This is an experience like few others. A place of timeless beauty and simplicity in balance between tradition and modernity, sustainability and luxury.  Set within Spain's majestic Serranía de Ronda, this luxury boutique hotel in Andalusia was created by the owners from a century old Cortijo to inspire a dialogue about intelligent design and architecture, the arts, agriculture in the modern era, and our role in the natural world.    

Restored by Gibraltar based Themroc Design in collaboration with Eduardo Lando, the cortijo's design adheres to the principles of natural and sustainable construction while combining contemporary architectural elements that play a fundamental role. 

The property's rustic, earthy charms offer a holistic approach to holiday that's vibrant and alive with history, culture, understated sophistication and nature. 

An eco-certified retreat based on the philosophy of biodynamics and sustainable solutions, the well-tended land produces organic, artisanal items available in the farm shop and on your table. 

Fully staffed with first-class amenities and services, this is a place of effortless charms that encourages you to experience the essential luxuries that are naturally good. Have a seat at the Steinway with a glass from the cellar, take a farm tour, splash down in the pool, chill out in the spa, or gallop off into the endless countryside on one of the Lusitano horses. 

This is Andalusia as it's meant to be.

Located in the middle of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (a UNESCO treasure) on over seventeen hundred acres, this luxury boutique hotel in Andalusia was designed by the owners as an eco retreat of discreet luxuries, with a large and thriving organic farm, equestrian center and just nine suites and designer yurts.  

Framed by mountains and lush farmlands, the century old Cortijo was completely but lightly restored with sustainable, eco-friendly techniques using locally sourced clay, rocks, lime mortar and wood, that bring out its authentic character. 

A place where you can feel at home, it's an intimate retreat that's both welcoming and stimulating, with lots of activities to dive into or just relax. Each of the nine suites, yurts and social spaces are individually designed with an eclectic eye for detail and large picture windows that frame the stunning scenery, with a blend of sophisticated contemporary design and natural artistry. Two of the deluxe rooms are yurts, a bit more secluded, with stunning views, accessible from a stone path. 

The farm-to-table menu is primarily vegetarian, serving local artisan produce and organic home-grown food paired with the best from the wine cellar. There are more than 70 Lusitano horses at La Donaira, and the hotels offers invigorating hacks and classes for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. Riding takes place in the outdoor arena and on trails across the 1700-acre mountain property, and they have horses that are particularly suited to children.

Whether it's adventure or pure relaxation and escape that you're after, you'll find it here.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Accommodation is offered on an all-inclusive basis, and covers breakfast, lunch, dinner; all drinks and snacks; use of the outdoor pool, spa (indoor swimming pool, sauna and hammam) and access to the farm, woodland and medicinal garden. Shuttles, treatments, riding lessons, hacks and additional experiences are extra.

Optional additional services include shuttles, spa treatments, wine tastings and additional experiences. Wifi throughout, movie projector, vinyl and book library.

AROUND

Immersed in the UNESCO National Park of Grazalema, the small hamlet of El Gastor is known as the ‘Balcony of the White Villages’ with stunning views of rolling countryside and the Andalusian towns from above the two mountain peaks of El Algarín and Las Grajas.

Just under an hour from Ronda, the area is also surrounded by two equally stunning UNESCO natural parks: Sierra de Las Nieves and Alcornocales and the Guadalevin canyons and Cueva del Gato caves.

The nearby mountaintop city of Ronda in Malaga province (with its landmark 18th-century Plaza de Toros) sits above the dramatic El Tajo gorge which separates the 15th-century parts of the town from the Moorish old town, and is connected by the Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning the gorge. Marbella, Malaga and Seville are within two hours drive.  

LOCATION

El Gastor, Andalusia, Spain. Nearest airport: Seville International (116km) 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall