La Subbética

Step into the rhythm of southern Spain. Slow mornings, hands-on cooking, village explorations, and long meals shared around the table shape the days of this retreat.

You’ll stay in a traditional Andalusian cortijo surrounded by nature and quiet beauty — a place to rest, disconnect, and fully settle into the pace of the land.

Led by the Paellas San Juan team, this retreat brings together local culture, generous hospitality, and meaningful culinary experiences rooted in the traditions of Andalucía.

The Experience

A Taste of Andalusia

Beyond the kitchen, you’ll discover the spirit of this region through its villages, artisans, olive oil, wine, and the rhythms of daily life.

Spaces are limited to preserve the intimate nature of the retreat. If this experience speaks to you, we would be delighted to welcome you to the table.

6-DAY ITINERARY

Please note: While the retreat has been thoughtfully designed, the final itinerary may be adjusted as needed based on local timing, seasonal availability, reservations, weather, or other logistical considerations.

  • Guests will meet at the designated meeting point at Córdoba train station, where the retreat journey begins. From there, we’ll travel together into the heart of La Subbética and settle into the cortijo. After time to arrive, unwind, and take in the landscape, we’ll gather for a relaxed welcome aperitivo and our first shared dinner together.

  • After breakfast at the cortijo, we’ll head into Priego de Córdoba, one of the most beautiful towns in the Subbética, known for its whitewashed streets, flower-filled corners, and rich Andalusian character. The day will include time to explore some of the town’s most emblematic spaces, from its historic quarter and castle to its terraces, local atmosphere, and village rhythm.

    We’ll pause to enjoy aperitivos and red wine on a terrace before returning to the cortijo in the afternoon. Back at the house, the day continues around the kitchen and the table, with dinner preparation inspired by local ingredients and seasonal products. Before dinner, guests will enjoy a special olive oil tasting led by a local expert, offering a deeper introduction to one of the great culinary treasures of this region.

  • Today we’ll explore the layered beauty of Córdoba, one of the most historic and captivating cities in Andalucía. The day will include time in the Jewish Quarter, a visit to the extraordinary Mezquita, and a walk through some of the city’s most iconic surroundings, including the Roman Bridge and the historic center. We’ll also visit Medina Azahara, the remarkable caliphal city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Along the way, we’ll experience Córdoba through its food as well as its history, enjoying a relaxed lunch inspired by Andalusian tapas culture and ending the day with dinner at La Taberna de Almodóvar, a beloved Córdoba restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide.

  • Today we’ll journey to Granada, where history, architecture, and Andalusian beauty come together in unforgettable ways. The day will center around a guided visit in English to the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens, followed by time to soak in the atmosphere of the city through places such as the Albaicín and Calle Elvira.

    Between monumental beauty, layered history, and the unmistakable spirit of Granada, the day will also include time to enjoy the city’s lively tapas culture and to experience a different side of Andalucía’s cultural soul.

  • After several days of discovery, this day is designed to offer a slower rhythm and a more intimate kind of pleasure. The morning will begin at a gentler pace, allowing time to rest and enjoy the cortijo before gathering for lunch. After lunch, guests will enjoy an Arab baths experience including thermal circuit and massage, creating space to truly unwind and take in the journey.

    Later in the day, we’ll return to the cortijo for one of the retreat’s most personal and memorable culinary experiences: a paella cooking session using beautiful local products and ingredients from the region. The evening will unfold around the kitchen, the fire, and the table, with the possibility of a special flamenco moment woven into our final celebrations.

  • Our final morning begins with breakfast and time to enjoy the surroundings one last time before departure. From there, group transportation will return guests to Córdoba, marking the close of the retreat and the end of our shared journey through La Subbética.

  • Details

    Dates:  April 18-23, 2027

    Location: La Subbética, Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain

    Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

    Price: $4750 per person

    Deposit: $750 non-refundable deposit per person.

    Group Size: Limited small group experience

  • ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

    Guests will meet at the designated meeting point at Córdoba train station, where the retreat journey begins. From there, all retreat-related ground transportation will be arranged as part of the experience. For the smoothest start to the retreat, we kindly encourage guests to plan for a morning arrival in Córdoba whenever possible. At the end of the retreat, guests will be returned to the designated drop-off point in Córdoba.

  • cooking classes

    Led by Paellas San Juan team and joined by local chefs from Córdoba, these hands-on sessions will explore the flavors, techniques, and traditions of Andalusian cooking. Guests may learn to prepare regional dishes such as migas, mazamorra, and other specialties rooted in the culinary heritage of southern Spain.

  • what's included

    Boutique accommodations in La Subbética

    Daily breakfast, lunches, and dinners as outlined in the retreat program

    Retreat hosting and on-the-ground support from the Paellas San Juan team throughout the experience

    Hands-on culinary workshops led by Paellas San Juan team and guest chefs from Córdoba

    Curated local excursions and cultural experiences

    Wine and olive oil tastings

    Entry to selected landmarks and cultural sites, including the Alhambra, and others featured in the final itinerary

    One Arab baths experience including thermal baths and massage

    All retreat-related ground transportation beginning from the designated meeting point in Córdoba and continuing through the end of the retreat

  • what's not included

    International or regional airfare

    Train travel or other transportation to the designated meeting point in Córdoba

    Meals and beverages during personal free time

    Alcoholic beverages outside included tastings or scheduled meals

    Personal purchases and incidental expenses

    Optional activities not included in the retreat program

    Transportation arranged independently before or after the retreat

    Travel insurance

    Passport or visa expenses

    Any items not specifically listed as included in the retreat program

  • polices & notes

    A $750 non-refundable deposit per person is required to reserve your place

    Spaces are limited and confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis

    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance

    Each guest may bring one carry-on bag and one medium checked suitcase only

    Guests are expected to treat the property, transportation, and shared spaces with care and respect. Any damage caused by a guest during the retreat will be their responsibility

    Please avoid oversized or extra-large luggage

  • CANCELLATION POLICY

    A $750 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit per person is required to reserve your place on the retreat.

    If you cancel 180 days or more before the retreat start date, any payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded in full. If you cancel 120–179 days before the retreat start date, 50% of payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded. If you cancel 119 days or less before the retreat start date, payments are non-refundable. In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled by us, all payments made directly to us will be refunded in full. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

BOOK NOW

Reserve your spot today with a deposit

Your Questions, Answered

  • At the designated meeting point at Córdoba train station.

  • Yes. All retreat-related ground transportation is included from Córdoba through the end of the retreat.

  • Breakfast, lunches, and dinners outlined in the retreat program are included, along with selected cultural visits and the Arab baths experience.

  • This retreat is designed to be enjoyable and relaxed, but some days may include walking, stairs, uneven surfaces, and time spent exploring historic towns and landmarks.

  • A $750 non-refundable deposit per person is required. Payments made beyond the deposit are refundable in full up to 180 days before the retreat, 50% refundable from 120–179 days, and non-refundable within 119 days of the retreat start date.

  • We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs when communicated in advance.

Still have questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us anything about our upcoming retreat!

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Be among the first to experience the soul of southern Spain a 6-day culinary and cultural retreat in Andalusia, launching april 2027.

Spaces will be very limited