Chef Internship at Wellness Spa/Retreat

Cambutal, Los Santos, PANAMA

We have an incredible opportunity for a graduate to work as a chef at Breathe Healing and Wellness Retreat and Spa, located in the charming surf and fishing village of Playa Cambutal, Panama.

About Us:

We are a brand new, luxury, purpose-built retreat sanctuary sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by jungle. We are situated along Panama's most exclusive secluded coastline and surrounded by mountains that lead into the Cerro Hoya National Park. Breathe Healing and Wellness is a nurturing, zen-inspired sanctuary nestled between the jungle and the beaches of Cambutal, Panama.

We believe that food is a foundational tool for healing the body and is meant to be consumed from local, organic sources. Breathe provides plant based cuisine for onsite retreats, incorporating the meals into the nourishment package that our guests receive when they stay with us.

We feature an onsite cafe and Tea Parlor that operates when we are not running retreats. Designed, constructed and run by owner Rondalynn, Breathe has been intentionally curated as a peaceful and sacred space, featuring Zen design throughout the exterior, interiors and gardens. Every element of Breathe has been thoughtfully chosen.

About the internship:

Our team is looking for a creative, hardworking culinary student who's eager to learn about utilizing food as medicine for the body. This is a great opportunity to cook in our large, beautiful studio kitchen that overlooks the ocean.

Our menu is mostly centred around Asian and Mediterranean inspired cuisine however, we are always open to new carefully curated ideas for menu items. Adjacent to the main kitchen is our Tea Parlor which features house made tea blends, infusions, and baked goods which you'll have a chance to help with as well.

An interest in healthy and healing foods is imperative. As we are a sanctuary, we are strictly vegetarian, though we do cook fish this is done only very rarely, therefore it is important that you are comfortable and happy to cook and live in this way as we do not permit the cooking of meat in the staff accommodation either. We seek to cater for the variety of dietary requirements requested by our guests and customers to the café, knowledge or passion for cooking vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, grain free food is desirable or an interest to learn here.

We are looking for someone who is excited and comfortable with creating menus within these guidelines/parameters. You will be working under the executive chef and owner, Rondalynn who built Breathe from the ground up. This experience is great for someone who is independent, self motivated and passionate about creating high quality, nutrient rich food — you will have a lot of autonomy within this role.

What we provide:
We will provide accommodation at the sanctuary (our staff Tao house is only steps away from the beach) and staple food items. The staff accommodation has balconies and a private garden, and you will have access to the rest of the grounds when we do not have guests.

You will have access to many of the amazing amenities such as movement classes (aerial yoga, aerial silks, levitate mediation, Qi Gong – to name a few), a meditation room, infra-red sauna, salt water pool.

This internship is not monetarily compensated at the moment but willing to discuss future possibilities if we believe your skills are a good fit.

About Cambutal:

The town of Cambutal is full of raw, untouched forests, world class surf spots and is located away from busy tourist towns making it a truly authentic Panamanian experience. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not required.

Further information:

Please see our Instagram and welcome video for a visual aid of this unique sanctuary.

InternshipRachel Engel