Beguiling San Rafael stands in glorious isolation between Seville and Jerez, amidst rolling fields of wheat, sunflower and cotton. The Reid family have owned this former olive farm for nearly a century and a half; the latest generation, Anthony and Patrick, have pulled it right to the top of the ‘hip hideaway’ rankings. The feel-good factor cuts in from the moment you’re greeted, at a bougainvillea-clad entrance portal, by one of the staff with a glass of chilled fino or, in the warmer months, with a fresh lemonade or iced lemongrass tea.
The rooms, casitas and pool villa are huge with a gorgeous commingling of antiques and modern art. There are base elements of the original cortijo: terracotta tile, wafer bricking, massively thick walls, shuttered windows. And wherever you stay, you'll have a private terrace, rich fabrics and rugs, freshly cut flowers and sparkling bathrooms. Pampering comes at every turn here - fabulous gardens, superb food and a choice of pools secreted away amongst groves of lemon, pomegranate, olive, and carob. You could easily while away your holiday in this blissful oasis, but allow some time for exploring too; there's a whole book of fascinating excursions, carefully curated to take in Andalucia's highlights: day trips to Seville, Ronda and the white villages, culinary tours, sherry tasting, birdwatching... the list is endless.
Highs
- Guests come first. Anthony is the perfect host and staff work around what you want; everybody gets VIP treatment at San Rafael
- Bedrooms, drawing rooms and dining room are high on grandeur - there are antiques everywhere
- Choose between any number of different corners to chill: the Sunset or Lunar bar, your private terrace, a lounger in the shade of an olive tree
- The food and wine are outstanding, our latest revisit revealed seasonal produce and fabulous Mediterranean influences
- Although the hacienda is rural, you're within day-trip distance of so many Andalucian sights and beaches, and there are heaps of excursions to choose from
Lows
- San Rafael isn't cheap but the high price tag is more than justified
- You’re out in the sticks and will probably need a car to get around. However, Seville, the sherry bodegas of Jerez, Doñana with its prolific birdlife and the Atlantic beaches are all an easy drive away
- Likewise, you’ll need to jump in a car if you are planning to eat out
- This part of Spain gets really hot in summer, but the farm’s prominent position ensures it catches the breeze and the massively thick walls of the original hacienda keep temperatures cool
- Some might find the decor of the main hacienda a little dated, but it's in keeping with the traditional grandeur of the building
Best time to go
Spring and autumn are the best times to be at San Rafael. Some people might find mid-summer something of an ordeal, even if fans and air-conditioning mean you’ll still be comfortable. It would be great to be here during the Seville feria (April/May), in April when the wildflowers are at their best or in early summer when the local romerias (religious festivals) are in full swing.
Our top tips
Anthony is a mine of information about Andalucia and is really keen to help his guests get the most out of the region. Chat to him about what you want to see and do and he'll tailor trips to your desires.
- Boutique Hotel
- 14 rooms + 1 pool villa for 6-12
- Restaurant and bar
- Children of all ages are welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
San Rafael's Deluxe Rooms are in the main hacienda building, wrapped round a lovely inner, bougainvillaea-clad courtyard. These are split-level rooms with double beds, a sitting area and their own slice of terrace where you're welcome to have any of your meals. Similarly laid out but larger, Grand Deluxe Rooms have space for an extra bed or baby cot and can be set up as twins. All have been conceived with a maximum of cosseting comfort and intimacy in mind. Beds are big with Egyptian cotton sheets, Indian bedspreads, very comfortable mattresses and duck feather duvets. Most have both a bathtub and a separate shower and a stylish mix of old and new in decorative detail.
A discreet distance from the main house, some Casitas (thatched cottages) have been created in the garden. Ideal for honeymooners, these are larger and more luxurious than the Deluxe Rooms (phone, minibar, music system) and have their own shared infinity pool. Exuberant stands of mimosa, lavender and eucalyptus ensure a maximum of privacy and each has its own thatched chozita for shade dining. All have gorgeous, high-ceilinged living rooms and massive bedrooms. There are slick, slate-walled showers as well as a bathtub and double sinks in the open-plan bathrooms. The thatch of the roof, Indian bedspreads and other oriental memorabilia evoke the lodge-style hotels of South-East Asia: photos from the Reid’s family albums remind you that you’re in Andalucia.
Families or groups can stay in the luxurious Pool Villa, which is tucked away in an old olive grove. It sleeps 6-12 - you can choose to use all six bedrooms or just book one wing, which has 3 bedrooms plus exclusive use of the communal areas. The elegant interior is a beautiful mix of collectibles from around the globe: Chinese cabinets, Indian dhurries, Nepalese textiles, Rajasthan teak, Spanish ceramics. Outside is a veranda for alfresco meals, a peaceful garden and your own infinity pool.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Cots available
- Fan
- In-room treatments available
- WiFi
Eating
Every meal is a feast at San Rafael, and a movable one in the strict sense of the word: dining might take place by candlelight on your own terrace, in the dining room or beneath the stars on the east or west terraces at a linen-draped table. The food has oodles of aesthetic and culinary appeal - a blissful change to the run-of-the-mill offerings of so many of Andalucia’s hotels.
Set three-course dinners change by the day, following the dictates of the season, and can always be crafted to individual requirements. On our most recent visit, we were treated to homemade ravioli with spinach, followed by juicy duck with mashed potato, green beans and a sticky Pedro Ximenez sauce, then apple tart with coconut ice cream to finish. It was by far the best meal we had on our entire trip. Wine, mineral water and coffee are included in the set price.
Lunches are also served - a reduced à la carte menu - by the pool. The included breakfast is of the continental variety with fresh orange juice, cereals, creamy yoghurt and local honey, a bread basket with locally-baked rolls and croissants and homemade jams. Extras are fruit salads, eggs and bacon, ham and cheese, smoothies and yoghurt.
Don't expect gourmet dining in the local restaurants, but if you're looking for local flavour you'll find plenty of it just down the road: at Manolo Mayo in Dos Hermanas. A little further afield, Besana in Utrera and El Frasquito in Espera offer more refined cuisine. The Reid family have a sister hotel in Seville and know all of its best restaurants, should you need recommendations.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Chill-out by the swimming pools, in the spacious gardens and beneath shady verandas.
- Visit historic Seville, Carmona and Cadiz, or the white villages of Arcos or Sanlúcar - all of them are an easy drive away.
- Head off to Donana Park for the day with one of the Reid family’s trusted ornithological guides.
- Visit the Royal Equestrian School in Jerez and see some of the finest horses in Europe being put through their balletic paces. Combine it with a guided tour of one of the many world-famous sherry bodegas.
- The Grazalema Park is less than an hour away, with some of the most dramatic walking in southern Spain - guided walks can be arranged.
- You’re within reach of the Atlantic coast and some of the best beaches in southern Spain; the sailing is also good round here.
- Take a horse riding safari through Andalucia; the stables are 10 minutes away.
- Choose between five different golf courses - the nearest is 25 minutes’ drive.
- Indulge in a massage in the garden or in your room.
- Adventure activities in the area include hot-air ballooning, hunting, canyoning, 4x4, spelunking and hiking.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Art classes
- Birdwatching
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Hot air ballooning
- Sailing
- Tennis
Kids
Even though San Rafael feels best suited to couples, kids are made very welcome. There is a Pool Villa which works well for families. Cots and high chairs are available for babies whilst the three-course set meals can be catered to children's needs at a substantially reduced price. Pasta, pizza or burgers or simple fish and chicken dishes can always be prepared - just ask.
Family friendly accommodation:
The Pool Villa can sleep 6-12 and comes with its own kitchen, garden and swimming pool, though you might want to watch youngsters around the antiques. Two of the Casitas can sleep up to four (with a double bed plus one single bed and one single sofabed). Most of the Deluxe Doubles have space for one extra bed, and all rooms and villas can fit a cot.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available by arrangement.
Baby equipment:
Baby cots and a high chair are available on request.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Hacienda San Rafael is near the village of Las Cabezas de San Juan, midway between Seville and Jerez in Andalucia, Spain.
By Air
Jerez De La Frontera (45km) is the nearest airport, but Seville Airport (55km) is also close.
From the Airport
Once in Seville or Jerez, you can take a taxi. It may be useful to hire a car, as the Hacienda is quite remote. See our car rental recommendations.
By Train
The Spanish high-speed trains are excellent: the AVE trains operate on the Madrid-Cordoba-Seville route (it takes only 2.5 hours from Madrid). Many other routes are available.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Jerez De La Frontera 45.0 km XRY
- Seville San Pablo 55.0 km SVQ
Other:
- Beach 45.0 km
- Shops 35.0 km
- Restaurant 30.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
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