While there are only a few fully-staffed Villas in St. Barts where the service of the chef and staff is included in the price, there are many that come with amazing kitchens where we can arrange a private chef for you.
These villas give you the flexibility to hire a private chef to suit your particular needs. As part of our complimentary concierge service, WIMCO can arrange to have a chef come into your villa for a special occasion, a few meals, or for your entire stay.
Each of these villas boasts a large kitchen, equipped with everything a chef would need to create delicious, gourmet-level meals for you and your guests. These private chefs are paid for by the hour, with the average cost ranging between $75 and $150 an hour.
In most cases, your chef will need a total of approximately six hours to prepare a meal. That includes the time necessary for shopping, prep-work, cooking, serving, and clean-up.
Note: The per-hour rate does not include the cost of the food and beverages required for the meal.
Usually, it's easy to book a private chef to prepare a meal in your villa. However, during major holidays it can be a different story. Private chefs in St. Barts book up quickly during this time period, so you'll want to reserve yours as soon as you know you want one for the winter holidays. WIMCO’s concierge desk can make all the arrangements.
What's the Difference Between Villas with Chef Services Included and Chef Services Available
Before we discuss how these two groups of villas differ, let us share with you how they are alike. Both collections of villas include stunning private villas with an amazing kitchen, lovely dining areas, and a list of modern amenities that will ensure that you and your guests can vacation in comfort and style.
The key difference between the two types of villas is as follows:
Villas with Chef Services Include: Your villa will be fully staffed with a private chef or cook, and housekeeping staff. That means virtually all of your needs will be taken care of. The price of your St. Barts villa with staff includes all these services, and you won't have to worry about a chef's availability during peak holiday weeks.
Villas with Chef Services Available: With this collection, your luxury villa will feature a beautiful, large, and fully equipped kitchen. You can hire a private chef to whip up a meal for a special occasion or, better yet, to take over the kitchen duties for your entire stay. These private chefs are paid on an hourly basis, plus the cost of the food and beverages.
We recommend that you book a private chef for your villa early during the busy holiday season, as their services are often reserved way in advance during this period.
In addition, many private chefs set minimum requirements for their services during Christmas and New Year's eve. So, you may have to commit to multiple meals or multiple days of meals if you want to engage a private chef during the holidays. Again, we’ll go through all this when we start working on your vacation.
What Can You Expect of Your Private Chef?
We work with the best, most talented private chefs available in St. Barts. Whether it's for one meal, a special celebratory dinner, or multiple meals in your villa, we will pair you up with the right chef for your needs.
Our private chefs will work closely with you to menu plan your meals or special occasions. They will also discuss any special dietary restrictions and preferences that you or your guests may have, and also inquire about your budget.
In addition, the chef will also be responsible for the following:
Determining whether you will need to add a server or butler for your meal service(s)
Grocery shopping for food and beverages
Setting the table
Preparing and serving all of the meals
Clearing the table
After your meal, the chef will be responsible for washing all the plates, utensils, pots and pans, as well as making sure that he leaves your kitchen spotless.
What Other Staff is Included in These Villas?
Prepare to be pampered. At your villa, you will enjoy daily housekeeping service (except on Sundays and national holidays). You’ll be assigned a personal St Barts concierge, who will be available to assist you 24/7 during your stay. You'll also have access to a villa manager to answer any questions about the villa.
We will take care of your every need, so you can fully immerse yourself in the St Barts vibe and relax with your family and friends.
Why Choose WIMCO Villas when Renting Villas for a Private Chef Service
Experience makes a difference. And with more than 35 years in the luxury vacation rental space in St Barts, WIMCO is an expert at providing superior customer service to our guests.
You will only find the crème de la crème of villas in our listings, paired with exceptional vacation planning services. Our experienced staff will work closely with you in choosing the perfect villa for your vacation needs.
You will be well taken care of from the moment you reach out to us. From setting up your flights to St Bart's and reserving your rental car to our VIP arrivals service we’re here for you.
Our on-island concierge team will also assist you in making restaurant reservations and setting up any special experiences you desire. Whether it’s water sports, tennis, kite surfing, arranging any excursions, experiences, or extra services you'd like to book during your stay in St. Barts.
Ready to start planning that St Barts vacation? We’re here to help answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Villas with Chef in St. Barts
Is food and beverage included in the price?
The cost of the foods and beverages purchased for your meals is not included in the price of villas with chef service. We will do some preliminary meal planning prior to your arrival and you will then be presented with a request for a deposit for shopping to cover the cost of shopping for the first few meals. The remainder of the food bill is paid as the shopping is done, and then again at the end to make a final settlement.
Can I reserve a chef only for certain meals or do I have to reserve a chef for all meals?
In most cases, yes, chefs can be reserved for one meal or several. However, during peak vacation weeks some chefs will only accept reservations for a full day or full week of service, as opposed to a single meal. Your WIMCO concierge can negotiate on your behalf to arrange exactly what you need.
What services do you get in a fully staffed villa in St. Barts?
Our Special Reserve Collection villas include the services of a private chef and daily housekeeping service. In addition, some of our larger villas also come with a butler who can help you in serving beverages, running errands, making restaurant reservations, booking your excursions, among other things. WIMCO also has a few villas that come with chauffeur service.
You won't have to worry if you discover something is not working during your stay in one of our villas. We have a general maintenance staff that can handle those issues. There are also pool cleaning and landscaping teams that care for the exterior of your villas.
For more information on the exact services that come with your luxury villa with a private chef, please consult the Amenities section in each property's description.
What is the difference between a private chef and a villa cook?
A private chef has either worked in top restaurants and/or for catering companies. These formally-trained chefs will create an authentic fine-dining experience for you to enjoy in the privacy of your villa.
We can also arrange to hire a cook. These talented individuals have years of experience working in regional restaurants and/or cooking for local families. This is an incredible way to experience home-cooked, family-style meals made with locally sourced ingredients and tailored to suit your taste and preferences.
What services do WIMCO Villas provide to our clients vacationing in staffed villas?
Our experienced staff will guide you through planning your trip and will also be there for you during your vacation. The following are just some of the services that WIMCO's villa specialist and concierge team can provide for you:
Finding the right villa with a chef and staff according to your preferences
Booking your international and local flights
Reserving rental cars or arranging transport to and from the airport
Making restaurant reservations
Making the arrangements for special occasion celebrations (such as birthdays and anniversaries)
Booking excursions
We are St. Barts experts, so we can also recommend special places you may want to visit to get the authentic St. Barts experience, away from the crowds. This complimentary concierge service is available to you 24/7.
Are you ready to inquire or book one of our villas with a chef? We’re just a quick call away. Feel free to contact us at your convenience. We are here to help you make all of your St. Barts vacation dreams come true.