Hotel Cortijo "El Esparragal"

Spain

In Depth

Only 15 minutes from the bustling city of Seville, Hotel Cortijo El Esparragal is a farm and estate dating back to the Bronze Age. History abounds both inside the hotel and around the pristine grounds of this resort, where you may stumble across Roman ruins, Arab mills and ancient villages throughout its 3000 acres. The stark white façade of the spectacular main hotel, a former convent, is austere yet inviting with its Roman-arched windows covered with violet flowers. El Esparragal’s proximity to Seville, along with its diverse activities and area attractions make it ideal for a group of riders and non-riders alike.

El Esparragal breeds and trains pure-bred, award-winning Andalusian horses, which are available for guests who wish to explore the estate on horseback or take lessons. Guided rides are available for riders of all experience levels on English saddles, as well as Spanish Vaquera saddles. Doma Vaquera is Spanish cowboy-style riding, similar to Western riding. Riders enjoy well-trained Andalusian horses as they ride through Mediterranean forests, olive trees and cattle pastures to see the ruins of ancient villages, Roman baths, mills and a monastery. In their private bullring, expert Garrocha riders, the predecessors of western cowboys in the United States, demonstrate Doma Vaquera, a style of horseback riding that is commonly used to work cattle in Spain. Cattle in Spain are not roped, but worked from a distance with a long pole called la garrocha.

The farm at El Esparragal raises red bulls, prize-winning Andalusian horses, cattle and grows a diverse selection of organic fruits and vegetables. El Esparragal still hand delivers milk from their dairy to residences and businesses all over Seville. Hotel manager Vanessa Mirrales strives to make visitors feel relaxed and at home among the antiques, priceless artwork and gourmet meals. The former owners collected bullfighting related art and antiques, making the hotel akin to a gallery. Much of what is served in the intimate, formal dining room is grown on the grounds. The old chapel and variety of dining and conference rooms make it a popular resort for destination weddings, corporate retreats and groups.

Activities

Ecotourism, Fishing, Hiking

Additional Activities

English style and Doma Vaquera (Spanish cowboy-style) riding lessons and guided riding through 7,400 acre estate, horse drawn carriage rides, horse shows and exhibitions of Andalusian folklore, a hunting reserve with wild boars, deer, partridge, ducks, and rabbits, archery, mountain biking, swimming, four-wheel driving.

Accommodations

Capacity: 21 rooms and suites. Luxury rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with with oil paintings, tapestries and antiques and offer full bath, air-conditioning, heating, TV, and telephone. Internet available on site.

Food

Chef Joaquín Torres prepares fresh Andalusian cuisine made from organic ingredients produced on the estate grounds including fresh beef, dairy products or game meet. A rich selection of locally produced wines and spirits are served in the main restaurant, as well as the private dining rooms that can accommodate large groups.

Area Attractions

The cities of Seville (15 minute drive) and Jerez (1.5 hour drive). Horse lovers will want to plan an excursion to see the dancing horses at The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez and visit one of the area’s many sherry bodegas, where sherry is produced and Andalusian horses are bred. For nature enthusiasts, Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an hour’s drive.