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.

It's rare, almost impossible, to find the kind of hospitality we were recently lucky enough to experience at the Hacienda de San Rafael. From the moment we arrived (very late...) we experienced nothing but warmth, generosity and the very best kind of service. From accommodating our late arrival (a candlelit supper in the courtyard at midnight) to sunset drinks on the terrace to Anthony's infectious charm, we were truly welcomed like guests and left like old friends. It is the most perfect spot for a few days of rest and peace, only 45 minutes from Seville and within easy acess of Cadiz or Jerez for a day trip. The food is exceptional, the setting magical and the service faultless. The Hacienda is genuinely unique – don't think twice, just go!

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.

The Hacienda San Rafael is a beautiful rural hotel set on farmland with wonderful hospitality. Delightful food, and many personal touches to create the perfect stay. We were looked after from the moment we arrived. Rooms are traditional. Beds extremely comfortable. Breakfast is set outside your room on a terrace. Dinner outside with a different view each evening. Food is exceptionally fresh with delicious salads available at lunch time. Honestly a wonderful experience Thankyou to Isabella Anthony and all your 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!