Richard Neat, a two-star Michelin chef with a career spanning over 30 years, is set to take the helm as executive chef of three exciting new dining venues at The Retreat Costa Rica, a luxury wellness resort. Neat will oversee Mystique, La Diosa, and Richard’s Kitchen, which are part of a $4 million renovation project at the resort. Set to be completed in June 2025, these new restaurants aim to offer guests a unique blend of luxury dining experiences, featuring world-class cuisine inspired by Neat’s extensive travels and culinary expertise.
Neat, born in England and trained in the finest kitchens in France, Russia, India, and Morocco, will bring his innovative, artistic approach to every aspect of The Retreat’s culinary offerings. At Mystique, the resort’s fine dining rooftop restaurant with breathtaking ocean views, Neat has designed an extravagant multi-course tasting menu that blends fresh, locally sourced ingredients with international flavors. Guests can enjoy six courses with two options per course, offering a total of 12 different bites, all while soaking in the spectacular sunsets that surround this intimate dining spot.
For those looking for a more casual yet equally sophisticated experience, La Diosa will offer all-day dining surrounded by lush jungle. This vibrant space will feature finger foods, tapas, and tagine-prepared dishes, paired with signature cocktails and wines by the glass. Neat and his team will focus on creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes throughout the day.
At Richard’s Kitchen, a sleek poolside open kitchen, guests can experience a more interactive culinary journey. This space is designed for engagement, with Neat offering cooking workshops and classes, such as the hands-on “Cooking with Richard” sessions. These four-hour classes will allow up to 20 participants to dive deep into the world of culinary arts under the guidance of a Michelin-awarded chef.
In addition to his role at The Retreat Costa Rica, Neat currently operates Park Café, a celebrated restaurant in San José, Costa Rica. He has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including being recognized by Traffic magazine as one of the 20 people who transformed Costa Rican society. His previous achievements include co-founding the acclaimed London restaurant Pied à Terre, where he earned his Michelin stars at just 29 years old.
Diana Stobo, the owner of The Retreat Costa Rica and a renowned celebrity chef herself, expressed her excitement about Neat’s addition to the team. “We are beyond thrilled to welcome such a trailblazing and esteemed chef to The Retreat. His hands-on approach and inspired yet approachable cuisine perfectly reflect our vision for creating immersive luxury experiences. Each of our new restaurants is designed to captivate the senses and offer an extraordinary escape.”
The resort’s new dining venues will be housed within a newly renovated clubhouse, which includes 10 luxury lofts designed to complement the region’s verdant landscape. The design of the three eateries—each with its own distinctive atmosphere—offers guests sweeping views of the jungle and Pacific Ocean, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
