Food at Finca Ara Oko

At Finca Ara Oko, food isn’t just nourishment; it’s an experience. Our meals are lovingly crafted by a local Italian chef who brings a masterful touch to each dish. Every meal showcases the best of Spain’s seasonal, organic produce sourced from nearby farms to bring you vibrant flavours that honour the land and the seasons.

From handpicked vegetables and sun-ripened fruits to fresh herbs and locally pressed olive oils, each ingredient is carefully selected for its quality and taste. Our chef combines these with the warmth and authenticity of local cuisine, creating meals that are as delicious as they are nourishing.

Retiro de Canto del 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.

3

Single Room Available

3

Shared Beds Available

3

Glamping Beds 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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Omar Puente Cuban Ensemble Masterclass Retreat

15th – 22nd July 2024

We are delighted to welcome the internationally renowned solo violinist, composer, and arranger  Omar Puente to Finca Ara Oko. Omar is a world-class violinist and educator. Throughout his career, Omar has performed at many distinguished venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Royal Albert Hall, supporting and sharing the stage with a whole host of other esteemed stars, including Tito Puente, John Williams, Nigel Kennedy, Courtney Pine and Wynton Marsalis.

His many accolades include winning Jazz Act Of The Year at the UK Latin Lukas Awards 2017, Award for Best Album and Best Jazz Soloist, top 10 placement for Songline Magazine’s Album of the Year and nomination in the jazz category in the 21st International CubaDisco Fair in 2017.

Omar, in collaboration with Latin percussionist David Pattman, is offering a week of ensemble workshops for percussion, bass, piano and horns. You will work on existing arrangements, develop ensemble playing and receive instrumental guidance with an emphasis on rhythmic aspects of Cuban Music.

We are offering only 10 places on this special retreat. To secure your place pay a non-refundable deposit of £150. Earlybird deadline 15th May. The final payment needs to be made by the 15th of June 2024.

The retreat is aimed at experienced instrumentalists who are able to read music. If you’re not sure if you qualify for this retreat, please get in touch with us and outline your previous experience. We can let you know if we think it would be suitable.

What the retreat includes:

    • 4 hours of tuition x 5 days plus practice time.
    • 7 nights accommodation.
    • 3 meals a day.
    • Accommodation – shared, single rooms or glamping.
    • Access to percussion instruments, piano and bass amp.
    • An opportunity to perform on the last night at a local bar.
    • The chance to stay in a beautiful farmhouse in the spectacular countryside away from the distractions of everyday life.

Not included:

For more information on the below points please visit our travel information page.

    • Flights
    • Airport transfers:
    • Travel Insurance
    • Extra nights accommodation
    • Extra meals
    • Alcohol

Below are the number of rooms or beds we now have available.

3

Available Single Rooms

5

Available shared

4

Available Glamping

SINGLE ROOM: Earlybird £870 / Regular £910 – 1 available

 

SHARED ROOM: Earlybird £785 / Regular £825 – 3 available. Each room shares 2 – 3 people.

 

GLAMPING: Earlybird £655 / Regular £695 – 4 places available. Each tent shares 2 people.

 

How to book
Step 1: Fill out our registration form below.
Step 2: Pay your deposit or make a full payment by clicking on the payment link below.
Step 3: Pay the outstanding balance by the date listed directly to our bank account.
Please check we have spaces and read our Cancellation and Participation Guide before booking.

Our Donation Policy
Would you like to support young artists (under 31 years) or female survivors of human trafficking to access our retreats?

If you can spare any amount for this cause, we will match your funding. All you need to do is tell us in the “Retreat price and/or donation amount” add the amount to your total when you make your payment. We will inform you as to how we spent the money. Thank you for your generosity.
Find out more about our work with female survivors of human trafficking –Moving Voices UK

Registration Form & Payment Link

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Omar Puente's Retreat 2024
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Payments

We use an online bank called ‘Anna’. Click on the link below to take a look at our payment page. Before making a payment, please read our Retreat Cancellation Guide

Payment Link

If you have any difficulty using the link, please use the following bank details:

Account name: Victoria Rosemary Jassey
Sort code: 04-03-70
Account number: 65920902

If you wish to pay in Euros, please use the following details:

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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Machito Rumba Y Bata Masterclass – Version Española

Tenemos el honor de recibir en Finca Ara Oko a uno de los mejores percusionistas del mundo. Barbaro Crespo, alias “Machito”, es un tamborero ritual y rumbero que procede de una dinastía de percusionistas folclóricas de La Habana. También fue miembro principal de Osain del Monte antes de trasladarse a Europa.

El retiro está dirigido a percusionistas de nivel 2/3. Consulte nuestras directrices – http://www.fincaaraoko.com/learning-outcomes-student-levels/

Sólo ofrecemos 10 plazas para este retiro especial. Para asegurar tu plaza paga un depósito no reembolsable de 150 libras. El pago final debe realizarse antes del 10 de mayo.

Qué está incluido:

    • 4 horas de clases x 5 días más tiempo de práctica.
    • 7 noches de alojamiento.
    • 3 comidas al día.
    • Alojamiento – compartido, habitaciones individuales o glamping.
    • Acceso a instrumentos.
    • La oportunidad de actuar la última noche en un bar local.
    • La oportunidad de alojarse en una hermosa granja en el espectacular campo lejos de las distracciones de la vida cotidiana.

No incluido:

Para más información sobre los puntos siguientes, visite nuestra página de información sobre travel information.

    • Vuelos
    • Traslados al aeropuerto:
    • Seguro de viaje
    • Noches extra de alojamiento
    • Comidas extra
    • Alcohol

Costes y alojamiento: £150 de depósito. Pago completo antes del 8 de mayo de 2024

HABITACIÓN INDIVIDUAL: Earlybird £870 / Regular £910 – Agotado

 

HABITACIÓN COMPARTIDA: Earlybird £785 / Regular £825 – 2 disponibles. Cada habitación comparte 2 – 3 personas.

 

GLAMPING: Earlybird £655 / Regular £695 – 4 plazas disponibles. Cada tienda comparte 2 personas.

 

Cómo reservar

Paso 1: Rellene un formulario de inscripción en línea.

Paso 2: Pague su depósito a través de nuestra cuenta bancaria (gratis) o PayPal.

Paso 3: Pague el saldo pendiente en la fecha indicada directamente a nuestra cuenta bancaria.

Por favor, compruebe que tenemos plazas libres y lea nuestra Guía de Cancelación y Participación antes de reservar.

Nuestra política de donaciones
¿Te gustaría apoyar a jóvenes artistas (menores de 31 años) o a mujeres supervivientes de la trata de seres humanos para que puedan acceder a nuestros retiros? Si puedes destinar cualquier cantidad a esta causa, igualaremos tu financiación. Lo unico que tienes que hacer es añadir la cantidad que te gustaría donar al total cuando hagas una transferencia bancaria y hacérnos saber a través del formulario de inscripción. Le informaremos del destino del dinero. Gracias por su generosidad.

Más información sobre nuestro trabajo con mujeres supervivientes de la trata de seres humanos – Moving Voices UK

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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House Guidlines

Please take a minute to read through our house guidelines, as living at a place like ours, off-grid, is not like living in a house in a city or a town. There are several important considerations regarding living habits you may have to change while you are here to protect our home and environment. Please take the time to read through these guidelines before you arrive.

WATER: There is a serious water shortage in Spain. We do our best to conserve water by collecting rainwater and water from the outdoor shower. Please consider reducing your shower time or using our outdoor shower (cold) to minimise water waste.

**NO TISSUE DOWN THE TOILET**: Our septic tank uses a filtration system that purifies waste. If it becomes contaminated with tissue, it will stop working, and we will have a severe problem.

**NO HARSH DETERGENTS**: All the water from the main house showers runs onto the land – however, it is not collected like the outdoor shower – therefore, we use natural soaps and shampoos. We can provide these if requested.

THE PLUNGE POOL: Like in all swimming pools, the water is filtered and recycled. Please wash before entering the pool to stop the build-up of oils in the water. NO GLASS IN THE POOL AREA

ELECTRICITY: We use solar power. This means we can’t use certain electrical items such as hairdryers, irons and washing machines unless we have a full day of sun. Please check with us if you would like to use any of these items.

SMOKING: No smoking inside the house. If you are a smoker, we will designate a smoking area. Fire is a serious hazard in Spain, so please extinguish matches/cigarettes carefully.

RUBBISH: Please empty your toilet bins regularly and take them and any general waste to the black bin by the garage.

RECYCLING: There are three main recycling categories: 1) Glass, 2) Paper/card, 3) Cartons/plastics/tins. Inside the garage are larger bins to dispose of your recycling.

CHORES: You will be expected to help clear and wash dishes after each meal. We will put together a rota so this is fairly distributed.

NOISE: As this is supposed to be a retreat for everyone, it is very important that those attending can sleep without being disturbed. Curfew on making noise at night and in the morning is based on when people go to bed and wake up. Please be mindful of talking/laughing in close proximity to those wanting to sleep. We also have a siesta time between 3-5 pm.

BEFORE YOUR LEAVE: Please strip your beds, put all your dirty linen in a pile, and dispose of all your rubbish (see above).

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions, let us know.

 

Travel Information

Flights:

Almeria: 1:20mins drive
Granada: (1: 30 mins drive
Malaga: 2:40 mins drive.

Fares range from £50-350 return. Malaga is often the cheapest and has the most frequent flights.


Airport transfers:
Public transport, unfortunately, is rubbish. Coordinating your flight times with others attending the course is the cheapest way to travel to the Finca. We will help facilitate this and may suggest a flight time.

Taxi prices
Taxi to/from Almeria (7-seater) – €110.
Taxi to/from Malaga (7-seater) €170.
Bus to/from Malaga to Motril (Alsa bus company) – €10
Taxi to/from Motril €80.
Taxi to/from Granada €110


Transport during your stay.
Some of you may wish to hire a car during your stay. It is a lovely place to drive with good roads and no traffic. If you choose this option, please let us know, as we have plenty of experience of not getting ripped off by car-hire firms.


Travel insurance:
Please make your own arrangements.


Extra nights accommodation
If you wish to stay longer than seven nights, please check with us to see if we can accommodate you. If we can’t for any reason, we can suggest places to stay nearby.


Extra lessons:

1-1 lessons may be available or if you would like help organising other activities; horse riding, cycling and water sports activities, please let us know beforehand.

 

 

Machito Rumba Y Bata Masterclass 2025

16th – 23rd June 2025

We are honoured to host one of the world’s heavyweight Cuban drummers here at Finca Ara Oko. Barbaro Crespo aka ‘Machito’, is a ritual drummer and rumbero who comes from a dynasty of folkloric drummers in Havana. He was also a principal member of Osain del Monte before he moved to Europe.

There are  11 places available on this special retreat. To secure your place, pay a non-refundable deposit of £150 by the 1st March 2025. The final payment needs to be made by the 16th of April.

The retreat is aimed at Level 2/3 percussionists. Please see our guidelines or get in touch if you’re not sure if it is suitable.


Accommodation and Prices

Prices:
The price includes seven nights’ accommodation, three meals a day, and five days x four hours of tuition. (Please see below for costs not included.)

  • Earlybird rate: a non-refundable deposit of £150 paid before 1st March 2025.
  • Regular rate: a deposit paid after 1st March 2025.
  • Full payment: due by 16th of April.

SINGLE ROOM: Earlybird £885 / Regular £930

SHARED ROOM: Earlybird £795 / Regular £840. Each room shares 2 – 3 people.

GLAMPING: Earlybird £690 / Regular £730. Each tent shares 2 people.

1

Available Single Rooms

5

Available Shared

3

Available Glamping


What is included:

    • 4 hours of tuition x 5 days plus practice time.
    • 7 nights accommodation.
    • 3 meals a day.
    • Accommodation – shared, single rooms or glamping.
    • Access to drums.
    • An opportunity to perform on the last night at a local bar.
    • The chance to stay in a beautiful farmhouse in the spectacular countryside away from the distractions of everyday life.

Not included:
For more information on the points below, please visit our travel information page.

    • Flights
    • Airport transfers:
    • Travel Insurance
    • Extra nights of accommodation: €50 pn
    • Extra meals: €5 -20 pd
    • Alcohol

How to book
Step 1: Fill out our registration form below.
Step 2: Pay your deposit of £150 or make full payment by clicking on the payment link below.
Step 3: Pay the outstanding balance directly to our bank account by the date listed.
Please check we have spaces and read our Cancellation and Participation Guide before booking.

Registration Form & Payment Links

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Gender
We use this information to organise sleeping arrangements.
Address

Accomodation

Which type of room would you like?
Prices vary according to th retreat and room type. Please check the webpage of the retreat you wish to book.
Please select your payment type.
Please check the dates on the retreat page for early bird discounts.
Dietary requirements

Payment Options

Please remember to read our Retreat Cancellation Guide,

Submit this form and make a payment to secure your place today.

There are no payment fees. 

Monzo Easy Payment Link for the deposit (Opens in a separate window)

£150 Deposit

Alternatively, pay directly into our account. These details are also used for the outstanding balances.

Bank Details:
Victoria Rosemary Jassey
Bombo ProductionsSort
code: 04-00-03
Account number: 10614012

To pay in Euros via Revolut
Beneficiary: Victoria Rosemary Jassey
IBAN: GB44 REVO 0099 7089 4931 33
BIC / SWIFT code: REVOGB21
CODE: @victors5wd

Our space - Accommodation.

Our catering - Food at Finca Ara Oko

How to get to us - Travel Information


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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Learning Outcomes & Student Levels

Here is a chart giving a guideline of musical skills our students can expect to gain from attending our courses and workshops when combined with home study.

Level 1
Drum Technique Hand positions on various drums.

Basic drum sounds – open and bass.

Playing and understanding of 1 or 2 clave patterns with the pulse.

Drumming Styles Afro-Cuban Folkloric percussion -An understanding of simple polyrhythmic drum parts for rumba, batá and makuta with one variation.

Salsa Percussion –  An understanding of simple polyrhythmic drum parts for son, chachacha and salsa.

Context A basic understanding of how drum patterns enter and fit with associated songs.

 

Level 2
Drum Technique All sounds – slap, open, bass, fingers and muffled.

A deeper awareness of different clave patterns as a rhythmic structure and how drum rhythms interlock.

Drumming Styles Afro-Cuban Percussion – A more complex understanding of rumba – yambú, guaguancó and columbia including some variations. The ability to play more complex batá toques including conversations and variations on okónkolo and itótele. An understanding of other styles such as palo and güiro.

Salsa Percussion – A more complex understanding of charanga, son and salsa and their variations techniques and ensemble context.

Context A larger repertoire of songs including some simultaneous singing and playing.

 

Level 3

Drum Technique  

Clarity of sound and fluency of technique (i.e. effortless movement between tones at speed).

 

Drumming Styles Being able to understand and remember drum parts and how they interconnect.

Playing rumba with fluency and at higher tempos.

An understanding of some quinto phrasing.

Learning and remembering complex batá toques on all 3 drums.

Appropriate drum language for songs.

A more complete level of playing in other styles – palo, guiro etc, including lead drum phrasing.

 

Context  

A wider repertoire of song sequences and their contexts. Simultaneous singing and playing.

 

 

Luanda Pau – Afro Cuban Dance Retreat

17th – 24th July 2023

FULL

We are very excited to welcome the legendary Luanda Pau to Finca Ara Oko this year.  Luanda will teach oricha and rumba dance over five days which we hope will result in a local performance. Each day will explore different dance styles, techniques, rhythms and songs, including an introduction to learning basic drumming and singing with David Pattman and Vicky Jassey, which underpin these dance styles.

We use the word retreat to mean that as well as learning and developing, you also get a chance to relax in nature and the beautiful surroundings. We are expecting a possible excursion to Granada and to present a small performance at our local live events venue.

There are 3 places left; two glamping and one single room; book your place now by paying a non-refundable deposit.

Costs & Accommodation
Included in the price are 7 nights accommodation, three meals a day and 5 days x  5 hours of tuition. (Please see below for costs not included).

Single Room: £830 all-inclusive (£150 deposit. Full payment by 17th June)

Shared Room: £690 all-inclusive (£150 deposit. Full payment by 17th June)

Let us know if you would like to arrange to pay in instalments. Scroll down to see how to book your place.

 

Glamping: £520 all-inclusive. (£150 deposit. Full payment by 17th June)

2 x 4m bell tents with 2 people per tent. (Please note; the photo is from the company that has made our bell tents)

How to book

Step 1: Secure your place by making a non-refundable deposit of £150. (payment details below)

Step 2: Fill out the registration form: Retreat Registration Form

Step 3: Email the completed form to us at: enquiries@fincaaraoko.com

Step 4: Pay the outstanding balance by the date listed directly to the bank details below.

Please check we have spaces and read our Cancellation and Participation Guide before booking.

Bank Details
Account name: Bombo Arts
Account number: 63017399
Sort code: 08-92-99
Reference: (Your initials/ name of course)

If you prefer Paypal, use the link below, but please note we charge a 3.5% bank charge fee.

PayPal Deposit – Luanda Dance: £155

£385 (including charges)

 

Not included in the price
– Extra accommodation: please see our accommodation page for prices.

– Extra meals: Breakfast £5, Lunch £7, Dinner £10

– Alcohol

– Flights: The nearest airport is Almeria (1 hr 20mins drive), then Granada (1 ½-hour drive), then Malaga (2-hour drive). Fares range from £50-350 return. Malaga is often the cheapest and has the most frequent flights.

– Transport to and from the airport: Public transport, unfortunately, is rubbish. The cheapest way is to coordinate your flight times with others attending the course. We will help facilitate this and may suggest a flight time.  Here are some taxi prices from 2022.

Taxi to/from Almeria (7-seater) – €110.
Taxi to/from Malaga (7-seater) €170.
Bus to/from Malaga to Motril (Alsa bus company) – €10
Taxi to/from Motril €80.
Taxi to/from Granada €110

– Transport during your stay.

Car hire: Some of you may wish to hire a car during your stay. It is a lovely place to drive with good roads and no traffic. If you choose this option, please let us know as we have plenty of experience of how not to get ripped off by car-hire firms.

– Travel insurance: Please make your own arrangements.

– Extra lessons

– Extra excursions or activities: There are horse riding, cycling and water sports activities available nearby. If you would like us to organise any of these events, please let us know beforehand.

*If you wish to stay longer than 7 nights, please check with us to see if we can accommodate you. If we can’t for any reason, we will be able to suggest places to stay nearby.