Chef Maria Alvarez Sanchez-Pastor

In the present, specialized in Vegan and special diets cooking running the kitchen of a luxury retreat center. Born in Madrid, Maria’s taste for travel and food began at the age of 10 when she moved to Argentina with her family. She then fled the nest at 14, moving to the USA to pursue her studies. Maria has always had a connection to the hospitalty industry, with her family having owned several restaurants around Europe based. In Marbella Maria started her Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management which then led to her working in a host of 5* Hotels in Mexico, Dubai and a variety of exotic locations. Not content with a land-based role, however, Maria enjoyed two years as a flight attendant for Etihad Airlines in Abu Dhabi, before deciding that a life at sea was her true calling in Antigua, the place where she discovered the yachting industry and her love for culinary arts. Maria certified with distinction as a Chef from Ashburton Chefs Academy in the UK. In her down time, Maria enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, hiking, exploring new cities and of course cooking.