Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort Launches Culinary Retreat “For the Love of the Kitchen”

Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico announces an extraordinary celebration of culinary creatives with its "For the Love of the Kitchen," taking place February 20-23, 2025. This intimate weekend retreat unites five acclaimed female chefs - vegan pioneer Leslie Durso, Iron Chef alum Claudette Zepeda, culinary creative Emily Susman, and Hawaiian restauranteur Chef Lee Anne Wong -  for a uniquely casual yet luxurious celebration of food, friendship, and feminine energy, alongside Naviva's own Chef Sofía Mojica.

"Naviva is a space for people to connect deeply. During our For the Love of the Kitchen retreat, we will celebrate the expertise and unique personalities of five incredible culinary talents," says Eduardo Sampere, Resort Manager, Naviva. "This weekend will allow chefs, tastemakers, and Naviva guests to share, learn and create in an intimate and relaxed environment, forging lasting bonds in the kitchen and around the table."

The weekend's lineup showcases the diverse talents of a collection of remarkable women in food:

• Chef Leslie Durso, a pioneering vegan chef and television personality, has transformed plant-based cooking through her accessible approach and commitment to sustainability. Featured across major networks and media outlets, she brings her passion for healthful, joyful plant-based living to every kitchen she enters.
• Emily Susman, the creative force behind Emma Claire's Kitchen and a cherished Naviva regular, is a multifaceted culinary talent combining recipe development, food photography, and consulting. Her work as a cookbook author and food and travel influencer seamlessly blends approachable cooking with visual storytelling.
• Chef Claudette Zepeda, an award-winning chef and Top Chef alum, pushes boundaries in Mexican cuisine while honouring its rich heritage. Her innovative approach and advocacy for diversity in the culinary world have earned her international acclaim.
• Chef Lee Anne Wong is a celebrated Hawaiian chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for her bold approach to Pacific Rim cuisine. As a Top Chef alum and culinary innovator, her passion for sustainability and local sourcing shines in her vibrant dishes that merge tradition with modernity.

Leading the weekend's culinary journey is Naviva’s Chef Sofía Mojica, whose path from El Salvador to executive chef embodies the weekend's spirit of female empowerment. At Copal, the heart of Naviva, Sofía crafts an inclusive environment where sharing stories and techniques flows naturally alongside dishes prepared over the open-fire grill. Her approach to flexible, personalized dining experiences - from tortilla pressing to ceviche making with fresh-caught fish - will help set the tone for the weekend's intimate atmosphere.

The program’s curated schedule balances culinary exploration with wellness experiences designed to nurture meaningful connections, including:

• Intimate culinary workshops led by each chef and recipe developer, sharing their unique perspectives and techniques
• Mindful movement experiences that promote overall wellbeing, including flowing and earthing yoga surrounded by nature, therapeutic sound journeys, and grounding forest walks that connect mind and body
• A traditional temazcal ceremony fostering reflection and renewal
• Sunset cocktail hours fostering organic connections and friendships while taking in the day's final golden moments
• A culminating potluck dinner under the stars, where all five chefs collaborate on a memorable feast

Nestled within 48 forested acres (19 hectares) on a private peninsula, Naviva's 15 luxury bungalows provide the perfect backdrop for this intimate celebration of female culinary passion. The all-inclusive experience encompasses all food and beverage, culinary workshops, wellness activities, and a 90-minute spa journey, allowing guests to focus on connection and celebration without transactions.

For reservations for this exclusive weekend or more information on Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, call +52 329 291 6100 or click here.