Wedding and celebration season is sweeping across Lanzarote. The evenings are warmer. The terraces are calling. And more visitors than ever are choosing to skip the crowded restaurants in favour of something far more personal: a private chef experience right at their own villa.
We sat down with Nerina, the private chef behind Event and Catering Solutions Lanzarote, to talk about what is proving popular this season, how guest tastes have changed, and why a booking ahead of time could save your celebration.
What seasonal trends are you seeing in Lanzarote right now?
“At the moment, we are very much moving into wedding and celebration season across the island,” Nerina explains. “So there is a real increase in villa gatherings, post-wedding barbecues, engagement dinners and family events connected to holidays and special occasions.”
She adds that the warmer evenings naturally bring people outdoors. Relaxed terrace dining, sunset meals, and barbecue style evenings are especially popular at this time of year.
Is villa dining becoming more popular during wedding season?
“Definitely,” she says. “Many couples and families now want something that feels far more personal and relaxed alongside the main wedding celebrations. Very often that means smaller villa gatherings where everybody can properly unwind together rather than another large formal event.”
Are people still looking for formal dining experiences?
“Some are, of course. But generally I think people are leaning more towards relaxed luxury now. Guests still want great food and attention to detail, but they also want comfort, atmosphere and an experience that feels easy and natural rather than rigid.”
What kinds of events are most popular at the moment?
“It is a lovely mix at this time of year,” Nerina says. “Weddings, anniversary celebrations, milestone birthdays, family holidays, engagement trips and multi-generational gatherings are all incredibly popular. Lanzarote has become somewhere people come not just for sunshine, but to create memories together.”
What food trends are guests asking for this season?
Mediterranean sharing style dining remains a firm favourite. Guests love colourful, relaxed food that suits the island lifestyle. Think platters of tapas arriving at the table, garlic and herb king prawn skewers, pan fried local fish, chargrilled meats, fresh summer salads, papas arrugadas with mojos, rustic breads, and relaxed barbecue style evenings under the stars.
“Desserts are becoming lighter and more summery too,” Nerina adds. “Guests often choose things such as mini cheesecakes, fresh berries, citrus flavours and little sweet sharing plates that allow everybody to keep chatting long after dinner has finished.”
No two villa tables are ever quite the same. Menus are built completely around the guests, the villa atmosphere, and the kind of evening they want to create.
Why do you think villa dining has grown so much?
“I think people are craving a more relaxed approach now more than ever,” Nerina explains. “Many guests arrive needing to properly switch off from busy lives. More and more, they want someone else to quietly take care of everything for an evening so they can completely enjoy their holiday and time together.”
Have booking habits changed?
“Very much so. People are planning further ahead than ever before, especially for peak periods. I am already seeing enquiries and confirmed bookings stretching into 2028 for certain dates, particularly where guests want more bespoke experiences.”
What advice would you give to anyone planning a celebration in Lanzarote?
“I would always recommend saving the date, even if you have not fully decided on menus yet, because popular dates are being booked well in advance. Many guests now save the date first and then develop ideas properly later once plans settle into place.”
As a chef, what have you personally noticed about guests recently?
“One thing I have really noticed is how much people appreciate quality time together now. Some of the evenings guests remember most are often the intimate ones. They are often the relaxed villa nights where everybody slows down, another bottle of wine appears at the table, and nobody really wants the evening to end.”
What do you personally love most about this season in Lanzarote?
“For me, it having the privilege of being part of someone’s holiday. Warm evenings, outdoor tables, guests relaxing into island life, and those moments where food brings everybody together naturally. Living and working in Lanzarote has taught me that atmosphere matters just as much as the food itself. Candlelight, soft music, people properly slowing down… it creates a kind of magic that is very hard to replicate elsewhere.”
What do you think people are really looking for now?
“I think people are looking for meaningful experiences more than ever. Not necessarily larger occasions — just more memorable ones. Time together, good food, warmth, laughter and evenings that people still talk about long after the holiday has finished.”
“Growing up, food was never just about getting something to eat. It was about everyone gathering around the table, conversation that carried long into afternoon or evening with produce grown from the garden, shared bottles of wine, creating an atmosphere where family, friends and also neighbours felt relaxed and welcomed. Looking back, I know that appreciation for bringing people together naturally shaped the way I cook and host today.”
About Event and Catering Solutions Lanzarote
Nerina has spent more than 25 years cooking professionally, from luxury estates in the UK to sailing boats across the Mediterranean. Her love of food runs in the family, and today she brings bold Mediterranean and Canarian flavours straight to your holiday villa or event venue.
Whether you are hosting a wedding, a milestone birthday, an engagement dinner, or simply a relaxed family meal, Nerina creates tailor made menus to suit your guests and your budget. She takes care of everything: fresh local ingredients, beautiful presentation, flexible service options, and full clear up afterwards.
She can also suggest Spanish and local wines, craft beers, spirits and mixers for your event.
Save The Date!
Popular dates, especially weekends and peak seasons, fill up months in advance. 2026 is already booking fast, and even 2027 is filling up. Securing your date guarantees availability and peace of mind. You can then 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 of 4 up to 50 guests (with prior notice.)
Ready to create a night to remember?
Contact Nerina today to check availability or to secure a save the date deposit.
Email: nerinahowell@gmail.com
Phone: 0034 711 065 993
Website: www.eventandcateringsolutionslanzarote.com
Big flavours, no stress, all smiles. That is the Event and Catering Solutions promise.
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