Cooking, Dining Out, and Flexibility: The New Luxury at Pacific Vacation

Why We No Longer Include a Full-Time Chef at Pacific Vacation

Margarita and chips

At Pacific Vacation, we’ve built our reputation on offering a luxurious, relaxing, and personalized escape in Zihuatanejo. Over time, we've refined our services to reflect what guests truly want from their stay. One of the most significant changes we’ve made—based directly on guest feedback—is no longer including a full-time chef with our villa rentals.

While the meals our chefs prepared were beautiful and delicious, the reality behind many of those glowing reviews is more nuanced. Most guests who raved about our chef service only used it for one meal per day or less—often just a breakfast before heading out for the day or a special dinner the night before departure. Very few groups ever used the chef for two or more meals per day. That told us something important: vacation dining needs are changing.

You Spoke. We Listened.

Here’s what our guests have consistently told us:

• Dining Out is Part of the Experience: Many guests come to Zihuatanejo eager to explore the vibrant local food scene—from casual beachside tacos to elegant waterfront restaurants. Including a full-time chef often felt unnecessary when so many incredible dining options were just minutes away.

• Group Cooking is a Favorite Activity: Families and friends told us they loved bonding over meals—cooking together, trying new recipes, and sharing quality time in the kitchen. Our gourmet kitchens were designed to make this easy, and with our housekeeping team handling cleanup, the experience is as relaxing as it is memorable.

• Changing Schedules Make Fixed Meals Inconvenient: Not everyone wants to eat breakfast at 8:00 a.m. or plan their day around when lunch is served. And often, plans change—guests decide to stay longer at the beach, explore town, or simply relax—and the scheduled meal is skipped or canceled altogether. Removing a full-time chef gives guests the flexibility to go with the flow.

• Flexible Eating Habits Reflect Today’s Lifestyle: Only about 27% of Americans eat three full meals per day. Most prefer a large meal with snacks throughout the day—especially while on vacation and out enjoying activities. Being able to eat on their own schedule, without feeling tied to a formal dining structure, is something our guests greatly value.

• Ingredient Control and Foodie Trends: Many guests enjoy choosing their own ingredients—whether for health reasons, dietary restrictions, or simply to try trending recipes they’ve seen on social media. “Vacation foodie groups” have become more popular, with travelers eager to experiment in the kitchen together and share the experience.

Luxury, Redefined

Even without a full-time chef, nothing about the Pacific Vacation experience has been downgraded. Our villas feature gourmet kitchens equipped with:

• Full-size refrigerator, wine and beverage coolers

• Gas stove and oven, microwave, toaster oven

• Coffee maker, Instant Pot, crockpot, juicer

• Filtered water and ice-maker

• Beautiful stoneware dishes, serving platters, and pool-safe glassware

And our onsite housekeeping staff is still available daily, ensuring your villa stays pristine and the kitchen cleanup is taken care of—so you can focus on enjoying your time together.

For those who want a special dinner or celebration, we’re happy to connect you with trusted private chefs or local cooks to prepare meals by request.

At Pacific Vacation, we believe that true luxury means freedom—freedom to explore, to unwind, and to design your stay exactly how you want it. Whether you’re dining out, cooking in, or mixing it up, your time here is all about you.

Have questions or want help planning a dinner-in or a night out? We’re always here to help.