The perfect escape - a Kukutana minibreak

Adventure Family Farmhouse Apr 25. 2023

Uncover authentic Andalusia with a long weekend at our exclusive private house in an idyllic rural setting

The Kukutana team

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.

Bespoke itineraries

Days at Kukutana are completely flexible and tailored to the interests of each individual. A luxurious lie-in never goes amiss, or for those keen to head straight out and explore, there’s an array of privately guided activities on offer: 4×4 road trips into the Donana National Park to discover giant sand dunes and bird-flocked wetlands, visits to San Lucar for a beachfront seafood lunch or sherry tasting in a local bodega, idyllic carriage rides through ancient woodlands, or horse rides along one of Europe’s longest virgin beaches. After a morning out exploring, the Kukutana swimming pool is heavenly for a refreshing dip to cool off.

One essential experience at Kukutana is the horse-drawn carriage or horseback ride to the nearby pueblo blanco of El Rocio – a historic town with white-washed buildings and sandy streets, famous for its annual horseback pilgrimage. Stop en route for a delicious picnic lunch within former hunting grounds of Spanish royalty and discover the region’s fascinating history from your private local guide. Visits to El Rocio usually culminate in a visit to the cathedral and an aperitivo on horseback, before returning to Kukutana in good time for a bath and a little down-time – fluffy bathrobes and all – before another remarkable Kukutana dinner.

The sky’s the limit

It is worth getting an early night for those keen to experience one of Kukutana’s most extraordinary excursions: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Andalusia’s beautiful landscapes. Brunch by the pool is always a highlight, but particularly after an early start to soar through the skies. After feasting on platters laden with homemade treats, guests usually take a siesta on one of the garden sun-loungers, or a wander through the gardens to meet the chickens, horses and mules that call Kukutana home.

Lourdes Llorente offers guests private cooking classes, where you can hand-pick vegetables together from the garden and choose a local dish to learn and prepare for dinner. Kukutana’s location is also perfect for exploring the countryside on foot, bike or horseback, with endless tracks leading straight from the cortijo into the National Park, which is a birder’s paradise.

To say farewell to Kukutana in Andalusian style, a special evening can be arranged for guests to enjoy a traditional Flamenco show. Spectacular local dancers, singers and guitarists, who are friends of the Llorente family, offer guests at Kukutana an exclusive performance.

For those with time to stay a little longer, there is so much to explore with Kukutana as your base, including nearby Seville, Cadiz, or taking a riding safari through Andalusia’s Sierra de Morena mountains.

Please do get in touch with the team if you would to organise your own long weekend here at Kukutana and we would be delighted to help.

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.