Retiro de Canto del Coro de Clave

Singing Retreat, choir retreat, Coro de Clave

 

June 25th – July 2nd 2024

Del 25 de junio al 2 de julio de 2024, ofrecemos un retiro de canto de 7 días o 4 dias en Finca Ara Oko, una antigua casa de campo tradicional con luz renovable en el sur de España. Basándonos en el Coro de Clave (con sede en Londres y España), este retiro ofrece desarrollo vocal en conjunto e individual. Aprenderás impresionantes canciones folclóricas cubanas en armonías de tres y cuatro partes. Cada día constará de sesiones que desarrollarán la respiración y fortalecen el diafragma para la voz, la confianza musical con ritmo y armonía, y el canto en solitario y en grupo.

Queremos que salgas de nuestro retiro siendo un cantante más seguro, conectado y conocedor, y que te lleves a casa una colección de hermosas canciones y recuerdos que puedas conservar para siempre.

 

La semana culmina con una presentación local en colaboración con otros coros.

El nombre Coro de Clave se dio a los coros que proliferaron en las comunidades negras del oeste de Cuba desde finales de 1800 hasta alrededor de 1920. Eran conjuntos móviles, a menudo con más de 100 miembros, y competían con otros grupos vecinos. Hemos revivido y trasladado esta hermosa idea de canto comunitario a este siglo y hemos ampliado el repertorio para incluir otros estilos basados en Cuba.

El retiro celebra la música, el contexto histórico y la cultura de esta tradición, así como el encuentro de una maravillosa comunidad de personas que disfrutan cantando estas canciones especiales y el hermoso paisaje.

El retiro de una semana se divide entre clases, tiempo de práctica y aprovechamiento de la increíble ubicación (paseos por la montaña, playas, buceo, tomar el sol, observación de estrellas, paseos a caballo, etc.), relajación, y, por supuesto, comer y beber.

Profesores del curso
David Pattman y Vicky Jassey
(Lee más sobre ellos aquí)


Programa detallado para 2024

El retiro consistirá en talleres y preparación para una actuación en el Festival DMC en Durcal, Granada, el 29 de junio.

Horarios de las comidas: Desayuno 8:30 – 10:00, Almuerzo 14:00 – 16:00, Cena 20:00

  • 25 de junio: Encuentro y saludo. Taller nocturno antes de la cena.
  • 26 y 27 de junio: Taller de 5 horas dividido a lo largo del día.
  • 28 de junio: Taller matutino. Tarde libre. Ensayo nocturno en el hermoso pueblo de Lobras, donde ensayaremos con nuestro coro local y cenaremos en un restaurante local en una terraza impresionante con vistas a la Sierra Nevada.
  • 29 de junio: Ensayo matutino. Actuación por la tarde en Durcal.
  • 30 de junio: Día libre.
  • 1 de julio: Taller de 5 horas y cierre.

Precios:

7-dias
Incluido en el precio están 7 noches de alojamiento, tres comidas al día y 5 días x 5 horas de enseñanza. (Consulte a continuación los costos no incluidos).

4-dias
Si prefieres una opción de 4 días, podemos ofrecerte el retiro del 25 al 29 de junio (4 noches).

Incluido en el precio están 4 noches de alojamiento, tres comidas al día y 5 días x 5 horas de enseñanza. (Consulte a continuación los costos no incluidos).

*Tarifa de reserva anticipada, que es cuando se paga un depósito no reembolsable de £150 antes de la fecha límite de reserva anticipada o la tarifa regular, que es el depósito pagado después de esto.

*Fecha límite de reserva anticipada £150 antes del 30 de mayo.
Pago completo antes del 10 de junio.

Si desea organizar el pago a plazos, avísenos.

Por favor, visita nuestra página de Alojamiento para leer más sobre las instalaciones disponibles en Finca Ará Oko.


A continuación se muestran el número de habitaciones o camas que tenemos disponibles ahora.

0

Single Room Available

4

Shared Room Available

4

Glamping Spaces Available

Habitación individual: – Agotado

 

7 dias
Habitaciones compartidas: 3 disponibles
Habitación compartida de reserva anticipada: €690
Habitación compartida regular: €790

4 días
Del 25 al 29 de junio (4 noches). Compartido €430.


 

Glamping:(2 tiendas de campaña tipo campana de 2×4 metros, 2 personas por tienda)

Utilizaremos el área de glamping como alojamiento adicional si tenemos más de 7 personas reservando en el curso. Nuestras tiendas son lujosas, espaciosas y cómodas. (Ten en cuenta; la foto es de la compañía que ha fabricado nuestras tiendas tipo campana)

7 dias
Glamping de reserva anticipada: £660 cada uno
Glamping regular: £740

4 días,
25 al 29 de junio (4 noches). Compartido  glamping €375.

 


¿Qué está incluido?

– 4 horas de enseñanza x 5 días además de tiempo de práctica.
– 7 noches de alojamiento.
– 3 comidas al día.
– Alojamiento: habitaciones compartidas, individuales o glamping.
– Oportunidad de actuar localmente.
– La oportunidad de alojarse en una hermosa casa de campo en el espectacular campo, alejado de las distracciones de la vida cotidiana.

No incluido:

Para obtener más información sobre viajes, visita nuestra página de información de viajes.

– Vuelos
– Traslados desde/hacia el aeropuerto
– Seguro de viaje
– Noches adicionales de alojamiento
– Comidas adicionales
– Alcohol

Cómo reservar

Paso 1: Completa nuestro formulario de registro a continuación.
Paso 2: Paga tu depósito o realiza un pago completo haciendo clic en el enlace de pago a continuación.
Paso 3: Paga el saldo pendiente antes de la fecha indicada directamente a nuestra cuenta bancaria.
Por favor, verifica que tengamos espacios y lee nuestra Guía de Cancelación y Participación antes de reservar.

Formulario de Registro y Enlace de Pago:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Coro de Clave
Gender
Utilizamos esta información para organizar los arreglos para dormir.
Dirección

Accomodation

¿Qué tipo de alojamiento te gustaría?
Los precios varían según el retiro y el tipo de habitación. Por favor, consulta la página web del retiro que deseas reservar.
Por favor, selecciona tu método de pago.
Por favor, verifica las fechas en la página del retiro para los descuentos por reserva anticipada.
¿Qué estás pagando hoy?
Dietary requirements
¡Las últimas preguntas! ¿Cómo supiste de nosotros?

Payments

Antes de realizar un pago, por favor lee nuestra Guía de Cancelación del Retiro.

Beneficiary: Victoria Rosemary Jassey
IBAN: GB44 REVO 0099 7089 4931 33
BIC / SWIFT code: REVOGB21
CODE: @victors5wd
Soren NielsenSoren Nielsen
17:01 13 Sep 24
If you love drumming, sunshine, good food, delightful company in the middle of nowhere then look no further, you have found paradise. Finca Ara Oko is exactly that, but not only is the place wonderful you will also be looked after lovingly by Vicki and Dave. I have just returned from one of my best holidays ever. Don't think just click and sign up!
louis readerlouis reader
07:29 11 Sep 24
Wonderful experience at Finca Ara Oko, top class teaching, amazing food and great hosts. Incredible location away from it all, but also plenty of opportunity to get out and see the surrounding area. Can’t wait to get back, see you soon! 🤩
Anaïs BlicAnaïs Blic
20:12 01 Sep 24
Thank you Vicky and Dave for your warm welcome and your generosity. I had an unforgettable and timeless stay. Looking forward to coming back soon.
Elsa Valenzuela MasElsa Valenzuela Mas
14:48 30 Aug 24
A modernized modular rental space in the countryside with a garden around it, terrace space, drinking water, Wi-Fi connection, parking, full of light and color.
Ornella PonnazOrnella Ponnaz
12:09 01 Aug 24
I had an incredible time at Finka Ara Oko. The place is ideal to get away from the routine and immerse yourself in the courses offered while enjoying the tranquility of nature. The courses are of very good quality and Vicky and Dave really did everything to make everyone feel comfortable both from an organizational and musical point of view. I loved it!
ColletteCollette
18:15 31 Jul 24
Amazing musical glamping experience in a magical part of Spain. If you like almond trees, mountains and afro Cuban rumba, this is probably the place for you... Dave and Vicky are lovely people and fantastic musicians, as well as very experienced teachers. And its all set in a beautiful traditional country house with delicious and healthy catering, an outdoor shower with views of the mountains and valleys and a plunge pool. I had a wonderful week there.
Julian NavasJulian Navas
17:07 29 Jul 24
It's a wonderfull setting up the mountains of Granada perfect for a drum retreat and in full nature at its best the organisers David and Vicky are very welcoming and warm hearted Which for me was perfect the house and rooms and utitlies were just what is needed for a drum retreat
Daniela Di ScalaDaniela Di Scala
02:13 23 Jul 24
I learned that in July 2024 there would be a masterclass held by Omar Puente and, without even thinking or checking what or where Finca Ara Oko was, I hurried to sign up. I have been to other Masterclasses held by Oma Puente in Cuba, France and London and I believe that Omar is the best music and life teacher in the world! Even if the masterclass had been held in a chicken coop I would have been extremely happy with how informative and exciting Omar Puente's masterclasses ALWAYS (without exception) are. But more: Finka Ara Oko is the door to Paradise (perfumes, colors, sounds and surfaces like those you find at Finka Ara Oko are those you imagine you would find in Paradise). Plus: Vicky and Dave added their delightful presence, their organizational skills, their unforgettable ability to mix foods to create unforgettable breakfasts, lunches and dinners, their immense knowledge of Cuban rhythm and music. Not to mention that the other students of the masterclass have become my dearest friends! Wren, Zoe, Nigel, Nano... wonderful people! I've been glamping and I think glamping at Finca Aka Oko should be included in the humanitarian bill... Hey, maybe I've been living a dream, in which case, don't wake me up! Let me know how it went, although I already know that you will find it wonderful too.
Nigel HoskingNigel Hosking
21:46 22 Jul 24
Vicky and Dave are excellent, thoughtful hosts and looked after us very well. The finca is in a beautiful and peaceful setting in the mountains - a real refuge from every day modern life.The accommodation is very comfortable and the food of a very high standard, with the evening meal prepared by a local restaurant.On this particular retreat we had the opportunity to play with a great maestro, Omar Puente, which was a real treat. The excellent Dave Pattman was also on hand to give percussion input. This was a really enjoyable week socially as well as s great learning experience.
Wren K. SWren K. S
20:02 21 Jul 24
The perfect combination of people, music, nature, and most importantly food! Vicky and Dave are such great hosts that I eagerly look forward to staying with again when I can x
Omar PuenteOmar Puente
20:02 21 Jul 24
Paul BlakePaul Blake
18:30 20 Jul 24
I’ve attended two folkloric retreats and can’t wait for the next time!
ohad lustigmanohad lustigman
15:50 20 Jul 24
If you like afrocuban music do yourself a favour and go to omthis retreat.Best teachers, best location, best vibe, best food and best everything.
Mario LopezMario Lopez
19:43 18 Jun 24
If I could give this place more than five stars, I would. The key word to describe both Finca Ara Oko and Vicky & David, the two beautiful humans who run it, is hospitality.I stayed here at the end of May and beginning of June and I'll surely be back. Accommodation-wise, V&D have struck a note-perfect balance between detachment and proximity. The Finca is isolated enough to make one feel as if there are no other human beings around and yet the closest town, Cádiar, is between ten and fifteen minutes away by car.V&D run music workshops (they're both amazing artists). which makes a visit to Finca Ara Oko a special occasion. Combine percussion classes with a local walk and you'll feel in cloud nine.Oh, and did I mention that sometimes clouds sweep through the house in the evening? 🙂
Victor GarciaVictor Garcia
16:00 20 May 24
Frank GeraghtyFrank Geraghty
10:38 03 Feb 24
Lovely place. Fantastic views.
Robert TozerRobert Tozer
07:02 02 Oct 23
The retreat was a wonderful communal and learning experience where we were able to relax and develop our percussion skills. I have no hesitation to recommend it to anyone interested in salsa percussion.
Larissa BailadoraLarissa Bailadora
10:22 30 Jul 23
Spent a week in July at Finca Ara Oko with Luanda Pau Afro Cuban Dance Retreat. What an amazing experience this was! Alongside fantastic dancing/drumming/singing experience we enjoyed our stay in this old Andalusian farmhouse nestled in the mountains at the altitude of 1.2k meters.Vicky and David were amazing hosts, making sure our stay was comfortable, relaxing and stimulating. Despite being extremely busy with hosting, catering, drumming and singing tuition, Vicky and Dave were extremely personable and always had time to talk and listen, play games and just be there for you.The activities during the time were well planned and organised. Food - amazing, and the rooms we stayed in well maintained, comfortable and clean.I would highly recommend and hope to be back one day for more.
Chantal RChantal R
17:10 25 Jul 23
Vicky and Dave are both lovely people that will make you feel welcome immediately. They live in a beautiful, peaceful area where you can relax. I loved the variety of delicious fruit available all day!
Arran CleggArran Clegg
09:54 25 Jul 23
A wonderful retreat in a delightful setting with focus on body movement, musicality and technique. Thanks to Vicky, David and Luanda for coming together to produce the amazing immersive and authentic Afrocuban experience!
Christina CChristina C
12:58 20 Jul 23
A beautiful experience! I did the Coro de Clave retreat in June/July 2023. Vicky & Dave are not only expert musicians, but experts at building community. Sharing space in an off-grid farmhouse can present some challenges, but that was more than made up for by the beautiful surroundings, lovely people, delicious food, and soul-stirring music. I hope to return next year!
Alex WoodwardAlex Woodward
20:36 10 Jul 23
I had a beautiful week at Finca Ora Oko for the Coro de Clave retreat. Vicky and Dave opened their home and hearts, and shared the music they love with us. I learnt so much and had a fulfilling and joyful experience in the mountains of southern Spain. I would return in a heartbeat to do it again. It really was a special experience that will always stay with me. Truly amazing!
Erik BaumertErik Baumert
20:44 06 Jul 23
I just got back from a week long retreat full of singing, drumming, and relaxing. Although the dates didn’t fully fit my schedule, Vicky and Dave were very flexible in accommodating me and tailored a couple of custom workshop days to my liking which was incredible. The workshops themselves were just the right amount of challenging with a very comfortable atmosphere to learn, so I could playfully grow my knowledge of Afro Cuban songs and rhythms. The finca is beautifully situated in between almond fields with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and starry night skies - and there’s various beautiful porches and hammocks to enjoy them from during siesta. Special shout-out also to the food, I’m a vegetarian and just loved all the dishes made from fresh, local veggies! Thanks for the perfect week!
Sue BeardonSue Beardon
18:52 04 Jul 23
Vicky and Dave are so generous with their talent and passion to share the wonderful music of Cuba. They manage to make the experience fun and yet with attention to detail and excellence. The beauty of the setting, the vibrancy of the music, great food, excellent company all topped off with the fulfillment of learning new skills. Altogether marvellous
Séverine DelfosseSéverine Delfosse
15:12 06 Oct 22
I attended a Salsa Percussion Retreat at Finca Ará Oko and had the most amazing time. Vicky and Dave were very welcoming and great to learn from. The tuitions were fun and insightful, Dave catered to different levels within the group easily and my lovely co-students were also helpful. The finca is homey (there’s even a pool if you’re not nesh!), the views are stunning and the food delicious. We got to do some nice walks around the valley, visited the local bar for some tapas and gazed at stars at night. I highly recommend this retreat and look forward to coming back next year. 🙂
Marion CunninghamMarion Cunningham
08:07 02 Oct 22
Just back from the salsa percussion retreat Thank you so much Vicky and Dave for a fantastic experience at La Finca Ara Oko, such a peaceful location with stunning views across the mountains, great accommodation with chillout areas including a plunge pool and hammocks (think I'm going to have to buy one). And for making us all feel welcome and at home! Delicious, tasty food every day, eaten on the patio with the mountains in the background, seeing the stars wow! And the lessons - thoroughly enjoyed playing with such a friendly supportive group of people, and a huge thank you Dave for being a great teacher and so so patient. Highly recommend this experience, I'll definitely be back!!
Alison TomlinAlison Tomlin
13:02 26 Sep 22
Just back from a glorious week playing salsa at Finca Ara Oko. What an amazing place to escape for a music retreat with stunning views over the mountains and a great feeling of space. Add to that expert and patient tuition from Dave, the generous hospitality of both Vicky and Dave, and great company, and you've got yourself a perfect holiday. I really appreciated the effort that was made to not only accommodate a vegan diet, but to provide really delicious and healthy food. Treat yourself to a week here if you can.
Karen SteadmanKaren Steadman
10:28 12 Sep 22
I'm writing my review whilst still here, dangling my feet in the delicious, cooling plunge pool. This place is special in every way, from the peaceful location with its spectacular views, to the beautiful accommodation and lovely spots to chill out and breathe it all in. We've been treated to delicious, wholesome food all week, all shared with a wonderful community of warm, friendly people who now feel like family. But it's not just about kicking back and relaxing. The level of study has been fantastic, immersing ourselves in Afro Cuban percussion for a week with just the right balance of challenge without creating any stress. Various trips out to the surrounding areas have given enough variety for this to be an all round magical experience. I came here with my partner who wasn't participating in the workshops and he was welcomed into the group beautifully and never felt left out.Do we really have to go home?
Julia BakerJulia Baker
19:26 22 Jun 22
I went on the batá drumming retreat at Finca Ará Oko in in June 2022 and had a lovely time. The place is beautiful and extremely peaceful (apart from when we’re drumming starts of course!) and a brilliant location to disconnect from day to day life and focus on learning. As a retreat location it’s idyllic, in the Alpujarra / Sierra Nevada mountains with a panoramic view of the area and all the way down to the sea. It’s truly magical - especially at night when you get to see the stars and even the Milky Way at times. I loved the accommodation - I had a spacious apartment with my own privacy which I really wanted, but would've probably been very happy any one of the other shared rooms to be honest. The rest of the finca is lovely, including a plunge pool perfect for dipping in in the heat. The food was delicious and healthy which was great too. The other participants were lovely and I felt really comfortable getting to know new people as well as spending time with Vicky and Dave. The surrounding area was great also - including walks in the hills close-by and I really loved going on a couple of ‘excursions’ during the week to see nearby towns.And this is all before talking about the drumming - which was brilliant! We focussed on learning a sequence of toques which included transitions, variations, calls and responses and singing. It was really good to focus on the batá and then these specific toques to really try to master them. I have been learning for a few years with Vicky and Dave/Bombo Productions and I get a great deal out of learning - from a sense of community to a therapeutic feeling through playing and entering the 'flow' mode. Combined with the beautiful location, the company, food etc, this made a perfect retreat to nourish my soul whilst deepening my skills/ knowledge in Afro-Cuban music which I love. It was an amazing week - I’m definitely going to return at some point in the future!There’s a lot I haven’t mentioned as I’m aware people probably won’t want to read an essay…but trust me that you will get so much if you choose to visit the magical Finca Ará Oko. Thank you so much y hasta la próxima! 🙂
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Google Reviews

Soren NielsenSoren Nielsen
17:01 13 Sep 24
If you love drumming, sunshine, good food, delightful company in the middle of nowhere then look no further, you have found paradise. Finca Ara Oko is exactly that, but not only is the place wonderful you will also be looked after lovingly by Vicki and Dave. I have just returned from one of my best holidays ever. Don't think just click and sign up!
louis readerlouis reader
07:29 11 Sep 24
Wonderful experience at Finca Ara Oko, top class teaching, amazing food and great hosts. Incredible location away from it all, but also plenty of opportunity to get out and see the surrounding area. Can’t wait to get back, see you soon! 🤩
Anaïs BlicAnaïs Blic
20:12 01 Sep 24
Thank you Vicky and Dave for your warm welcome and your generosity. I had an unforgettable and timeless stay. Looking forward to coming back soon.
Elsa Valenzuela MasElsa Valenzuela Mas
14:48 30 Aug 24
A modernized modular rental space in the countryside with a garden around it, terrace space, drinking water, Wi-Fi connection, parking, full of light and color.
Ornella PonnazOrnella Ponnaz
12:09 01 Aug 24
I had an incredible time at Finka Ara Oko. The place is ideal to get away from the routine and immerse yourself in the courses offered while enjoying the tranquility of nature. The courses are of very good quality and Vicky and Dave really did everything to make everyone feel comfortable both from an organizational and musical point of view. I loved it!
ColletteCollette
18:15 31 Jul 24
Amazing musical glamping experience in a magical part of Spain. If you like almond trees, mountains and afro Cuban rumba, this is probably the place for you... Dave and Vicky are lovely people and fantastic musicians, as well as very experienced teachers. And its all set in a beautiful traditional country house with delicious and healthy catering, an outdoor shower with views of the mountains and valleys and a plunge pool. I had a wonderful week there.
Julian NavasJulian Navas
17:07 29 Jul 24
It's a wonderfull setting up the mountains of Granada perfect for a drum retreat and in full nature at its best the organisers David and Vicky are very welcoming and warm hearted Which for me was perfect the house and rooms and utitlies were just what is needed for a drum retreat
Daniela Di ScalaDaniela Di Scala
02:13 23 Jul 24
I learned that in July 2024 there would be a masterclass held by Omar Puente and, without even thinking or checking what or where Finca Ara Oko was, I hurried to sign up. I have been to other Masterclasses held by Oma Puente in Cuba, France and London and I believe that Omar is the best music and life teacher in the world! Even if the masterclass had been held in a chicken coop I would have been extremely happy with how informative and exciting Omar Puente's masterclasses ALWAYS (without exception) are. But more: Finka Ara Oko is the door to Paradise (perfumes, colors, sounds and surfaces like those you find at Finka Ara Oko are those you imagine you would find in Paradise). Plus: Vicky and Dave added their delightful presence, their organizational skills, their unforgettable ability to mix foods to create unforgettable breakfasts, lunches and dinners, their immense knowledge of Cuban rhythm and music. Not to mention that the other students of the masterclass have become my dearest friends! Wren, Zoe, Nigel, Nano... wonderful people! I've been glamping and I think glamping at Finca Aka Oko should be included in the humanitarian bill... Hey, maybe I've been living a dream, in which case, don't wake me up! Let me know how it went, although I already know that you will find it wonderful too.
Nigel HoskingNigel Hosking
21:46 22 Jul 24
Vicky and Dave are excellent, thoughtful hosts and looked after us very well. The finca is in a beautiful and peaceful setting in the mountains - a real refuge from every day modern life.The accommodation is very comfortable and the food of a very high standard, with the evening meal prepared by a local restaurant.On this particular retreat we had the opportunity to play with a great maestro, Omar Puente, which was a real treat. The excellent Dave Pattman was also on hand to give percussion input. This was a really enjoyable week socially as well as s great learning experience.
Wren K. SWren K. S
20:02 21 Jul 24
The perfect combination of people, music, nature, and most importantly food! Vicky and Dave are such great hosts that I eagerly look forward to staying with again when I can x
Omar PuenteOmar Puente
20:02 21 Jul 24
Paul BlakePaul Blake
18:30 20 Jul 24
I’ve attended two folkloric retreats and can’t wait for the next time!
ohad lustigmanohad lustigman
15:50 20 Jul 24
If you like afrocuban music do yourself a favour and go to omthis retreat.Best teachers, best location, best vibe, best food and best everything.
Mario LopezMario Lopez
19:43 18 Jun 24
If I could give this place more than five stars, I would. The key word to describe both Finca Ara Oko and Vicky & David, the two beautiful humans who run it, is hospitality.I stayed here at the end of May and beginning of June and I'll surely be back. Accommodation-wise, V&D have struck a note-perfect balance between detachment and proximity. The Finca is isolated enough to make one feel as if there are no other human beings around and yet the closest town, Cádiar, is between ten and fifteen minutes away by car.V&D run music workshops (they're both amazing artists). which makes a visit to Finca Ara Oko a special occasion. Combine percussion classes with a local walk and you'll feel in cloud nine.Oh, and did I mention that sometimes clouds sweep through the house in the evening? 🙂
Victor GarciaVictor Garcia
16:00 20 May 24
Frank GeraghtyFrank Geraghty
10:38 03 Feb 24
Lovely place. Fantastic views.
Robert TozerRobert Tozer
07:02 02 Oct 23
The retreat was a wonderful communal and learning experience where we were able to relax and develop our percussion skills. I have no hesitation to recommend it to anyone interested in salsa percussion.
Larissa BailadoraLarissa Bailadora
10:22 30 Jul 23
Spent a week in July at Finca Ara Oko with Luanda Pau Afro Cuban Dance Retreat. What an amazing experience this was! Alongside fantastic dancing/drumming/singing experience we enjoyed our stay in this old Andalusian farmhouse nestled in the mountains at the altitude of 1.2k meters.Vicky and David were amazing hosts, making sure our stay was comfortable, relaxing and stimulating. Despite being extremely busy with hosting, catering, drumming and singing tuition, Vicky and Dave were extremely personable and always had time to talk and listen, play games and just be there for you.The activities during the time were well planned and organised. Food - amazing, and the rooms we stayed in well maintained, comfortable and clean.I would highly recommend and hope to be back one day for more.
Chantal RChantal R
17:10 25 Jul 23
Vicky and Dave are both lovely people that will make you feel welcome immediately. They live in a beautiful, peaceful area where you can relax. I loved the variety of delicious fruit available all day!
Arran CleggArran Clegg
09:54 25 Jul 23
A wonderful retreat in a delightful setting with focus on body movement, musicality and technique. Thanks to Vicky, David and Luanda for coming together to produce the amazing immersive and authentic Afrocuban experience!
Christina CChristina C
12:58 20 Jul 23
A beautiful experience! I did the Coro de Clave retreat in June/July 2023. Vicky & Dave are not only expert musicians, but experts at building community. Sharing space in an off-grid farmhouse can present some challenges, but that was more than made up for by the beautiful surroundings, lovely people, delicious food, and soul-stirring music. I hope to return next year!
Alex WoodwardAlex Woodward
20:36 10 Jul 23
I had a beautiful week at Finca Ora Oko for the Coro de Clave retreat. Vicky and Dave opened their home and hearts, and shared the music they love with us. I learnt so much and had a fulfilling and joyful experience in the mountains of southern Spain. I would return in a heartbeat to do it again. It really was a special experience that will always stay with me. Truly amazing!
Erik BaumertErik Baumert
20:44 06 Jul 23
I just got back from a week long retreat full of singing, drumming, and relaxing. Although the dates didn’t fully fit my schedule, Vicky and Dave were very flexible in accommodating me and tailored a couple of custom workshop days to my liking which was incredible. The workshops themselves were just the right amount of challenging with a very comfortable atmosphere to learn, so I could playfully grow my knowledge of Afro Cuban songs and rhythms. The finca is beautifully situated in between almond fields with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and starry night skies - and there’s various beautiful porches and hammocks to enjoy them from during siesta. Special shout-out also to the food, I’m a vegetarian and just loved all the dishes made from fresh, local veggies! Thanks for the perfect week!
Sue BeardonSue Beardon
18:52 04 Jul 23
Vicky and Dave are so generous with their talent and passion to share the wonderful music of Cuba. They manage to make the experience fun and yet with attention to detail and excellence. The beauty of the setting, the vibrancy of the music, great food, excellent company all topped off with the fulfillment of learning new skills. Altogether marvellous
Séverine DelfosseSéverine Delfosse
15:12 06 Oct 22
I attended a Salsa Percussion Retreat at Finca Ará Oko and had the most amazing time. Vicky and Dave were very welcoming and great to learn from. The tuitions were fun and insightful, Dave catered to different levels within the group easily and my lovely co-students were also helpful. The finca is homey (there’s even a pool if you’re not nesh!), the views are stunning and the food delicious. We got to do some nice walks around the valley, visited the local bar for some tapas and gazed at stars at night. I highly recommend this retreat and look forward to coming back next year. 🙂
Marion CunninghamMarion Cunningham
08:07 02 Oct 22
Just back from the salsa percussion retreat Thank you so much Vicky and Dave for a fantastic experience at La Finca Ara Oko, such a peaceful location with stunning views across the mountains, great accommodation with chillout areas including a plunge pool and hammocks (think I'm going to have to buy one). And for making us all feel welcome and at home! Delicious, tasty food every day, eaten on the patio with the mountains in the background, seeing the stars wow! And the lessons - thoroughly enjoyed playing with such a friendly supportive group of people, and a huge thank you Dave for being a great teacher and so so patient. Highly recommend this experience, I'll definitely be back!!
Alison TomlinAlison Tomlin
13:02 26 Sep 22
Just back from a glorious week playing salsa at Finca Ara Oko. What an amazing place to escape for a music retreat with stunning views over the mountains and a great feeling of space. Add to that expert and patient tuition from Dave, the generous hospitality of both Vicky and Dave, and great company, and you've got yourself a perfect holiday. I really appreciated the effort that was made to not only accommodate a vegan diet, but to provide really delicious and healthy food. Treat yourself to a week here if you can.
Karen SteadmanKaren Steadman
10:28 12 Sep 22
I'm writing my review whilst still here, dangling my feet in the delicious, cooling plunge pool. This place is special in every way, from the peaceful location with its spectacular views, to the beautiful accommodation and lovely spots to chill out and breathe it all in. We've been treated to delicious, wholesome food all week, all shared with a wonderful community of warm, friendly people who now feel like family. But it's not just about kicking back and relaxing. The level of study has been fantastic, immersing ourselves in Afro Cuban percussion for a week with just the right balance of challenge without creating any stress. Various trips out to the surrounding areas have given enough variety for this to be an all round magical experience. I came here with my partner who wasn't participating in the workshops and he was welcomed into the group beautifully and never felt left out.Do we really have to go home?
Julia BakerJulia Baker
19:26 22 Jun 22
I went on the batá drumming retreat at Finca Ará Oko in in June 2022 and had a lovely time. The place is beautiful and extremely peaceful (apart from when we’re drumming starts of course!) and a brilliant location to disconnect from day to day life and focus on learning. As a retreat location it’s idyllic, in the Alpujarra / Sierra Nevada mountains with a panoramic view of the area and all the way down to the sea. It’s truly magical - especially at night when you get to see the stars and even the Milky Way at times. I loved the accommodation - I had a spacious apartment with my own privacy which I really wanted, but would've probably been very happy any one of the other shared rooms to be honest. The rest of the finca is lovely, including a plunge pool perfect for dipping in in the heat. The food was delicious and healthy which was great too. The other participants were lovely and I felt really comfortable getting to know new people as well as spending time with Vicky and Dave. The surrounding area was great also - including walks in the hills close-by and I really loved going on a couple of ‘excursions’ during the week to see nearby towns.And this is all before talking about the drumming - which was brilliant! We focussed on learning a sequence of toques which included transitions, variations, calls and responses and singing. It was really good to focus on the batá and then these specific toques to really try to master them. I have been learning for a few years with Vicky and Dave/Bombo Productions and I get a great deal out of learning - from a sense of community to a therapeutic feeling through playing and entering the 'flow' mode. Combined with the beautiful location, the company, food etc, this made a perfect retreat to nourish my soul whilst deepening my skills/ knowledge in Afro-Cuban music which I love. It was an amazing week - I’m definitely going to return at some point in the future!There’s a lot I haven’t mentioned as I’m aware people probably won’t want to read an essay…but trust me that you will get so much if you choose to visit the magical Finca Ará Oko. Thank you so much y hasta la próxima! 🙂
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