The Culinary Experience at Villa TuluMar

Where art, flavor, and passion meet by the sea

At Villa TuluMar, dining is not simply a service — it’s an art form. Every meal tells a story, crafted by Executive Chef Christian Portillo, whose worldly journey infuses each dish with depth, beauty, and heart.

Christian’s path began in Mexico City, where he trained under a European chef in a celebrated Swiss-Italian restaurant. Before discovering Mexico’s vast culinary heritage, he mastered the precision of Italian, German, Swiss, and French haute cuisine — disciplines that shaped his sense of balance, elegance, and refinement.

After seven years of classical formation, he traveled across Mexico, embracing regional and Yucatecan traditions and mastering the art of Japanese fine dining in Cancún and Mexico City. His career later took him abroad — to Switzerland, where he led a French restaurant as Head Chef; to Uruguay, where he oversaw a traditional grillhouse; and to southern Brazil, where he helped open a new coastal concept before returning home to the Riviera Maya.

“My goal is for every dish to have its own identity — for each ingredient to complement the others, the presentation to captivate the eye, and every bite to offer a sensory experience that is unique and unforgettable.”
— Chef Christian Portillo

His philosophy lives in every plate: home-made pasta, fresh-baked breads, signature sauces, locally sourced seafood, and imported Argentinian beef — all transformed into modern works of edible art.

“The food was absolutely Michelin-quality — every meal was a work of art.”
— Victoria L. — Guest, April 2024

The villa’s kitchen caters beautifully to every preference — from gourmet seafood lovers to those who prefer vegetarian or vegan cuisine. Chef Christian’s team accommodates all dietary needs with creativity and care, ensuring every guest enjoys the same level of flavor, presentation, and delight.

“Chef Christian blew us away every day. Every plate looked like it belonged in a fine dining restaurant, yet it felt so personal.”
— The Patel Family — Guests, July 2024

Each evening’s menu is curated around your tastes and mood — from refined Yucatecan specialties like Pollo Pibil to indulgent international creations like Surf & Turf. Dinner becomes a performance: the sea breeze, the candlelight, and the sound of the waves merging with the aromas of perfection.

“We’ve stayed in luxury villas before, but the food here was in a class of its own. Every dish was extraordinary.”
— James & Claudia R. — Guests, May 2024

“Each night felt like dining in a five-star restaurant — but somehow better, because it was ours alone.”
— Samantha G. — Guest, June 2024

Curate Your Own Culinary Journey

Guests may explore our extensive villa menu — thoughtfully curated for every palate — and select their preferred dishes prior to arrival. For those who love surprises, choose “Chef’s Choice” and allow our culinary team to design a one-of-a-kind dining journey, created just for you.

Discover the Villa TuluMar Full Service Experience →