Spanish sensation: the rustic charms of Finica Cortesin

Words by
Jemima Sissons

23rd August 2018

With 67 tastefully decorated suites and lush gardens bursting with flowers, Finca Cortesin in Andalucia, Spain, is the ideal setting for a glorious long weekend escape

One of the finest hotels in Spain has two new additions. The 67-suite, 250-hectare Finca Cortesin is set below the cork- and mastic-tree-flecked mountains in the village of Casares in Andalucia. For those who want to experience this spectacular property in a more secluded way, a number of newly built villas are now available in an array of architectural styles and can be rented for the week while benefitting from the same excellent services as the hotel.

The 18-hole golf course has sweeping views of the coast (it is situated between Marbella and Sotogrande) and there are two palm flanked pools outdoors — one adults only. There are draws aplenty, such as the Moorish-style shaded nooks, resplendent with magenta and ochre flourishes and flickering lanterns, and the fern wallpaper in the El Jardin de Lutz restaurant, that creates a secret garden of a restaurant (the five-in-one juice for breakfast gives a boost with ginger, carrot and olive oil).

The spectacular cuisine in Kabuzi Raw includes escabeche scallops over smoking binchotan charcoal and a glass of Taittinger Les Folies de Marquetterie, and dishes such as spicy salmon with sichimi and wasabi. The spa champions eastern massage, with the new addition of Thai therapists. Unwind with the Thai foot accupressure, which doesn’t use oil and uses stretching to loosen weary feet. The beach club offers chic cabañas and a menu featuring particularly tasty octopus with chipotle aoili.

For those who don’t want an entire villa, the suites overlooking the rose garden and pool are ideal for a long weekend. A terrace with olive trees allows private sunbathing and the bathroom comes with deliciously scented Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet amenities. There can be fewer more perfect spots for a long weekend. Prices start from €584 per night on a B&B basis.