The Art of Living at Finca Cortesin

May 14, 2019 by Laura Fishman

There’s something irresistible about Spain’s Costa del Sol, a collection of coastal towns that dot the southern coastline south of Málaga. Whether it is the sun-kissed beaches, charming hilltop pueblos blancos, villages steep in history, centuries-old Spanish-Moorish architecture, or the serene sea views, driving around its coast with the sun warming your face and the smell of saltwater in the breeze,  you will surrender yourself to its magic and be transported away from daily routines and fueled by the exhilarating feeling of discovery.

Situated in one of the most sought-out enclaves in the quaint town of Casares in Andalucía (just south of Estepona and about a 30-minute drive from the buzzing beach club scene of Marbella), Finca Cortesin feels like another world unto its own, from its impeccably-maintained property to its world-class hospitality. A chic Spanish Eden flanked by the Casares Mountains with sweeping views of the deep azure Mediterranean Sea, this 532-acre estate is a true adult playground (though children are welcomed and have  abundant activities to choose from at the Kid’s Club)  draws you in with this incredible surrounding and peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to indulge in the beautiful simplicity of life. 

While Finca Cortesin is a large, stunning property, it also manages to feel intimate as well, with a quiet calm that hangs in the air, and it begs to be fully taken in for all its natural splendors: from the gentle start to the morning with the sun glistening over the manicured grounds, to listening to the serene song of birds and cicadas, to smelling the succulent scent of Spanish roses and fresh cut grass, to feeling the crisp breeze coming off of the Mediterranean Sea.

There’s something for every type of traveler at Finca Cortesin. Infusing Moroccan and Andalusian vibes with a hint of a grand English countryside estate, this resort attracts a wide variety of international travelers from the UK, France, Switzerland, Spain and the US. The grounds are particularly spectacular with the Great Lawn surrounded by thousands of Spanish white roses and ivy-covered trellises, to lush tropical palm trees lining the truly impressive Olympic-size pool and hundreds of olive trees and flowers peppered throughout the grounds. It’s the perfect retreat for couples seeking different types of holiday, especially if one is eager to  golf or play tennis while the other loves the spa or relaxing by one of the four spectacular pools.

A day at Finca Cortesin is rife with possibilities. After a delicious breakfast on the shaded patio of Le Jardin, guests can tee-off on the 18-hole champion golf course par 72 (originally designed by Cabell Robinson) or practice their swing at the state-of-the-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy. They can also choose to sharpen their tennis match with lessons with Resident Coach Javier Contreras. For sun-worshippers, there are two stunning outdoor salt-water pools with lounge chaises and cabanas that are ideal to sunbathe and rest. 

For those seeking the ocean breeze, the Finca Corteisn Beach Club is a mere 5-minute shuttle drive.  While you cannot dip in the ocean, the sprawling club offers lounge chaises close to the beach with Balinese beds set in front of the 35-meter infinity saltwater pool. Its restaurant and bar offer savory Mediterranean cuisine including fresh seafood, rice dishes and refreshing cocktails.

For the adventurous travelers, there are a plethora of day excursions throughout the villages of Andalucía, from visiting the remarkable historic hilltop village of Ronda, one of the oldest in Spain and boasting the ancient El Tajo gorge and Puente Nuevo bridge, to the charming town of Córdoba, the sun-soaked social scene in Marbella, winery tours in Jerez, and Granada’s gem and architectural wonder, the Alhambra Palace.

If guests would rather enjoy the resort grounds, the Spa is a peaceful sanctuary spanning 24,000 square feet with 11 treatment rooms. Guests can choose from a variety of specialty treatments, body wraps, massages and facials by French specialist Biologique Recherche and organic skincare products by Tata Harper. Spa facilities include sauna, Turkish bath, a 25-meter indoor saltwater pool, a plunge pool, fully equipped fitness center with equipment by Artis by Technogym and a snow cave to cool off- the first one in Spain.

This summer, guests can practice mediation and yoga at its new center, ARANĪ, from Classic Hatha to guided meditations, sound bath and specific practices such as Astanga, Kundalini, Yin Yoga and Anusara. Pilates and private sessions are available upon request.

Originally designed by Spanish architects Roger Torras and Ignacio Sierra, the 67-suites at Finca Cortesin are built around two principle palatial courtyards reminiscent of a Moroccan riad. The suites are well-appointed, spacious, bright and with a  subtle touch of English refinement. For those looking for privacy and tropical views, request a suite that overlooks the Olympic pool and verdant palms. Executive and Pool suites offer sweeping views of the property’s grounds in addition to the majestic mountain and sea views.

For larger groups, gather at the new Green 10 villas that are situated in between hole 9 and 10 of the golf course. These full-service villas are fresh and contemporary with chic, bright interiors, spacious living room and kitchen and stunning pool. Amenities are bountiful from full resort amenities. For a minimum of 7-night stay, round-trip airport transfers are included.

Guests will rejoice in savoring the spectacular cuisine at Finca Cortesin. Led by German-born executive Chef Lutz Bösing alongside his team, El Jardin de Lutz offers an elegant yet relaxed ambiance servicing traditional Spanish cuisine (think fresh, salt-baked cod and delicious cut of beef) While the Kabuki Raw restaurant is perfect for a special night. Awarded one Michelin Star, it is renowned for having some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan, as well emerging Japanese-fusion and Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared by Chef Luis Olarra in an open kitchen. Don Giovanni restaurant by Chef Andrea Tumbarello brings the best of Sicily to Spain with centuries old traditional and beloved Italian recipes.

During the day, enjoy a casual lunch by the Pool Bar with fresh and savory tapas and grilled meats, or casual plates and light bites by The Bar (the croquettas, local jamón ibérico, and the deliciously tart and refreshing basil martini cocktail are not to be missed).

There’s an art to living in Spain that makes time irrelevant and allows one to be fully present and to enjoy every moment. This way of life is what every guest discovers while staying at Finca. Whether it is waking up early to catch the sunrise over the golf course, reading your favorite book under the shade of a plush cabana by the pool, or connecting with loved ones over nightcaps on the terrace while listening to the magical sounds of the Spanish guitar.

Photography Courtesy of Perrie Hartz and Laura Fishman

Finca is a feeling. It is one that draws you back year after year. Truly, the hardest thing about staying at Finca is having to leave it. But the feeling it evokes stays with you, and your home on the magical Costa del Sol is always waiting for your next return.

Arriving to Finca Cortesin:

Located nearby the coastal town of Casares and the chic Sotogrande, the resort is 25 minutes (40 km) from Gibraltar, 50-minutes (84 km) from the international Málaga Airport. Renting a car and driving along the Costa del Sol affords an absolutely memorable experience.

Contact:

Finca Cortesin

Casares, Spain

Telephone: +34 952-93-78-00
Email: reservas@hotelcortesin.com
Website: www.fincacortesin.com