A love letter to two places
Tucked away within 1,000 hectares of private wilderness in the Sierra de Andújar, Finca El Encinarejo offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Spain’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes in privacy.
At Finca El Encinarejo, we believe that true luxury is time, space, and freedom.Time to take the day as slowly or as actively as you choose. Space to explore, relax, and reconnect. And the freedom to experience the finca in a way that is entirely your own.
Finca El Encinarejo is not a traditional hotel, nor is it a typical Andalusian country house.
The lodge brings together the warmth and comfort of a luxury safari lodge with the character and elegance of rural Spain.
Drawing inspiration from both South Africa and Andalucía, its designers created a space filled with natural light, generous living areas, Andalusian antiques, and artwork collected from both countries. The result is a lodge that feels elegant yet relaxed, luxurious yet unmistakably welcoming.
The lodge is, in many ways, a love letter to two places that shaped the lives of its designers: the wild beauty of rural Andalucía and the landscapes of South Africa. It is a celebration of family, comfort, and connection to nature, creating a space where guests can slow down, reconnect, and experience the peace that can only be found in truly wild places.
TWO SEASONSTwo ways to experience the finca
High season | August to mid-May
The high season at Finca El Encinarejo is designed for guests seeking exceptional wildlife encounters, nature photography, and the luxury of being completely looked after.
As the heat of summer fades and the cooler months arrive, the Sierra de Andújar comes alive in a different way. Autumn begins with the red stag rut, when the valleys echo with the calls of stags and the landscape takes on a new energy. As the seasons progress, mist settles over the river valleys, wildlife movement increases, and the reserve becomes a paradise for wildlife photographers, nature photographers, birdwatchers, and those looking to reconnect with nature.
The cooler months are particularly special. The Iberian lynx breeding season reaches its peak between December and February, making this one of the most exciting times of year to visit the Sierra de Andújar. Crisp mornings create dramatic photographic opportunities, from European bison with clouds of steam rising from their breath to atmospheric landscapes shrouded in mist.
Mornings often begin before sunrise. Guests head out on a wildlife safari through the reserve as the first light begins to touch the landscape. Partway through the morning, it is time to stop for bush coffee, a South African favourite made with condensed milk or a splash of whiskey depending on your taste, accompanied by a sweet treat while watching the wilderness wake around you.
Throughout your stay, every detail is taken care of. Before arrival, guests receive a menu tailored to their preferences. Meals are prepared by our chef using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, including produce from local growers, carefully selected local butchers, organic vegetables grown on the finca, and our own km-zero venison.
Picnics are prepared for days spent exploring the reserve, drinks are always available, whether it is a glass of cava, a refreshing soft drink, or something stronger from the fully stocked bar. Housekeeping and laundry are taken care of daily.
As evening falls, guests return to the lodge to gather around the fire before dinner. When weather permits, meals are often enjoyed in our African-style boma, where food is cooked over the fire and shared beneath a canopy of stars.
Included within the high season are exclusive use of the lodge and reserve, accommodation, all meals prepared by our chef, drinks from the fully stocked bar, daily housekeeping, laundry service, wildlife safaris within the reserve, and access to the finca’s facilities.
No cooking. No planning. No shopping. No rushing. Just time in the wilderness.
Summer at Finca El Encinarejo is all about outdoor adventure, making the most of the sunshine, and enjoying the long Andalusian days.
With access to a fully equipped kitchen, guests can enjoy relaxed breakfasts on the veranda before spending their days exploring the reserve, following local hiking and cycling routes, swimming in the neighbouring Blue Flag recreational dam, or simply enjoying time on the water.
Paddle boards can be hired on request and, on selected weekends, complimentary water activities may also be available. The Blue Flag dam is staffed with lifeguards on weekends throughout the summer season, making it a wonderful destination for families and anyone looking to enjoy Andalucía’s outdoor lifestyle.
The finca also enjoys access to the river, providing another beautiful place to cool off and enjoy the summer sunshine.
With warm weather, outdoor activities, complete privacy within the lodge, and 1,000 hectares of private wilderness to explore, the summer season offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the finca in a way that feels relaxed, active, and entirely their own.
Should you wish to make your stay even more relaxing, housekeeping and cleaning services can be arranged on request.
THE BEDROOMS
Our lodge accommodates up to eight guests across four luxurious en suite bedrooms, each designed to offer complete comfort, privacy, and a connection to the surrounding landscape.
Every bedroom enjoys its own private entrance and terrace, creating a peaceful retreat within the finca. Super king-size beds, spacious wardrobes, air conditioning, ceiling fans, underfloor heating and cooling, dedicated writing desks, and a coffee and tea station with mini bar ensure every modern comfort is at hand.
The generously appointed bathrooms feature marble countertops, freestanding clawfoot baths, walk-in showers, double basins, toilets, and bidets. A complimentary laundry service is included throughout your stay.
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SHARED SPACES + BEYOND
Shared spaces
The heart of the lodge is its collection of welcoming shared spaces, designed for gathering, relaxing, and enjoying time together.
Guests can enjoy long meals in the spacious dining room, centred around a large fireplace, or unwind in the comfortable lounge after a day exploring the finca.
The dining and lounge areas open onto a covered veranda, where guests will find a fully stocked bar included as part of the all-inclusive experience. Whether enjoying a morning coffee, a sunset drink, or an evening under the stars, the veranda offers a comfortable space to relax and take in the surrounding landscape.
Outside, guests can enjoy the African-style boma and fire pit area, perfect for evenings beneath star-filled skies, as well as our stargazing and sun deck.
One of the finca’s most unique features is its proximity to a neighbouring Blue Flag recreational dam. During the summer months, guests can enjoy swimming and seasonal water activities, with lifeguards present on weekends. Paddle boards can be made available for guests wishing to explore the water at a more leisurely pace.
The property also enjoys access to the river, providing yet another opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of this unique corner of Andalucía.
