Mateo Padilla

A California native who garnered more than two decades’ experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Mateo is head chef and co-founder at Finca Lilapad. Since moving to Costa Rica in 2019, Mateo has had his hands in the dirt and taught himself farming and permaculture. He is master designer of the finca and pulls philosophy from time spent in nature and embodying presence.Spending most of his days working on the land, Mateo cultivates deep connections with his plant allies, but also loves to whip up tasty treats in the kitchen! During retreats, he cooks all the meals and gives farm tours and plant talks.Passionate about travel, Mateo has been to more than 40 countries, lived in a van and worked in Dubai. He is proud angel daddy to Raiven Surya and furbaby father of four.Mateo is a virgo sun sign and generator in human design.