EVERYONE DREAMS OF THE PERFECT ESCAPE
We offer a special place, free of distractions. La Donaira is a quiet and simple Andalusian cortijo, where everything from wooden floors and slabs to handcrafted furniture and spectacular views is naturally thought and designed. Also luxurious, yet discreetly fresh and contemporary, with art, books, music and all the comforts of technology, such as underfloor heating, designer lighting and spa with infinity pool.
In the cortijo you can taste products grown on their land and fresh, home-grown local and organic food prepared by talented chefs. In good company, with conversations around the table continuing into the late hours of the night under starry skies, with one or two glasses of good wine.
At La Donaira you can be sure to enjoy a restful sleep in individually designed suites or in award-winning international yurts, waking up to the song of the birds. And spend your days hiking and cycling, horseback riding and exploring, or just lying by the pool. A place that would seem remote but easily accessible; a place where you can feel at home, while enjoying first-class amenities and professional, friendly yet discreet service.
Everything is designed to help you feel good, from healthy, organic, mainly vegetarian food to our hiking trails and meditation sites, the outdoor swimming pool fed by spring water, the yoga platform and the spa.
LA DONAIRA EXPERIENCES
Whether you dream of outdoor adventure or total relaxation, you’ll find it here.
Choose from equestrian activities designed for advanced and leisure riders, and spa and wellness programmes, mountain biking, hiking and trekking, farm tours, medicinal garden tours, hands-on gastronomy workshops, wine or olive oil tasting, and guided stargazing on the property. Or just lie in the shade of an ancient encino, breathe deep and take in the peace and spectacular views.
MEDICINAL GARDEN
A guided tour through this magical space is a chance to learn about La Donaira’s approach to holistic permaculture. Modelled on medieval monastery gardens which served as living pharmacies, our garden has more than 350 types of healing and edible herbs and flowers.
MEDICINAL AND PERMACULTURE TOUR
A guided tour into the Medicinal Garden to learn about La Donaira’s holistic permaculture approach, followed by a tour in the Perma-culture Vegetable Gardens. The tour is specially designed for individuals or families who want to build their own garden, from scratch, back in their home. It will provide tools, insights and practical knowledge to help you make the first steps towards self-sufficiency.
Much more to enjoy including the natural spring-fed open-air pool, a well-stocked library, a cinema, and – for the musical – a Steinway piano, guitars, and sizeable vinyl collection.
LA DONAIRA HORSE RIDING
We have more than 70 Lusitanos at La Donaira, bred and raised according to natural horsemanship principles, otherwise known as horse whispering. By understanding the horses’ natural instincts and ways of communicating, we train them without causing stress or fear in an effort to teach trust and respect for all future training and interactions. The horses are happy and responsive as a result.
THE TEAM
Our friendly, experienced international team is uniquely positioned to tailor multi-day programmes to suit any level of experience. We cater to advanced riders – individuals and groups – and offer everything from invigorating hacks to classes. We also cater to beginners, and have horses particularly suited to children.
Riding takes place in the outdoor arena and on trails across the 1700-acre mountain property. We can provide helmets, safety vests, jodphurs, riding boots and chaps in a variety of different sizes as required.
DRESSAGE
Our expert team of instructors can tailor lessons to suit the needs of every rider from advanced to beginner, children included.
HACKS
Hacks take place on the La Donaira property where there are a range of trails suited to different levels of experience.
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP TRAINING SESSIONS
Assist and observe in one of the daily training sessions of our young horses, between 6 months and 3 years old. The content and duration of each session depends on the age of the horse that is being trained.
GROUNDING ON HORSEBACK (AN INTRODUCTION)
Available daily. An exercise in strength, balance and trust. By slowing breathing and relaxing into the natural rhythm of a horse, people can feel a great sense of connection and relaxation. An excellent way to overcome a fear of horses.
SPA & WELLNESS
Dark stucco walls, steamy warmth and soft light turn our spa into a nurturing cocoon. Succumb to the therapeutic effects of a 46.5 degree hammam, and loosen aching muscles in the Russian wood sauna.
BE TONED, BE HAPPY
Exercise releases endorphins and positive thoughts, and so will our 21-metre indoor pool with underwater lighting and mountain peak views. Try an aqua gym session, set your own pace, or simply float on your back for a little aqua mindfulness. Take an invigorating dip in the icy plunge pool or brave the elements with a few laps in our spring-fed outdoor pool.
FOOD & DRINK: NATURAL GOODNESS & SOPHISTICATION
Like everything at La Donaira, our food combines natural goodness and sophistication. Home-grown organic field to fork produce is the starting point for healthy, innovative, fundamentally vegetarian menus. What we eat depends on what’s plucked from our huertas each morning and whether it’s the season for figs and plums or almonds and quince. Edible flowers and herbs from the medicinal garden add the finishing touch. Bread is baked and eggs collected fresh every morning. We make goats’ milk cheese, press our own extra virgin olive oil and collect honey from our mountain hives.
We offer red and rosé wines produced from Petit Verdot and Blaufränkisch grape varieties grown in our own vineyards, and a well-curated list of classic wines. We also have an exciting collection of ecological, natural and biodynamic wines selected from small producers in over 12 countries.
Take part in wine tasting or their gourmet vegetarian workshop.
WALKING, RUNNING AND BIKING
La Donaira offers a range of guided hike on and off the finca, designed to suit all fitness levels. We offer night walks when there is a full moon and picnics can be prepared by the kitchen if desired. Mountain bikes and safety helmets are available for guests to use. We also provide water bottles, sunscreen and insect repellant. All routes are available on the application Wikiloc – if you choose to go without a guide.
BEE SPA
The bee spa is a unique immersion inside the world of the bees. Learn natural beekeeping practises, and live a rare experience where both body and mind are in contact with the bees. Let yourself be, experiment or meditate on a sofa placed right upon four bee hives. A beekeeper suit is at your disposition. Strong fragrances are inadvisable for this workshop. Duration: 20-40 minutes.