A Taste of Italy
An unforgettable plant-based Italian cooking weekend
Friday to Sunday: 13–15 November 2026
A Weekend of Italian Cooking Magic
Escape to Old Joe’s Kaia for a weekend immersed in the flavours of Italy — reimagined entirely through plants. From Friday evening’s welcome with prosecco to Sunday morning’s farewell brunch, every moment is designed to nourish, inspire, and delight.
The Experience
Friday Evening — Arrive to prosecco and settle into your room. Dinner is served as a relaxed introduction to what the weekend holds.
Saturday Morning — After breakfast, join Marian on the balcony at tree-top level for a hands-on Italian cooking workshop. You’ll make fresh pasta from scratch, master three sauces, and prepare toppings that will surprise you with how naturally plant-based Italian food comes together.
Saturday Evening — The centre piece of the weekend: a three-course gala dinner served under fairy lights. Everything you helped prepare, elevated into a celebration.
Sunday Morning — A leisurely brunch before you head home, with a complete electronic recipe pack so you can recreate every dish.
More Than a Workshop
This isn’t just about learning recipes — it’s about the joy of cooking together, sharing a table, and discovering that plant-based food can be indistinguishable from the Italian cooking you’ve always loved. The intimate setting (maximum 16 guests) means personal attention, real conversations, and new friendships.
The Setting
Old Joe’s Kaia is located in the heart of Schoemanskloof, surrounded by lush gardens and mature indigenous trees. Between sessions, wander the grounds, swim in the pool, or simply sit with a book and the sounds of the valley. This is a weekend to slow down.
COST:
- R 2,795 per person sharing
- R 3,795 per person single
- R 1,725 sharing Saturday only — Workshop, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
What's included:
- An unforgettable plant-based cooking experience.
- 2 nights accommodation (Friday and Saturday).
- All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday brunch - all Italian!
- Prosecco on arrival
- Hands-on Italian cooking workshop, learning to make fresh pasta and sauces.
- 3-course fairy light gala dinner.
- Electronic recipe pack
What's excluded:
- Bar drinks and beverages outside mealtimes
What people are saying....
“I couldn't believe what we achieved in one afternoon — fresh pasta, three sauces, and toppings that tasted like we'd been cooking Italian food for years.”
“The setting is tranquil and peaceful — fairy lights, fireplace, and the most incredible plant-based food I've ever had.”
“There's something special about cooking together with strangers who become friends by the end of the weekend.”