“An absolutely amazing experience. It’s been two weeks, and I still can’t get the rolling mountain views, the beautiful light, the fruit trees, the delicious food, and—of course—the daily salsa ensemble lessons out of my mind! The arrangements and songs chosen were so contagious that we couldn’t stop singing them all week long. Dave and Vicky are wonderful hosts and teachers, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book this again.” Safiya 2025
Finca Ará Oko is a creative retreat born from our love of music, nature and community. As musicians and percussionists who spent decades working in London, we dreamed of creating a space where people could immerse themselves in music, creativity and connection, surrounded by peace and natural beauty.
That dream became reality here in Andalusia. Our off-grid farmhouse rests between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains, nestled among almond groves, fig trees and vineyards. Just 15 minutes from the town of Cádiar, the finca offers both seclusion and connection — a sanctuary where creativity can flourish and where many guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Building on Bombo Productions, our London-based community arts organisation, we created Finca Ará Oko to welcome guests into a world of music, learning, and renewal.
Meet the People Behind Finca Ara Oko
Finca Ara Oko was created by Vicky Jassey and David Pattman — musicians, educators and retreat leaders with over two decades of experience creating transformative musical experiences in the UK and Spain.
Together they combine international performance careers with a passion for creativity, community and connection, creating spaces where people can learn, relax and immerse themselves in music and nature.
David Pattman
A drummer, percussionist, writer and arranger with roots in jazz and Latin music, David has toured internationally and recorded with artists including Jacob Collier, Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club, Bebo Valdés, Chachaito, Paul McCartney, and AfroCubism, among many others.
A sworn ritual batá drummer, he has spent more than 35 years performing and teaching, sharing the richness of Cuban folkloric music with people of all backgrounds and abilities. Read more
Vicky Jassey
A singer, percussionist and scholar, Vicky founded Bombo Productions in 2007 and holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology. She specialises in Afro-Cuban folkloric music, co-directs Coro de Clave, and leads Moving Voices UK, supporting survivors of human trafficking through singing.
She is also a ritual singer for Tambor de Fundamento, Güiro and Cajón de Muerto, and has dedicated much of her work to building community through music. Read more
Most guests arrive not knowing anyone and leave with new friendships, inspiration and unforgettable memories. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The food was super tasty and nourishing, and the views from the finca, overlooking the sea, with golden skies and the Milky Way, were truly unforgettable.
But what I loved most was spending time with these amazing human beings, who are genuinely devoted to music, teaching, and community-making in such a fun, humble, down to earth and heartfelt way. These are qualities I’ve rarely found in teachers, so meeting Vicky and Dave felt like a precious gift that brought a lot of joy into my life.
I can’t wait to go back. Thank you!
Still singing snippets of the songs…my brain synapses have made all sorts of new connections as I learnt to balance moving, clapping & singing in different time signatures - like rubbing your stomach & patting your head!
Great food & accommodation too.
The setting was simply stunning - huge skies, amazing sunsets & very peaceful, a real retreat from our busy lives.
Vicky & Dave are such wonderful hosts, they made us feel really welcome & at home, such kind genuine people.
