Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Hacienda de San Rafael, near Seville in Andalusia
Facts in brief
Location The hotel is about 1-hour's drive from Seville
Annual opening 15 March to 15 November
Closest airport Seville Airport
Distance from airport The hotel is just under 1-hour's drive from Seville Airport
Hotel facilities and services
Restaurant, 2 bars, Al Fresco Dining, 3 Swimming Pools, Library, Boutique, Massage & Yoga, Padel Tennis Court, Internet, Airport Transfers, Private Chauffeur Service, Laundry, Daily housekeeping service, Safe Deposit Box, 6 Hectare Garden, Cultural and outdoor experiences can be arranged.
Complimentary
Free in-room wireless internet.
Land sports
Padel Tennis, Golf, Horseriding.
Out and about nearby
The nearby village of Las Cabezas de San Juan, Donana National Park, historic cities of Jerez de la Frontera and Seville, Cadiz, Guadalquivir River. The hotel operates private guided city tours, cultural events and nature experiences, including cookery classes, bull farm visits and gastronomy and wine tours.
Sports nearby
Golf, Walking, Trekking, Cycling, Horseriding.
Thank you. We had an amazing holiday. Really appreciate the work put in to give us the trip of a lifetime!Mrs H, Jan 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a Deluxe room for 7 nights
From about
£1,950
Holiday Code EXH1484
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Hacienda de San Rafael, near Seville in Andalusia
Situated on a former olive estate, the converted agricultural buildings of Hacienda de San Rafael at first appear modest upon approach via a long, dusty driveway surrounded by miles of fields. But when you breach the façade, the magic and charm of this authentic hacienda overwhelms. Step into the inner courtyard, where vibrant pink bougainvillea blossom lines the sun-bleached cobblestones and make way for special al fresco dinners. By evening this space is transformed by candle light into a romantic restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes comprising only local, seasonal produce - much taken fresh from the hotel's own vegetable garden. The interiors of this 18th century property are cosy and rustic, with beamed ceilings overhead and age-old tiled floors underfoot. The main sitting room is warmed by a log fire and an eclectic arrangement of plush sofas and arm chairs embrace the style of the countrified location. Of the 18 guestrooms, the hacienda's 11 deluxe rooms face the inner courtyard and consist of duplex spaces featuring wrought-iron spiral staircases. The design style is informal yet elegant thanks to the dominant use of dark wood to complement the pristine white walls. Each room extends onto a veranda where breakfast is served. Elsewhere, the three Casitas are much more spacious and refined, and have shared access to a private infinity pool. There are two other swimming pools scattered within Hacienda de San Rafael's five-acre grounds, and other facilities include Lazy Buddah massage and yoga, a paddel tennis court, and private tours and treks are operated by the hotel. A boutique hotel that allows guests to enjoy a refined Andalusian experience.
Room descriptions
Hacienda de San Rafael has 14 rooms and suites with air-conditioning, ceiling fan, telephone, complimentary wireless internet, minibar, bespoke linens, custom bathrobes, hairdryer and electric blankets.
Thank you. We had an amazing holiday. Really appreciate the work put in to give us the trip of a lifetime!Mrs H, Jan 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a Deluxe room for 7 nights
From about
£1,950
Holiday Code EXH1484
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Hacienda de San Rafael, near Seville in Andalusia
The journey and how you get there
For a holiday to the Hacienda de San Rafael, Las Cabezas de San Juan, Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with British Airways from London to Malaga, Seville or Granada. Flights may be available from other UK airports with Easyjet, Jet2 and TUI for example. If you are combining this hotel with stays elsewhere, you may want to consider flying into one airport and out of another. We can arrange this for you. The hotel is about 50 minutes’ drive from Seville airport and we recommend that we book for you either a private car transfer or a hire-car, depending on the itinerary.
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Thank you. We had an amazing holiday. Really appreciate the work put in to give us the trip of a lifetime!Mrs H, Jan 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a Deluxe room for 7 nights
From about
£1,950
Holiday Code EXH1484
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Hacienda de San Rafael, near Seville in Andalusia
About Andalusia
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Andalusia offers the chance to explore a holiday destination famed for its indulgent climate and coastal appeal. The region cannot deny its fair share of sun, sea and sand, but what is often neglected to mention is the region's immense variety. Comprising of eight unique provinces, Andalusia spans west to east from the wetlands and the Atlantic Ocean to the deserts and the popular Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea. Poised at the southern-most tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia acts as a gateway between the European and African continents, harbouring a myriad of influences that speak of the layers of civilisation that have roamed and inhabited the land. From the vibrant cities to the tiny white-washed villages, from vast sierras to the extensive coastline, Andalusia is a region of contrasts which promises an authentic luxury holiday.
Highlights of Andalusia
With 800km of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from - facing the Atlantic are the long, sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz, extending south from the Portuguese border to Tarifa; covering the area between Malaga and Gibraltar is the famous Costa del Sol, known for its numerous beach resorts which range from the cheap and cheerful to exclusive luxury; to the south of Granada is the Costa Tropical, a stretch of coast with sandy coves and a pleasant microclimate; and to the east is the more rugged Costa de Almeria. A number of luxury resorts and hotels are located along each of these coastlines. Surrounding Granada is the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range where the Spanish mainland's highest peak can be found and home to white-washed mountain villages. In the far east of Andalusia is the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, the largest protected area in Spain where you can find hiking trails, mountain villages and many wild animals. Further south is The Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a land and sea reserve near Almeria which is home to unspoilt scenery and an abundance of wildlife. In the west of the region is the Doñana National Park, an extensive area in the delta of the Guadalquivir River which includes marshland and sand dunes and is a breeding ground of the endangered Iberian Lynx. Thanks to the region's great variety in landscapes, culture and cuisine, a luxury holiday to Andalusia is sure to be a delightful experience.
Cultural highlights of Andalusia
Many of the Andalusia's cultural highlights can be found in the three Moorish cities of Cordoba, Granada and Seville, all of which are home to a number of excellent luxury hotels. Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former centre of Muslim control during Andalusia's colonisation by the Islamic Empire. At the city's heart is the astounding Mezquita de Cordoba, a mediaeval mosque turned Catholic cathedral with endless Moorish arches, columns and glinting tiles of vibrant hues. Other highlights include the fascinating Jewish quarter and Roman ruins galore. Nearer the coast is Granada, where Islamic rule endured the longest and the magical Alhambra remains as a monument to this legacy. A 9th century palace fortress, it guards over the city from an elevated crag amongst vast, aromatic gardens. To the west, on the peaceful plains of River Guadalquivir, Seville quietly awaits discovery along with its three World Heritage Sites: the Alcazar palace, the gothic Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. Other towns and cities of interest in Andalusia include Jerez de la Frontera, where you can visit the sherry bodegas which make the city famous and watch the dressage displays which are held at The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art; Cadiz, the oldest city in Europe which is surrounded almost entirely by water; Ronda, a spectacular city which is split in half by a narrow gorge; Malaga, birthplace of Picasso and home to a Museum which displays a collection of his work; the small town of Baeza, where you can find stunning examples of Renaissance architecture; and Almeria, a coastal city which is dominated by the Alcazaba, the largest Moorish fortress in Spain. During your stay in Andalusia make sure to witness the seductive art of flamenco. Alluring, passionate and cathartic, it's easy to understand how this gypsy tradition has become one of the most familiar emblems of Spanish culture.
Festivals in Andalusia
There are a huge number of local festivals held in villages, towns and cities throughout Andalusia, many of which have a religious significance. 5 January: Three Kings parades, February: Shrove Tuesday Carnivals, February: Seville Tapas Fair, February to March: Jerez Flamenco Festival, March/April: Holy week celebrations, April to October: Seville Bullfighting season, April/May: Seville Spring Fair, April/May: Úbeda Classical Music Festival, Mid May: Jerez Horse Fair, June to July: Granada Music & Dance Festival, June - July: Cordoba Guitar Festival, August: Malaga Summer Fair, September: Ronda bullfighting festival, November: Granada Jazz Festival.
Gastronomy in Andalusia
Cuisine in Andalusia is diverse, varying throughout the region and combining Arabic flavours with more common Mediterranean ingredients such as seafood, olive oil and an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. As the birthplace of tapas, Andalusia is an excellent place to try the snacks which are often served free with drinks in Granada. Other Andalusian specialities include Serrano ham from the Sierra Nevada and sherry from Jerez de la Frontera, as well as dishes such as ‘Ajo blanco’ (a white gazpacho), ‘Espetos de sardina’ (roasted sardines), ‘Huevos a la flamenca’ (baked eggs with vegetables) and ‘Fritura de pescado’ (mixed fried fish).
