Japanese Fermentation & Alpujarran Flavours with Chef Eiko

Exclusive Cookery Retreat at Las Chimeneas: Japanese Fermentation & Alpujarran Flavours with Chef Eiko

Join us for an unforgettable week at our Casa Rural, combining the ancient culinary art of Japanese fermentation with the very best organic produce of Andalusia.

March 13th – 20th, 2027

March is a magical time to visit the Alpujarras.   We would normally expect clear blue skies and pleasant daytime temperatures, followed by crisp mountain nights. Each evening we light our traditional wood-burning stoves in all the communal areas.

 
 EIKO TAKAHASHI (THE KOJI CHEF)

Eiko Takahashi / 高橋英子, known as a Koji Chef, is a Japanese chef who brings traditional fermentation into direct dialogue with Mediterranean cooking. Officially certified as a chef by the Ministry of Education in Thailand, Eiko spent nine years honing her craft in Shanghai before basing herself in Barcelona in 2023. She now teaches and consults in advanced gastronomy throughout Europe. Her credentials include the prestigious WSET Level 3 Award in Sake and a certified Tea Sommelier qualification from the People's Republic of China.

Rooted deeply in Japanese tradition, Eiko makes her rice koji completely by hand. On this retreat, she uses it to deepen the complex flavors of fresh Andalusian ingredients: local chickpeas, onions, citrus peels, tomatoes, local seafood, and seasonal mountain vegetables.

On this one-week retreat, you'll make koji from scratch, ferment and cook with the region's produce, and discover how two ancient food cultures share the same language of patience, time, and taste.

 
 THE COOKING COURSE & EXPERIENCES

You will discover how two ancient food cultures share the same language of patience, time, and taste through hands-on learning and regional exploration.

What is Included in Your Cooking Programme:

2.5 Days of Intensive Masterclasses: Hands-on morning sessions with Eiko starting after breakfast and wrapping up around 2:00 PM.
The Reward: Every cooking session concludes with a long, relaxed lunch where guests eat the beautiful dishes prepared during the morning class.
Alpujarran Chef Session: If there is interest from the group, an extra 2-hour cooking session will be offered with our brilliant local house chef, Conchi.

Included Cultural & Outdoor Activities:

Two Guided Walks: Explore the stunning, rugged landscapes of the Alpujarras with David and Emma
Artisan Cheese Factory Visit: A trip to a local factory to taste and see traditional cheese-making processes.
Organic Farm Tour & Talk: A guided visit to our own organic farm, featuring a talk on traditional watering techniques, mountain farming, and local food production.
Historical Tour: A visit to our local ancient church and the historical site of a former mosque, featuring a talk on the rich Spanish history and overlapping cultures of the region.
Optional Day Trips: A day trip to either Granada or Almería can be booked and paid for locally.
Wellness: On-site massages with our expert local masseur can be booked and paid for locally.

 ACCOMMODATION:  

All pricing listed below is Full Board (including all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, cooking masterclasses, and scheduled excursions). Our traditional village houses are located just a short 2-minute walk from the main Las Chimeneas site.

Main Site: Las Chimeneas Rooms

€1,100 per person – Standard Twin / Double Room at the main Las Chimeneas site (based on two people sharing).
€1,345 per person – Single occupancy of a Standard Double Room at the main Las Chimeneas site.
€1,435 per person – Single occupancy of a Larger Suite / Studio Room at the main Las Chimeneas site.

Village Cottages (2-minute walk to main site)

€1,200 per person – Single room in a larger independent Village Cottage with its own private bathroom (Casa Ermita or Casa Iglesia).
€1,110 per person – Single room in a charming Village Cottage with two rooms sharing one bathroom (Casa Puri).
Booking & Deposits:

Deposit: A deposit of €200 is required to confirm your place.
Balance: The remaining balance is due two months prior to your arrival.
Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants, up to a maximum of 12.
 
LOGISTICS & AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your booking includes a single timed group transfer to and from Malaga airport:

Arrival Day Pick-Up: The transfer shuttle departs from Málaga Airport (AGP) at 2:00 PM. Please ensure your morning flight arrives with plenty of time to clear baggage claim.
Departure Day Drop-Off: The shuttle departs Las Chimeneas to arrive at Málaga Airport at 12:00 PM (Noon), perfectly timed for afternoon departures.