La Donaira

Wow wow wow! I mean… in a very tranquil, balanced, restorative sort of way. My wife and I just returned from a couple of days at La Donaira. I took her as a surprise for her 40something-th (I won't tell) birthday. This is someone who hates surprises, and was weary of whatever I had planned. But upon arriving at La Donaira, my super-hard-working, oft-exhausted wife’s shoulders dropped for the first time in a long time. From the moment we were checked in at the office in nearby El Gastor by a smiling quadralingual woman with a cool glass of water and homemade cookies, we knew we would be well cared for. But nothing prepared us for the depth and degree of our experience. It's only in returning to our lives now that we realize quite how special La Donaira is. The gorgeous landscape as far as the eye can see. The incredible food, pretty much the very definition of farm to table. You can’t get more local than looking out at the fields providing the meals while you're eating them. And the food itself? Last night’s lunch started with the best soup I’ve had in my life. I even took a picture, which doesn't do it justice. Not to mention 100 (no exaggeration) of the most gorgeous horses in the world, and the opportunity to ride and interact with them. The most incredible wines, grown organically on the property. (My wife lived in Napa Valley when we met. She came home with 4 bottles of what she says is the best red she’s ever tasted.) An exceptional massage. A tour of the medicinal gardens (that alone a 90-minute experience). Magnificent sunsets. Skies full of stars. Exceptionally helpful and kind staff: there for your every need, but unobtrusive all the same. And, as much as anything else, the absolute tranquility. *That* is what we experienced most deeply, and we only know by the stark contrast of returning to our lives away from this magnificent experience. The manager of the place, Ronald, approached us at one of our meals and asked how we were doing. My wife responded that this might be the best day of her life. Mission accomplished, and so much more. My wife and I have travelled all over the world, to somewhere between 40 and 50 countries. We live to travel and have experienced the best and the not-so from the mountains to the sea. I’ve very rarely written reviews of the places we’ve been. But the experience we had at La Donaira has been transcendent. I’m almost hesitant to post this review—to disgorge such a precious gem and expose it to the world. But I now see that there are a ton of other 5-star reviews for this place. So, add us to that list.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the truly amazing stay at La Donaira. The attention to detail, the seamless connection to nature, and the professional yet wonderfully familiar atmosphere created by your staff have all left a lasting impression on us. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly embraced and utterly mesmerized, not only by the exceptional culinary experiences but also by the powerful stories shared by your Sommelier, David. His passion and knowledge added so much depth to our time here. Although we lost our way while walking to the winery this morning, the experience led us to discover extraordinary nature and wildlife, making it a serendipitous adventure. It’s comforting to know that we now have a perfect reason to return and explore further .

Once you experience Finca La Donaira and then leave - you realise that you entered another world. The one we were suppose to be living in. One that exists in balance with nature. Where people are content, and are happy and healthy. The energy of this place is what makes it unlike anything else. It is an absolute must-visit. It is regenerative by nature. I was lucky enough to visit with my husband and the food was out of this world. The zero chemical pool was a real delight. I left thinking, imagine if all enterprises and hotels approached community and conservation like this. What a world that would be!