Mr & MRS Smith Hacienda de San Rafael

What a special and beautiful place. We needed a stopover on our trip from Spain to Portugal and how delighted we were to come across this beautiful Hacienda in Andalusia. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely at ease and relaxed. The location and surroundings were so gorgeous and so natural. All the staff were so welcoming and made you feel as if they were welcoming you home. It is rare these days to find such a gem and our only regret is that we could not stay longer.

A stunning Andalusian retreat in a majestic rural setting with spacious, elegant rooms, lavender scented courtyards, romantic el fresco dining - have your lunch served poolside; it's a thing of art in both presentation and culinary regional tastes! The food is truly sensational - try the smoked cod carpaccio. To die for! The staff, including hosts Anthony and Patrick and concierge Isabel and Adrianna, are remarkably attentive and thoughtful, making you feel like their special guests. They helped us plan a wonderful sherry tour in Jerez and there are many other activities and excursions on offer in the area including Cadiz. Just be sure to make time to stay at the hotel and enjoy the glorious ambiance. Hacienda de San Rafael was hard to leave and we can't wait to return.

We returned to this absolutely Magical and Unique Hacienda for the fourth time , which says it all. From the moment you arrive, your shoulders drop and you feel so relaxed and in the most special and wonderful place. One doesn’t even feel guilty about doing so little other than enjoying swimming to the sound of the doves singing, a daily stroll to the cotton fields and being so well looked after my Anthony Reid and his completely amazing staff. Just to mention a few, Fina, Monica, Pilly, Eva, Chari, Juani and ALL the rest. The food is so fresh and absolutely delicious, not to mention the superb collection of wines. Lunch can be anywhere you want to have it and dinner is in a different and stunning, candle lit place every evening. We are just home and already looking to book our return next year. The best place to unwind in the World.

We were thrilled to find that the Hacienda was in such good hands and was as excellent as we remembered from previous visits in 2004 and 2006. The younger generation have taken over running the hotel but retained its quality and wonderful staff.

The Hacienda is such an amazing place. The food, ambience and service were superb. we went as a family (3 kids 15; 13 and 9) and all had a great time. It is such a peaceful and relaxing setting. highly recommend and we will definitely be returning!

The most perfect stay! The location is idyllic and peaceful. The food is delicious and the set menu in the evening can be tweaked to cater for pescatarians, vegetarians etc. The accommodation is very comfortable and extremely clean. The staff are wonderful! A special shout out to Isabel! We will be back!