene and what’s in season, so it’s well worth taking their advice. 

Beware – this amazing service is potentially so addictive, you may never want to cook on holiday again! 

And finally... what does it cost to hire a private chef?  

The cost of a chef service varies greatly by destination and by the type of service on offer. For example, a private chef in Corfu costs around €200 for an evening meal, or around €1500 for 6 days of breakfasts + lunch or dinner, with all food charged at cost on top. In Tuscany, you can enjoy a 3-course meal cooked to order in your villa for around €100 per person, with all food included. There are lots of variables of course, but on the whole, the cost of a private chef is only a little more expensive than a decent-quality restaurant meal, and you can save on the drinks cost by buying your own at the supermarket. The best advice is to think of a private chef service as luxury experience rather than just a meal, and we’re pretty confident it’s one you’ll be keen to repeat once you try it.

To book your private chef for your Simpson Travel holiday, contact our specialist Pre-Departure Concierge team at pre.departure@simpsontravel.com