Finca Ara Oko: Retreats, Creativity, Nature

See all our 54 Five-star reviews!

Finca Ara Oko

5.0

Based on 54 reviews

Anne Martin

17:16 17 May 26

I can't imagine a better holiday. Beautiful location, lovely warm people, great food and fantastic music making.

Laura Valenti

09:01 01 Oct 25

I absolutely loved spending time with Vicky and Dave and a fantastic group learning Afro-Cuban songs!

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!

Venetia Bennion

14:54 26 Sep 25

What a lovely way to spend a week! Playing Salsa together with lovely people in an idyllic setting surrounded by almond trees and the dazzling light of the Alpujarras! The accommodation was fantastic and so was the food. Dave and Vicky are fabulous hosts.

Safiyya S.B.

14:34 26 Sep 25

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.

Rachel Dymond

14:16 23 Jul 25

Brilliant immersion into the songs & rhythm & traditions of the Afro-Cuban culture.
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.

Maria Paul

07:44 21 Jul 25

What an amazing week the setting the people, the songs , the food, the accommodation all came together to create an unforgettable experience. Working with Dave and Vicki is always inspirational. Their ability to tailor the level of difficulty for each group means everyone has a positive experience. Performing with the Lobras choir was particularly memorable and uplifting.

Charli Rees

21:51 02 Jul 25

I cannot recommend a stay at Finca Ara Oko enough. The accommodation was wonderful, we were very comfortable. Lots of different areas to relax in & the plunge pool was a lovely bonus to cool off in.
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.

Debbie Kleiner

10:50 01 Jul 25

What a beautiful peaceful place with everything you could possibly need. Easy to get to with a car hire. Gorgeous apartments and spaces to relax and reflect . Lovely local walk to view the sunrise.

Carli Dawson

12:05 04 Jun 25

I cannot recommend Vicky and Dave at Finca Araoko enough. They are so welcoming and knowledgeable and such kind teachers. The location is spectacular, you really have the chance to disconnect and relax. If you are thinking about dipping your toe into the water of Cuban music, you couldn't choose a better team!

Soren 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 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 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 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 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!

Collette

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 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 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 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. 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

Paul Blake

18:30 20 Jul 24

I’ve attended two folkloric retreats and can’t wait for the next time!

ohad 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 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? 🙂

Frank Geraghty

10:38 03 Feb 24

Lovely place. Fantastic views.

Robert 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Finca Ara Oko

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