Hacienda de San Rafael

Hip hacienda hideaway in Andalucia‘s heartland

Wrapped around a bougainvillea-hung courtyard, Hacienda de San Rafael sits amid Andalucian fields of wheat, cotton and dazzling sunflowers half way between Seville and Spain’s sherry capital, Jerez.

Know It All

Hit the spot
In a large estate, halfway between Seville and Jerez.

Come here for...
● An authentic and plush hacienda experience. ● The thatched casitas in the gardens – honeymoon heaven. ● Starlit dining in the flower-filled courtyard.

Amenities
There are acres of grounds to wander, and three pools for cooling off. There's also a restaurant and wonderful ranch-style lounge with oil paintings. You'll also find a boules pitch and paddle (short bat) tennis court. Love all?

Good to know
You'll need to cross a busy-ish main road to reach the entrance drive – after which it's peace all the way.

Bedtime...

Bedrooms
11 Deluxe rooms and three private Casitas.

Special features
Rooms are arranged around the central bougainvillaea-filled patio, complete with tile-roofed loggia which shelters wicker armchairs and breakfast tables. Spacious bedrooms have high thatched ceilings, white walls, antiques and art from the owner's own collection. Most have a spacious sleeping and open bathroom area downstairs, with a small mezzanine area for midday relaxation. The Casitas are wonderfully private and tucked into the gardens.

Pillow Talk
The three private casitas are perfect love dens with huge beds, double jacuzzis, a music system and private garden gazebo. They share a private infinity pool. Three duplex rooms (9, 10 and 11) have lovely sleeping areas on the upper level. Room 11 has the added benefit of a private patio.

Eat & Drink

Dining in
Dinner is served in the flower-hung courtyard, glowing with candlelight, or poolside on some nights. Soft guitar music adds to the mood, and there's a rustic dining room for cooler nights. Guests shower praise on the Hacienda's innovative (and daily changing) Andalucian and Mediterranean menus, based on local produce and beautifully presented. Signature dishes include local venison in a sherry and truffle sauce, giant prawns and sea bass. There's also an excellent wine list.

Start the night with a cocktail at the Sunset bar by the main pool or pour yourselves a drink at one of the other honesty bars.

Breakfast
Continental breakfast (included in room rate) is served as late as you like. You can also pay a supplement and go for the full works.

Room service
Available from 8:30am to midnight.

See & Do

See & Do
With three pools and paddle tennis (using short bats) here, you may not venture far. Andalucia's famed white villages are within easy reach, while easy-to-arrange excursions include trips to family owned sherry bodegas, bull breeding ranches and stud farms, or hikes in the Coto Donana national park. The fabulous Andalucian cities of Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz and Cordoba should also be on your must-see list – be sure to take in Seville's 15th century Gothic cathedral and old quarter.

Your hosts will be happy to provide maps, directions and private guides. Horse riding and golf are also easily arranged.

Spa
Book a massage in your room or in the gardens for a total wind-down experience.

Diary Dates
April
Seville's bullfighting season kicks off prior to the Feria de Abril (held two weeks after Easter), when tented stands line the streets and the city is a riot of costume, horses and dancers.

May
Don't miss the Feria del Caballo in nearby Jerez for a terrific day of horses, sherry and flamenco.

A complimentary bottle of Andalucian sherry.

Book Now