TL;DR

Idyllic rural boutique hotel: less than an hour from Seville.
Authentic olive-estate :preserved through thoughtful restoration.
Ultra-intimate feel: with only 14 rooms spread across lush gardens.
Nature-forward atmosphere: ideal for slowing down and fully relaxing.
Check prices here

This idyllic retreat, less than an hour south of Seville, puts you halfway to the coast and fully into relaxation mode.

Hacienda de San Rafael is a super-intimate hotel, with only 14 rooms, but occupies the entirety of an old olive estate.

The concept was born in 1989, after the building, and presumably its surroundings, had fallen into disrepair.

The current collection of wood beams, thatched roofs, and lush gardens emerged through an incredibly thoughtful renovation.

The owners were dedicated to maintaining the original spirit of the estate, and now we have a secluded getaway that feels in tune with nature and invites relaxation and renewal.

What are the rooms like?

14 unique rooms: decorated with warmth and a sense of lived-in charm.
Simple, thoughtful styling: with beams, wood furniture, and white tones.
Handcrafted touches: like Zimbabwean headboards and Bangladeshi stitching.
Variety of stays: from courtyard-facing rooms to secluded garden Casitas.
Best for luxury: are the Casitas or the exclusive 3-Bedroom Pool Suite.
See each room in detail here

Rooms feature a simple kind of beauty, clearly decorated with care and affection.

Original wooden beams are a constant, supplemented by a mix of wood and white furnishings that feel like they were selected by someone’s abuela.

There’s a timeless charm to it all, but it’s absolutely a product of modern living.

Headboards from Zimbabwe paired with traditional Bangladeshi stitching on the bedspreads offer a world of texture.

Grand Deluxe rooms encircle Hacienda de San Rafael’s verdant courtyard.

Deluxe Doubles feature lovely lofted bedrooms that might not appeal to the vertically gifted, but feel romantic to anyone not bumping their head on the vaulted ceilings.

Casitas are single-building suites tucked in the gardens, with access to a Casita-exclusive pool.

If you’re not one to socialize with other guests, this will ensure a supremely private stay.

All options feature unique architecture, air conditioning, cosy robes and very basic amenities.

For something more luxurious than unique, you’ll want a Casita or even the by-request 3-Bedroom Pool Suite.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Continental breakfast: included, with paid hot items.
All-day restaurant: offering excellent vegetarian and regional dishes.
Relaxed evenings: ideal for sherry, tapas, and quiet conversation.
Extra-charge activities: like horseback riding, massages, and guided hikes.
Peaceful pool areas: including a Casita-only option for maximum privacy.
Top-rated staff: consistently praised for warmth and hospitality.

A daily continental is included in your room rate at Hacienda de San Rafael, with hot options available at an extra charge.

The onsite restaurant stays open the rest of the day. Anyone coming in with an open mind will be more than satisfied.

Skilled with vegetarian options, yet unafraid of fish and meat-filled classics, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening drinking sherry and snacking on tapas.

They are quite accommodating with special requests, but we recommend letting the kitchen do its thing. You just sit back and enjoy the results.

Like the hot breakfast, many of Hacienda de San Rafael’s activities and extra perks cost extra. Some guests have suggested they’re a bit overpriced.

We are Switzerland, quite happy to breakfast on nothing but pastries and espresso before spending a full day wandering among the Bougainville and sunning by the pool.

But, there are horses to be ridden, hikes to be hiked, and massages for your indulgence. Choose your adventure, and go for it.

Staff and service receives full marks at all times. If you’re prepared for some extra charges, you’ll have no problem feeling at home.

How is the area? Anything interesting nearby?

Remote, peaceful location: with nothing but gardens in walking distance.
Perfect for unplugging: with most guests choosing to stay onsite.
Easy day trips: to Seville, Jerez, and coastal Cádiz.
Sherry bodegas: and horse culture nearby in Jerez de la Frontera.
Low-key beach towns: all within an hour’s drive along the Atlantic coast.

There’s nothing much but the estate in walking distance, but it’s a beautiful walk through Hacienda de San Rafael’s gardens.

The peace and quiet of the estate can easily keep you happy, onsite, without leaving, and most guest do exactly that.

If you do feel like an outside adventure though, there’s plenty not far away.

As previously mentioned, the urban charms of Seville lay less than an hour to the north.

Another less obvious charmer, Jerez de la Frontera, is 40 minutes towards the sea. Jerez is famous for sherry bodegas and beautiful horses.

Keep going and tucked into the coast you’ll find the wonderful little city of Cadiz, known as Havana, Cuba’s sister,

You’ll also hit a whole number of nicely under the tourist radar, beach towns along this Atlantic coast, all within an hour of the Hacienda.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Fantastic welcoming staff. Great Spanish charm of the hacienda in a very quiet location off the beaten track but easy driving to Seville/Cádiz and Jerez. Beautiful gardens and swimming pools with large well appointed room overlooking courtyard. Highly recommended overall….”

“Impeccable property grounds of style and elegance, with all the comforts, needs, and wishes met seamlessly. The food is a mega plus, in retrospect I wish we had all meals only on the property. Healthy and vegan options as well as all the typical cuisine of the region. It was nice to have both options. We very much wish to come back….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Pool needs refurbishing….”

”With the cost the hotel charges … a breakfast where you have to pay extra for cheese, ham or eggs is simply unacceptable! As is offering a drink when we are by the pool, and then charging for it….”

> Read all the reviews right here