Frequently asked questions

Use the filters on the homepage to choose where your retreat is, your group size and any diets you need. Open a chef's profile to see their food, photos and reviews, then click Message to contact them directly. You agree dates, menus and fees with the chef; we're a directory, not an agency, and take no commission. You can also click Post a Chef Job and your job is emailed to every listed chef.

A retreat chef plans the menus, sources the ingredients and cooks all the meals for your guests, usually staying on site for the retreat. Most will design food around your retreat's theme (yoga, wellness, walking, corporate) and handle guests' allergies and diets. Depending on what is agreed, they also take care of clearing up, and often can provide talks or cooking demos.

Fees vary with group size, number of days, meal format and location. A typical per person per day rate may be in the region of £35 – £60 but could be significantly more depending on the level of catering required (such as fine dining) and may also vary according to what is included in the rate (e.g. travel costs, specific requirements for fully organic menus which will be more expensive, etc). It is important to ask chefs for their quote with your dates, group size and dietary needs and any specifics that may impact the price.

Popular chefs book up early for peak retreat season and often a year in advance, so it's worth getting in touch as soon as your dates are fixed.

Yes. Many chefs on the directory specialise in plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free and other dietary needs; use the All diets and Other dietary requirements filters to find them. Always share your guests' allergies with the chef in advance, and check the chef's food hygiene certificate and insurance before booking.

Yes. Searching, messaging chefs and posting chef jobs are all free for retreat hosts and venues. If the directory has helped you, there's an optional Support the directory link.

That's completely normal. Please just let each chef know once you've decided, even if it's a short "thanks, we've gone with someone else this time". Chefs often hold dates open while they wait to hear, so a quick reply lets them plan, and they'll remember you kindly for next time.

Click Add Your Chef Listing on the homepage and fill in the form: about 10 minutes. Add your photos, the food you cook, where you're based and the areas you cover, and two references. Once your references are back and we've checked your listing, it goes live and you'll appear in hosts' searches.

It's a one-off fee that covers checking your two references and processing your listing. After that you stay listed free for as long as you like, with no renewal fees. If your listing isn't approved, the fee is refunded in full.

Every new chef gives two references, such as a retreat host, employer or private client they've cooked for. We email both referees and read their replies before a listing is approved. Hosts should still check a chef's food hygiene certificate and insurance before booking.

When a retreat host posts a chef job, we check it and email it to every listed chef. Job alerts are on for all listed chefs; choose No on your listing form if you'd rather not receive them. Reply to the host directly from the email.

Open your listing on the site and click Is this your listing? Update it here. We'll email you a link to a form with your details already filled in. There's no login or password to remember.

Reply to enquiries and job alerts you're interested in as soon as you can, ideally within a couple of days, and let a host know if you're not available or it isn't the right fit. Hosts are often comparing chefs against a deadline, so a prompt, clear reply (even a no) helps them and reflects well on you and on the directory.