Iberian Peninsula, Spain – November 2018
For dinner we manage to get a reservation at the hotel’s Michelin starred Japanese restaurant Kabuki Raw. Our degustation is unbelievably good, with a delicate beef tataki as a stand out. Expertly paired with Spanish wines and seamless service, we’re certain this is one of the best Japanese restaurants outside of Japan.
Waking up the following morning, we take breakfast on the terrace. We’re surrounded by pristine, manicured gardens and stylish guests. Everything is so beautiful, we find it hard to leave the white washed finca that we fell in love with so quickly. It truly was our haven nestled in the wilds of Andalusia.
It may be home to one of Spain’s best golf courses, but Finca Cortesin is by no means a hotel filled with slacks and sweaters. Gliding down the driveway, past Finca Cortesin’s exclusive real estate, you’re welcomed to an exclusive Spanish enclave that is a destination in itself.
Designed as a nod to the Iberian Peninsula, Finca Cortesin effortlessly incorporates glamorous Moorish and Castilian elements whilst maintaining optimum levels of comfort. Checking in, our suite is of palatial proportions, with a chic lounge and double doors opening to a bed that seems larger than king-size and linens that glide over the body like silk. The marble-clad bathroom is huge and a little jaw-dropping but not more so than the views that beckon us from our deep balcony. The eyes wanders over the grounds of Finca Cortesin drawing in the rolling golf course, it’s mountainous backdrop and over to the pristine gardens of the hotel. We sigh, whilst nibbling from the welcome chocolate lollipop basket.
Clad in a colourful kaftan (everyone at Finca Cortesin is effortlessly chic), we breeze through the de Gournay adorned communal spaces and out to the pool. Well, pools. There are several, all which glimmer in front of Andalusian hills. We opt for the adults only pool and hop on a sun lounger for a nap.
Come lunch-time we head down to the sea side to the hotel’s beach club. It’s only a short 5 minute buggy ride and offers private access to the sparkling blue Mediterranean waters. We order salt-baked fish and its served table side with a crisp salad. It’s so fresh and perfectly cooked that we demolish the plate and roll ourselves to a daybed to soak up the Spanish sun.
Come late afternoon its time for a much-needed spa treatment. Upon entering the spa circuit we’re met with (another) achingly beautiful pool, this time an indoor one surrounded by arch windows and temperature controlled to 28 degrees. The light floods in and it’s a peaceful start on our journey to spa bliss. The menu offers treatments ranging from Ayurvedic massages to oxygenating facials, by expert therapists in zen-like rooms and post treatment you can detoxify in the ice room, sauna, steam room or cold plunge pool.
For dinner we manage to get a reservation at the hotel’s Michelin starred Japanese restaurant Kabuki Raw. Our degustation is unbelievably good, with a delicate beef tataki as a stand out. Expertly paired with Spanish wines and seamless service, we’re certain this is one of the best Japanese restaurants outside of Japan.
Waking up the following morning, we take breakfast on the terrace. We’re surrounded by pristine, manicured gardens and stylish guests. Everything is so beautiful, we find it hard to leave the white washed finca that we fell in love with so quickly. It truly was our haven nestled in the wilds of Andalusia.
THE TURN DOWN
ACCOMODATION CATEGORY: Luxury resort.
ROOMS: There are 67 suites that surround a lush courtyard.
ROOM PICK: Any, but we love the suites that offer views over the grounds.
RESTAURANT/BAR: Breakfast is included in your rate. There are multiple dining options including Michelin Starred Kabuki Raw, Spanish inspired El Jardín de Lutz, The Beach Club and room service.
FEEL: Finca oasis.
WIFI: Included.
RATES: Starting at $740 AUD.
POOL/GYM/SPA: There's a full service pool, gym and spa on site.
TURN DOWN SERVICE: Yes.
LOCATION: A 10 minute drive from the town of Casares, just inland from the Mediterranean. You can drive to Marbella and Gibraltar in an hour, while Ronda, Málaga and Seville are within day-tripping distance.
CHILDREN: Welcome.
We stayed courtesy of Finca Cortesin.