Andalusian adventures with Kukutana
Around the house
Kukutana’s kitchen, the beating heart of the house, has a life of its own; here you’ll find Lourdes, the matriarch of the Llorente family and Isabel, Kukutana’s cook, devising the day’s meal plan. Come and have a chat to learn more about the house and family and see what they’re rustling up; you could even ask for an impromptu cookery class.
Whilst out, take some time to explore the garden; manicured lawns evoke memories of sunny summers past, with shady spots to shelter from the midday sun. Take a stroll beneath the pines and listen to the birdsong overhead.
Kukutana’s vegetable patch produces a range of ripe vegetables and salads bursting with flavour, and plump tomatoes sweetened by the sun. We grow much of our own produce, so a browse is well worth the visit.
Alongside the farmhouse, a dormant bull fighting ring is a reminder of one of Andalusia’s oldest traditions and a culture born long before the house existed. Today its elegant, white curved structure sits in tranquillity without the sweat and cheers that would have once reverberated throughout; it’s now a peaceful place to sit and reflect.
After a morning exploring and the house and garden, reclining by the pool is almost obligatory when the emerald water is that inviting. Shaded by the trees, the afternoon brings a cooling sea breeze; soak up some rays to the sound of rustling leaves and braying horses in the background.
The tackroom and stables, as lovingly restored as the house itself, are laid out across a cobblestoned courtyard. Enjoy the smell of worn leather and hay lingering in the air as you meet the family’s beloved horses. As friendly as they are graceful, they like to pop their heads out to affectionately greet guests while patiently awaiting their – and your – next excursion.
If requested, we can provide one-off, or daily, yoga sessions and massage treatments – ideal after a long day in the saddle exploring the reserve, or just to bring some zen to your time here with us, so be sure to let us know!
When evening comes, enjoy cocktails and canapes – or a fruity Rioja – in front of the open fire or watching the sunset from the terrace. Boards of home-cured cheese, plates of charcuterie – the sublime jamón ibérico really does melt in the mouth – and anchovy-stuffed olives fuel stories of the day’s adventures.
Beyond el cortijo
We have a range of excursions to offer guests, to suit all ages and interests. All excursions are accompanied by private guides with expert knowledge of Doñana National Park and the surrounding landscapes, as well as the wildlife that live here.
As a private hire venue, excursions can be tailored to suit your needs; they are typically a half-day or full-day, with refreshments and a picnic to enjoy whilst out and about but can be personalised as required. Speak to your host and guide to plan your day’s activities and make the most of all we have to offer.
A jeep safari is a great way to explore the Doñana National Park, with both half-day or full-day trips available, both accompanied by expert private guides. Explore the ever-changing dunes – constantly shifting in the Atlantic breeze – before enjoying drinks and a picnic in the shade of the pines. Our team will lay out a table – gingham tablecloths and carafes of wine in the dappled sunlight – so settle down to a well-earned lunch. Keep your binoculars at the ready as you wait in anticipation for sightings of Iberian Lynx, deer and wild horses that make their home here.
In this part of the world, horse riding is a way of life. Keen riders can saddle up in the Kukutana stables, before heading into the ancient woodland once favoured by Spanish royalty and criss-crossed with endless sandy trails that are ideal for a canter. There are few experiences more exhilarating than a horse safari; this is often the highlight for our guests. Polo lessons are also available for those looking to try their hand.
Grooming and horse-care lessons are available for those looking to learn more; covering training, grooming, feeding, as well as information about the Spanish breeds and the family’s own horses, this is a great opportunity to get to know your horse.
For a more sedate outing, how about a horse-drawn carriage? Elegant and beautifully made, the carriages are ideally suited for younger visitors, or those who prefer to enjoy the horses from a distance; a trip back to a time gone by.
For guests who enjoy cycling or hiking – electric bikes are also available – look no further! There’s something satisfying about travelling under our own steam, and that dip in the pool is ever more enjoyable when you know you’ve earned it.
For the ornithologists and bird enthusiasts amongst us, birdwatching trips are a must. What’s more, given Doñana hosts over 300 species, with about half a million migratory birds that winter here each season, you couldn’t have picked a better place. Our expert guides will accompany you to the marshes, dunes, grasslands and other favoured spots, and you will be able to learn about the great annual migrations, as well as their nesting and breeding habits, all whilst enjoying the clean air and stunning landscapes of the national park.
Doñana is home to one of Europe’s longest stretches of virgin beach – an endless expanse of fine, pale yellow sand as far as the eye can see. Take a dip in the Atlantic and explore the coastline as the sandpipers march along the shore – a sundowner in the sunset completes the scene.
Exploring Andalusia
In addition to excursions into the national park and surround woodland, guests can also visit various towns nearby, each offering a different glimpse into Andalusian culture.
El Rocío is as close as you will get to stepping into a wild west movie in Europe. Horse is still the main mode of transport, with carriages a common sight on the sandy roads. Hitching posts are still used outside restaurants, and many of the bars are raised so that locals can enjoy a beer or a sherry without dismounting at all. Each year at Pentecost, El Rocío hosts a pilgrimage – people from all over Spain flock to the town’s magnificent cathedral in honour of the Virgin of El Rocío.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda, on the coast where the Guadalquivir River meets the Atlantic Ocean, is famed for its Andalusian seafood. Cockles, shrimp and boquerones, or whole, fried whiting, are washed down with the local Manzanilla – a sherry-like dry wine produced exclusively around Sanlúcar. After a meal gazing across the river towards the national park and the sea, why not visit a sherry bodega to learn a little more about the local tipple.
I’m struggling to put into words everything that we have experienced these past days, from the very first moment it has all been exceptional. The team and the hosts are marvellous, the experiences unforgettable - we will cherish these days forever.
Guest, Madrid
A unique experience surrounded by friends and hosted by this wonderful family who have poured their dreams and love into this project. The most memorable G&T in history! We will be back soon.
V.U. Madrid
The magic of southern Spain and the warmth with which we have been received have made these days unforgettable. What an incredible project you have created!
A.L. Germany
Thank you for the most magical few days in this piece of Paradise! It was the most memorable time and holiday that we have ever had. The food was delicious, the horses were beautiful and cannot believe that we saw a Lynx! We cannot thank you enough for all you have done. Hope to see you again soon and best luck for the creation and adventures that you plan.
J&M.H United Kingdom
KUKUTANA IN THE PRESS
to top