Chef’s Table Culinary Retreat
4th-9th February, 2026
Cook, Savour, and Celebrate near Cape Town, South Africa.
An Intimate Culinary and Wine Retreat with Michelin-Trained, ex-Ottolenghi chef, Oli Pagani.
For those who love food, wine, and unforgettable company during the South African summertime.
The Experience
Join us in a beautiful beach house near Cape Town, South Africa from 4th-9th February, for a 5-day, all-inclusive, culinary immersion designed to awaken your senses and refine your skills.
Led by Michelin-trained chef and former Development Chef of the Ottolenghi group Oli Pagani, this retreat offers hands-on workshops, farm-to-table feasts, and a taste of South African wines at their finest.
Limited to just 10 guests, this is a rare opportunity to cook alongside a chef at the top of his craft and learn how to think, season, and create like a chef, whether you're a passionate home cook or just beginning your culinary journey.
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Daily Cooking Workshops
Learn chef techniques and Mediterranean-inspired dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients from local markets and producers.
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Exclusive Wine Tour & Tasting
Visit a family-run vineyard in the prestigious Darling Hills region and sample some of Cape Town’s finest wines.
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Immersive Dining
Savor an open-fire 10 course seafood lunch at a renowned local restaurant right on the beachside.
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Luxury Villa Accommodation
Stay in a stunning beachside villa with a private pool and veranda to soak in the sunset with an aperitif.
Your Hosts
Chef Oli Pagani
With over 15 years of experience in Europe's top kitchens, Oli is a Michelin-trained chef and former development chef for the iconic Ottolenghi group. Influenced by his Italian heritage and time working at iconic Bocca di Lupo in London, as well as his experiences with Ottolenghi and at Michelin level, he is known for his deeply flavorful, seasonal cooking and relaxed elegance at the table. He now works as a private chef across French chateaux and chalets.
Oli creates an atmosphere of culinary excellence balanced with approachable warmth and fun and ensures every guest receives personalised attention and inspiration.
Mariko Bangerter Mariko spent a decade in London’s top kitchens, including her role as Head Pastry Chef at Ottolenghi, Notting Hill, before leaving hospitality to study Nutrition and qualify as a Nutritional Therapist. She later lectured at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London and went on to train as a multi-modal therapist. Today, through her practice Mindsetting, she works with clients worldwide, helping them heal past pain and elevate their relationships.
For Mariko, food, mental health, and emotional wellbeing are inseparable. She sees nourishment not just as what we eat, but as the way we think, feel, and connect both with ourselves and with others.
A Week to Remember
Master Culinary Skills
Learn professional techniques that will transform your cooking forever
Discover Fine Wines
Develop your palate with exceptional Cape Town wines
Create Lasting Connections
Share unforgettable moments with fellow food enthusiasts
Whether you're here to sharpen your skills, savor the beauty of South Africa, or simply reconnect with what you love about food and life, this retreat offers something rare: deep nourishment, creativity, and connection in one of South Africa’s most celebrated culinary regions.
What Our Guests Say…
“Every dish was so delicious and made the whole event extra special. We are still talking about the food!”
“The workshops were so informative and enjoyable. The food was incredible. I truly had such a special time. I cannot recommend this retreat enough.”
“The villa, the food, the company were all exceptional. This has taken my own cooking to a whole new level!”
Your 5-Day All-Inclusive Culinary Journey
Our retreat follows a carefully crafted itinerary that balances hands-on cooking, wine exploration, and relaxation.
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Airport transfer to your luxury villa. Evening welcome reception with bubbly and canapés.
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A.M. Knife skills and flavour building
P.M. foraging seaherbs and cooking with wild ingredients.
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A.M. Masterclasses
P.M. Vineyard tour with private tasting.
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Lunch at an iconic local restaurant for a 10 course seafood meal.
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We come together to put what we have learnt to the test and cook the evening gourmet feast.
What’s included:
All Gourmet Meals for 5 Days: Indulge in vibrant, nutritious, and delicious dishes crafted from locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Luxury Accommodation: Relax in your chosen private room within our elegant seaside villa.
Daily Culinary Masterclasses: Engage in original, practical, and hands-on workshops designed to elevate your cooking skills.
Exclusive Vineyard Tour and Tasting: Experience an independent winery with a private tasting session in the prestigious Darling Hills region.
Immersive Local Dining Experience: Savor a ten-course lunch in a renowned seafood restaurant.
Guided Local Foraging Trip: Learn to identify and cook with wild sea-herbs and seaweeds alongside a seasoned foraging expert.
Private Airport Shuttle Service: Enjoy seamless transfers to and from Cape Town airport.
*Flights to Cape Town are not included
The Villa
Ensuite room with twin beds for 2 people sharing. This includes the full retreat experience including all meals and shuttle services.
Your Accomodation
Ensuite room with a King-size bed for single occupancy. This includes the full retreat experience including all meals and shuttle services.
Ensuite room with a King-size bed for a couple sharing. This includes the full retreat experience for 2 people including all meals and shuttle sevices.
Ensuite room with a King-sized bed for single occupancy. This includes the full retreat experience including all meals and shuttle services.
Travel & Arrival Details
Your culinary adventure begins the moment you touch down in Cape Town. Our private chauffeur service awaits your arrival at Cape Town Airport, ready to whisk you away to your seaside retreat.
Arrive at Cape Town Airport
Send us your flight details in advance for seamless coordination.
Complimentary Transfer
Complimentary shuttle service for your 40-minute journey to your accommodation.
Welcome Reception
Arrive at the villa where crémant and canapés await.
Settle In
Unpack and unwind before our first evening together.
* For those travelling by train, we offer pickup from Cape Town Station station. Early arrivals can enjoy secure luggage storage while exploring the city.