Inside Finca Cortesin, A Haven Of Tranquility

Nestled in the serene hills of Andalucia, Finca Cortesin offers a luxurious retreat that combines the charm of traditional Spanish architecture with modern opulence. Located near the picturesque village of Casares, this hotel is a haven for those seeking tranquility and sophistication. Its serene ambiance and exquisite facilities make it an ideal destination for discerning travellers.

Read the C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

Hotel Review: Finca Cortesin, Casares, Spain

STAY

Finca Cortesin is an independently owned gem designed by the renowned Portuguese designer Duarte Pinto Coelho. The hotel has a classic Andalucian feel with its whitewashed walls, terracotta-tiled roofs, and lush, palm-studded patios. Each of the 67 spacious suites and seven private villas are uniquely decorated in neutral tones with four-poster beds, and luxurious Travertine marble bathrooms stocked with Penhaligon’s toiletries. Many rooms offer expansive private terraces or balconies that overlook the golf course, mountains, and the glittering Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

The hotel is set amidst beautifully manicured gardens filled with fragrant jasmine, wisteria, roses, and centuries-old olive trees – the aroma stepping outside is simply intoxicating. Guests can enjoy two outdoor pools, an Olympic-sized, adults-only pool with an Indonesian feel, and a deep-jade tiled pool set against the backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja. Both are ultra-Instagrammable. For a change of scenery, a 10-minute shuttle service takes guests to the hotel’s chic beach club, with its navy-tiled infinity pool overlooking the water.

The attention to detail at Finca Cortesin is impeccable, from the antique wood-carved doors sourced from Portuguese monasteries to the delightful personal touches in each room. The staff are both friendly and smoothly professional, ensuring that every need is met with a smile.

DO

Whether you’re into sports or seeking to unwind, there’s a lot on offer to keep guests entertained. It’s a golfer’s paradise, with one of Europe’s finest championship golf courses set in romantic rolling countryside, and even recently hosted the Solheim Cup. Its Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy provides top-notch instruction with cutting-edge simulators and launch monitors, allowing players to analyse every aspect of their game in real-time.

For relaxation, the hotel’s spa is a sanctuary of calm, offering specialist Ayurvedic and Asian-focused treatments, an ice room, steam room, sauna, and a 28-degree indoor pool bathed in natural light through soaring arched windows. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the well-equipped gym, personal training sessions, yoga, and Pilates classes. Tennis and paddle-tennis courts are also available on-site.

For those looking to explore there’s the nearby white village of Casares; and the historic town of Ronda and the beautiful Los Alcornocales Natural Park are perfect day trips. Marbella and Gibraltar are both within easy driving distance, too.

EAT

The food here is exceptional, with several dining options. REI by Finca Cortesin is the hotel’s signature restaurant, with an Asian-Mediterranean fusion menu serving paprika-seasoned tiger prawns and Galician beef with thyme and ponzu, alongside some of the best sushi we have ever eaten. Even if you’re not staying at the Finca, book a dinner in here if you can.

El Jardin de Lutz serves upscale Spanish classics such as jamon Ibérico, octopus, suckling pig, and lobster in a beautiful, green-and-white fabric-lined dining room. Don Giovanni, an Italian restaurant helmed by Sicilian chef Andrea Tumbarello, is known for its tagliatelle with king red prawns, crafting dishes that honour age-old traditions while seamlessly blending them with creative and modern twists.

Breakfast at Finca Cortesin is another highlight, served at wisteria-shaded tables in the tranquil gardens looking out to sea. A selection of fresh pastries, fruit platters, local cold meats and cheeses, and eggs are prepared to order.

THE FINAL WORD

Finca Cortesin is a soothing rural escape which defies the Costa del Sol’s flashy stereotype with its elegant blend of traditional Andalusian charm and modern sophistication. Passing through its grand doors feels like entering the home of Spanish nobility, and is ideal for those seeking a luxurious yet unpretentious retreat.

BOOK IT

Nightly rates at Finca Cortesin start from €635 (currently approximately £540) per room, per night, on a B&B basis in an entry-level Junior Suite. fincacortesin.com

A roundtrip from London to Gibraltar flying economy generates 528kg of Co2e. ecollectivecarbon.com