Hacienda de San Rafael
Hotel · Seville
N-4, Km.594, 41730 Las Cabezas de San Juan, Sevilla, Spain
"Black-and-white photographs of Hacienda de San Rafael show a handsome, solitary farmhouse slipping quietly into oblivion amid rolling fields of cotton and wheat in Andalusia's agricultural heartland. That was before Kuky Mora-Figueroa inherited it and, with her English husband, Tim Reid, decided to breathe new life and purpose into its 18th-century bones. It was 1992 when the Hacienda first opened its doors as a hotel. Now, three decades on, it has mellowed and matured, blending into gardens of riotous color and scent, and quietly expanding from 11 to 20 rooms to include three thatched casitas and a pool villa. Although Mora-Figueroa and Reid have handed the reins to their two sons, Anthony and Patrick, their imprint still defines the look and feel of the place, with an eclectic assortment of heirlooms and antiques mixed with travel treasures. Old-world, aristocratic, and grand is the first impression on approaching the Hacienda’s distinctive white and yellow façade, but guests are greeted like long-lost friends. The temptation is to stay put, curled up with a book by one of the four pools or snoozing in a shady corner of the garden, but Seville and Jerez are within reach and there’s a multitude of curated experiences on offer, from horseback riding, hiking, and bird-watching—even sherry tasting in the region’s finest bodegas. Few pleasures can match the simplicity of an ice-cold glass of manzanilla sipped beneath the jacaranda tree at the front of the Hacienda, while the sun drops to the horizon. —Pamela Goodman" - Lauren Burvill
"Black-and-white photographs of Hacienda de San Rafael show a handsome, solitary farmhouse slipping quietly into oblivion amid rolling fields of cotton and wheat in Andalusia’s agricultural heartland. That was before Kuky Mora-Figueroa inherited it and, with her English husband, Tim Reid decided to breathe new life and purpose into its 18th-century bones. It was 1992 when the Hacienda first opened its doors as a hotel. Now, three decades on, it has mellowed and matured, blending into gardens of riotous color and scent, and quietly expanding from 11 to 20 rooms to include three thatched casitas and a pool villa. Although Mora Figueroa and Reid have handed the reins to their two sons, Anthony and Patrick, their imprint still defines the look and feel of the place, with an eclectic assortment of heirlooms and antiques mixed with travel treasures. Old-world, aristocratic, and grand is the first impression on approaching the Hacienda’s distinctive white and yellow façade, but guests are greeted like long-lost friends. The temptation is to stay put, curled up with a book by one of the four pools or snoozing in a shady corner of the garden, but Seville and Jerez are within reach, and there’s a multitude of curated experiences on offer, from horseback riding, hiking, and bird-watching to sherry tasting in the region’s finest bodegas. Few pleasures can match the simplicity of an ice-cold glass of manzanilla sipped beneath the jacaranda tree at the front of the Hacienda, while the sun drops to the horizon. —Pamela Goodman Address: N-4, Km.594, 41730 Las Cabezas de San Juan, Sevilla, Spain" - Agnish Ray
"Black-and-white photographs of Hacienda de San Rafael show a handsome, solitary farmhouse slipping quietly into oblivion amid rolling fields of cotton and wheat in Andalusia’s agricultural heartland."
"Black-and-white photographs of Hacienda de San Rafael show a handsome, solitary farmhouse slipping quietly into oblivion amid rolling fields of cotton and wheat in Andalusia’s agricultural heartland. That was before Kuky Mora-Figueroa inherited it and, with her English husband, Tim Reid, decided to breathe new life and purpose into its 18th-century bones. It was 1992 when the Hacienda first opened its doors as a hotel. Now, three decades on, it has mellowed and matured, blending into gardens of riotous color and scent, and quietly expanding from 11 to 20 rooms to include three thatched casitas and a pool villa. Although Mora-Figueroa and Reid have handed the reins to their two sons, Anthony and Patrick, their imprint still defines the look and feel of the place, with an eclectic assortment of heirlooms and antiques mixed with travel treasures. Old-world, aristocratic, and grand is the first impression on approaching the Hacienda’s distinctive white and yellow façade, but guests are greeted like long-lost friends. The temptation is to stay put, curled up with a book by one of the four pools or snoozing in a shady corner of the garden, but Seville and Jerez are within reach and there’s a multitude of curated experiences on offer, from horseback riding, hiking, and bird-watching—even sherry tasting in the region’s finest bodegas. Few pleasures can match the simplicity of an ice-cold glass of manzanilla sipped beneath the jacaranda tree at the front of the Hacienda, while the sun drops to the horizon. From $379. —Pamela Goodman" - CNT Editors
"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" - Guy Hunter Watts
