La Donaira
Andalusia | Spain
A PARADISE REGAINED
Tucked away in Andalusia’s picturesque Serrania de Ronda, where rolling hills meet the horizon and the scent of wild jasmine fills the air, lies a sanctuary of discreet luxury that invites you to rediscover the art of being.
Here, an organic farm stretches across fertile land, where the rhythm of nature guides each day, and free roaming Lusitano horses speak to the soul's yearning for freedom and grace. With every step, you are drawn deeper into a world where extraordinary experiences are woven from the land’s stories and the quiet pulse of authenticity.
The culinary concept, which is an included feature of our holistic approach to hospitality, is a seed-to-plate journey, honouring the connection between earth and table, allowing each meal to nourish not just the body, but the spirit.
This is a place where time slows, where the elements conspire to bring you back to yourself, and where the beauty of simplicity becomes the greatest luxury of all.
The Seed of a Vision
La Donaira’s story began with a dream to create a sanctuary that blends luxury with ecological integrity. Over a century ago, the foundations of its restored farmhouse, or cortijo, were laid, but it was in the early 2000s that its current custodians envisioned something extraordinary. Inspired by the rhythms of the Andalusian countryside, they set out to transform the estate into a beacon of sustainability. Their mission was clear: to cultivate a self-sufficient ecosystem where organic farming, biodiversity, and human connection thrive. What started as a neglected plot of land has blossomed into a regenerative utopia, where every element, soil, plants, animals, and people works in symphony.
A Regenerative Heartbeat
At La Donaira, regeneration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the pulse of daily life. The estate’s biointensive gardens produce vibrant vegetables, herbs, and microgreens, while vineyards yield Petit Verdot and Blaufränkisch grapes for biodynamic wines. Free-range goats, chickens, lambs, and Wagyu cows provide milk, eggs, and meat, and beehives hum with the promise of golden honey. Olive trees, tended with care, offer extra-virgin oil that graces the communal table. Under the guidance of experts like Ana, a regenerative agriculture specialist, and Marina, the garden manager, La Donaira pioneers practices like permaculture and biodynamic farming, fostering soil health and ecological balance.
The estate’s commitment to wildlife is equally profound. Over 400 nesting boxes dot the landscape, offering homes for songbirds and raptors like eagles and vultures. Plans for bird hides and a 24/7 wildlife observatory reflect La Donaira’s dedication to preserving Iberian biodiversity, inviting guests to witness the land’s rich tapestry of life, wild boar, roe deer, and the native Ronda Ibex, without disturbing its natural rhythm.
A Place to Reconnect
La Donaira’s nine uniquely designed rooms, from cozy suites with copper bathtubs to hillside yurts, embody simplicity and luxury. Natural materials, stone, wood, leather, and wool, create an intimate connection to the land, while hand-picked artwork tells stories of Andalusian heritage. Guests are welcomed into an all-inclusive experience, where farm-to-table meals, crafted by chefs like Fredrik Andersson (formerly of Michelin-starred Mistral in Stockholm), celebrate the morning’s harvest. The open kitchen, once a stable, is the heart of the cortijo, where conversations linger late under starry skies, paired with organic wines curated by sommelier David Raya.
Beyond dining, La Donaira offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. Ride Lusitano horses through sunlit trails, guided by natural horsemanship principles. Wander the medicinal garden, where 300 plants inspire wellness treatments and culinary creations. Join hands-on workshops in gastronomy, explore prehistoric mines with regenerative agriculture experts, or stargaze in the Sierra de Grazalema National Park. For those seeking serenity, the spa’s indoor pool and spring-fed outdoor pool offer tranquil escapes, while activities like parahawking, flying with birds of prey, ignite the spirit of adventure.
A Vision for the Future
La Donaira’s founders aspire to more than a retreat; they aim to inspire a global movement toward regenerative living. By sharing their land with guests, they hope to spark a deeper understanding of nature’s interconnectedness. Their “Integrated Diverse Olive Groves” project, showcased at conferences, exemplifies this vision, blending ancient agricultural wisdom with modern innovation. Weddings under a 900-year-old oak, corporate retreats, or family gatherings for up to 80 guests are imbued with this ethos, offering bespoke experiences that honor the land’s tranquility.
La Donaira Andalusia, Spain
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Book your stay at La Donaira and step into a world where regeneration and luxury coexist in perfect harmony.
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