From family meals by the pool to long afternoons with nowhere to be, many visitors are discovering that some of their most memorable moments on the island come from slowing down rather than packing more into the itinerary.
Lanzarote has always offered visitors the chance to slow down. The sunshine, sea views and relaxed island atmosphere provide a welcome contrast to busy lives back home. Yet according to local private chef Nerina of Event and Catering Solutions Lanzarote, many holidaymakers are finding that the moments they treasure most are often the ones they never planned.
“As a private chef, I’ve learned that the moments people remember most aren’t always the big excursions or the busiest days,” she says. “More often, they’re the unexpected pauses.”
Working with families, couples and groups across the island, Nerina regularly sees holiday plans filled with sightseeing, boat trips, markets and restaurant reservations. While those experiences remain an important part of visiting Lanzarote, she has noticed a growing appreciation for quieter moments spent together.
“A family returns to their villa after a day exploring the island,” she explains. “The children are still damp from the pool, somebody pours a glass of sangria, and nobody is looking at the time. The table is laid, dinner is ready, and for a little while there is nowhere else to be and nothing else to do.”
It is these occasions that inspired the theme of what she calls the luxury of pressing pause.
One recent family gathering captured the idea perfectly. After several days enjoying everything Lanzarote had to offer, the family decided to spend one evening at their villa instead of heading out.
The children played happily by the pool while tapas, Mediterranean dishes and a relaxed barbecue were prepared. Conversations stretched long into the evening. Nobody was rushing to book taxis, watch the clock or organise the next activity.
The experience clearly resonated with the family.
Helen, the children’s mother, later reflected: “We have been away with the twins around eight times now, and I’ve never seen them so relaxed eating together.”
She added: “As a family, we have never experienced such amazing food, made with pure heart and determination.”
For Nerina, whose career spans more than 25 years cooking everywhere from private estates and yachts to weddings and events, the comment highlighted something she has come to value deeply about her work.
“It isn’t about elaborate dining or formal service,” she says. “It’s about creating an atmosphere where people can relax, enjoy good food and spend quality time together.”
Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, her menus are built around fresh local ingredients, shared dishes and flavours designed to bring people together around the table. Whether it’s a relaxed villa barbecue, a family celebration or an intimate dinner, the aim is always the same: allowing guests to focus on each other while someone else takes care of the cooking.
“In a world that encourages us to do more, see more and fit more in,” says Nerina, “perhaps the real luxury is simply having the time and space to enjoy the people we’re with.”
Catering for Your Event
Whether you are hosting a birthday celebration, a wedding, or an open house, Nerina can help you wow your guests with food they will not forget.
She can create a fun food adventure for your event. With tailor-made packages to suit different groups and occasions, private dining is often more accessible than many people imagine.
Flexible options include a welcome cocktail or glass of cava to set the atmosphere. At the end of an event, Nerina collects and washes up plates, cutlery and glasses, then does the washing up and leaves you with a spotless kitchen.
She can also source and supply Spanish and local wines, craft beers, spirits and mixers for your events. Just ask when booking.
Save The Date!
Save your preferred date. Popular dates, especially weekends and peak seasons, fill up months in advance. 2026, 2027 & even 2028 is already booking fast.
Saving your date guarantees availability and peace of mind. It gives you time to refine menus, themes, and personal touches later. Once secured, Nerina will work with you to design the perfect dining experience, from intimate dinners to celebrations for 4 up to 50 guests (with prior notice.)
Contact Nerina
Email: nerinahowell@gmail.com
Phone: 0034 711 065 993
Website: www.eventandcateringsolutionslanzarote.com
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!