Learning to truly observe nature is a powerful gift we can give ourselves. Flowers, with their simple beauty, remind us that happiness lies in the smallest of things and invite us to slow down and appreciate the everyday miracles around us.

The dehesa, a unique agroforestry system in southern Iberia, blends agriculture, forestry, and livestock in a sustainable model. However, despite its ecological and communal benefits, the future of the dehesa is uncertain due to rural depopulation and economic challenges.

In a fast-paced world, slow travel offers a chance to reconnect with people and places. At La Donaira, guests embrace slow living through walking, biking, and locally sourced meals, immersing themselves in nature and the rich history of the surrounding region.

At La Donaira, food brings people together, creating bonds and stories while connecting us to the landscape and its history. Our farm-to-table philosophy relies on locally sourced ingredients, embracing sustainable practices and a reverence for nature to create meals that nourish both body and soul.

Meditation can transform your life by reducing stress, enhancing focus, and boosting emotional stability. At La Donaira, we invite you to experience this journey of mindfulness and connection, surrounded by the deep serenity of nature.

At La Donaira, conservation goes beyond preserving isolated wilderness; it regenerates ecosystems by integrating culture, agriculture, and ecology. From honeybee rewilding to preserving rare cattle breeds, our efforts aim to enhance biodiversity and reconnect humans with nature.

Experience the unique bee-bed, where you can immerse yourself in the warmth, vibrations, and scents of a hive without fear of being stung. This rare communion with bees offers a profound connection to nature, merging body, mind, and soul in harmony with these remarkable creatures.

The encina (holly oak) is a keystone species at La Donaira, supporting a thriving ecosystem and providing food, shelter, and moisture to countless creatures. Its longevity, resilience, and diverse uses reflect the wisdom of past generations and the enduring beauty of perennial agriculture.

La Donaira’s new bio-intensive garden uses simple, efficient tools like the broad-fork and collinear hoes to prepare beds, cultivate soil, and reduce wasted energy. These tools promote sustainable practices while enhancing crop yields and minimizing environmental impact.

Eight springs have been restored or newly formed, thanks to careful land stewardship and ecological regeneration. By reviving the soil’s natural ability to absorb and store water, we’re witnessing the return of life-giving springs, a process that connects the earth's depths to the energy of the sun.

Stories and places are deeply connected, and ours begins in the ancient Malaver Mountain. From Neolithic farmers to Roman and Islamic miners, the mountain's rich minerals have shaped human activity for millennia. Today, La Donaira continues this legacy with modern projects like mushroom cultivation and wine maturation, honoring the land’s deep cultural history

Jonathan Powell, trustee of the Natural Beekeeping Trust and leader of La Donaira’s bee rewilding project, shares his profound journey into the world of bees. From his early experiences in conventional beekeeping to his deep connection with bees as a "bee person," Jonathan reflects on the balance between science and spirituality. He discusses the role bees have played in human history and how their harmonious existence offers lessons for a more sustainable, interconnected world. Jonathan’s story reminds us of the importance of reconnecting with nature and the power of feeling, rather than simply knowing.

La Donaira is dedicated to conserving the endangered Pajuna cattle, descendants of the wild Aurochs. With fewer than 650 left, our herd has grown to 55 over 12 years. These hardy animals aid in wildfire prevention, improve soil fertility, and support ecosystem restoration through holistic grazing practices.

La Donaira’s hotel, nestled in a natural paradise between the Serranía de Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema, is a renovated century-old Andalusian cortijo. Restored using natural construction principles by Themroc Design and Eduardo Lando, it incorporates local clay, rocks, lime mortar, and wood. The eco-luxury retreat harmonizes sustainability with modern comforts, offering spacious rooms with panoramic views, playful light effects, and thoughtful décor. The space blends tradition and contemporary design, featuring an eclectic library, a refurbished Steinway piano, and thought-provoking artworks, creating a serene yet vibrant atmosphere.

La Donaira hosted its first edible wild food class, led by ethnobotanist Clara Gutiérrez Araza. Participants foraged wild plants and enjoyed gourmet dishes like stinging nettle tempura and strawberry-tree liqueur, reconnecting with nature and exploring the ancient art of foraging.

As the colder months arrive, La Donaira focuses on cozy interiors and farm-fresh dining. Our olive oil harvest is in full swing, with hand-picked olives pressed within 7 hours, delivering exceptional flavor in our seasonal dishes.