A true taste of traditional Andalusia
Within Spain’s Donana National Park, Kukutana is a beautifully-restored traditional ‘cortijo’ (farmhouse), offering an exclusive private hire experience for up to 12 guests, personally hosted and guided by the Llorente family, who give guests an authentic insight into local culture and customs.
Life at the Kukutana homestead, set in serene Andalusian countryside, is relaxing and peaceful. Time appears to stand still here and every moment, no matter how fleeting, feels special. Over a long weekend guests can fit in plenty of exciting excursions – horse riding, hiking, biking, picnicking and bird-watching – whilst also enjoying a restorative few days being utterly spoiled with genuine hospitality in a gorgeous setting. And the hosts lay on surprises at every turn to ensure their guests experience the best of Andalusia.
Kukutana is easy to reach– an hour by private car from Seville Airport, past idyllic farms and rice fields flocked with birds, all shimmering beneath the warm Andalusian sun. On arrival, guests receive a warm welcome and are immediately invited to settle into their home-from-home, which features 6 luxurious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. There’s usually time to freshen-up, unpack or soak in the bath to wash away the journey, before falling into the gentle Kukutana rhythm.
Evenings are leisurely and indulgent: drinks and canapes are served outside on the terrace – perhaps a platter of jamon iberico washed down with local Jerez sherry – and guests can wander through the garden to the old bull-ring for amazing sunset views from the balcony. A traditional Kukutana dinner party is the perfect celebratory start to a weekend away, and post-travel appetites will be well-satisfied by Lourdes Llorente’s three-course dinners, usually created from family recipes using homegrown ingredients. Meals at Kukutana are always a spoiling affair, and the candlelit dining room is freshly decorated each evening with flowers from the garden. Dinner leads to digestifs by the fire in the sitting room, where you can sink into deep sofas, play games at the cards table, or retire to bed for the comfiest night’s sleep.