FF--I'm going to ask a stupid question here, not directly related to your tipping question--or perhaps it is? Have you been in contact with the chef and expressed your preferences etc and they have been planning meals based on your wishes? And the chef is supposed to do to all the grocery shopping, in addition to alcohol, etc?? And the owner of the villa is paying for the food and the booze? Those are additional responsibilities that would not normally be the province of the chef at a restaurant. Or perhaps those things are the responsibility of the concierge? I'm not sure that really helps clarify anything, perhaps just muddies the waters.

As someone else suggested, I might talk to the owner of the villa and get their thoughts.

But I renew my question--can I be a family member of yours??