HEAD CHEF WANTED – SURYALILA RETREAT CENTRE, SPAIN
Suryalila Retreat Centre, an award-winning yoga and wellness retreat centre in the beautiful countryside of Andalusia, Spain, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our team from September 2026.
We are looking for a professionally trained chef with a strong track record in professional kitchen environments. The ideal candidate will be passionate about creating outstanding vegetarian cuisine and will have experience leading a kitchen team while maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene, organisation, and efficiency.
The successful candidate will enjoy mentoring others and helping create a kitchen culture based on professionalism, kindness, teamwork, and mutual respect.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who is looking not only for a professional challenge but also for a meaningful lifestyle change in a beautiful natural setting.
Please note: Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Spain. This means holding EU citizenship, Spanish residency, or another form of valid work authorisation for Spain. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas or work permits.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Head Chef is responsible for leading and inspiring the kitchen team while ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality vegetarian meals for our international retreat guests.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing a professional kitchen team
- Maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and hygiene
- Ensuring compliance with all food safety regulations and best practices
- Menu planning and recipe development
- Stock control, purchasing, and supplier management
- Managing kitchen budgets and controlling food costs
- Ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently and economically
- Catering for retreat groups with a variety of dietary requirements
- Mentoring and supporting kitchen team members
- Helping foster a positive, collaborative, and professional kitchen culture
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Professional chef training or culinary qualification
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a professional kitchen
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
- Experience managing kitchen budgets and food costs
- Ability to work calmly and effectively in a busy environment
- Experience catering for groups and special dietary requirements
- EU citizenship, Spanish residency, or another valid right to work in Spain
- Basic conversational Spanish
DESIRABLE
- Fluent or advanced Spanish
- Passion for healthy, seasonal, and organic food
- Experience with vegetarian cuisine
- Interest in yoga, wellness, sustainability, or conscious living
- A valid driving licence
CONTRACT & LIFESTYLE
The successful candidate will join the team in September 2026 and thereafter work under a recurring seasonal contract operating approximately 10 months per year.
As we place great importance on finding the right fit for both the individual and the team, the position will begin with an initial three-month trial period. This allows both Suryalila and the successful candidate the opportunity to ensure that the role, working relationship, and lifestyle are a good match before moving forward on a longer-term basis.
Suryalila’s main season runs from early March until early January. January and February are the annual off-season period, providing an extended two-month break each year.
This position would particularly suit someone seeking a lifestyle change and the opportunity to live and work in the peaceful Andalusian countryside. Surrounded by rolling hills, open skies, and beautiful nature, Suryalila offers a unique environment that combines professional excellence with a quieter and more intentional way of life.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive salary
- A private cottage on our staff property adjacent to the retreat centre
- Meals provided during working days
- Access to yoga classes
- Use of the retreat facilities, including the saltwater pool and sauna during designated staff times
- The opportunity to become part of a warm, international community dedicated to wellbeing, personal growth, and conscious living
ABOUT SURYALILA
Suryalila Retreat Centre is internationally recognised for its beautiful facilities, exceptional guest experience, and supportive team culture. Home to the world-famous Om Dome and welcoming guests from around the globe, Suryalila hosts yoga retreats, teacher trainings, wellness programmes, and transformational events throughout the year.
TO APPLY
Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you feel you would be a good fit for Suryalila to •••••••••••••••••••
