A beautifully restored 18th-century olive and sunflower hacienda in the Sevillian countryside, with just 11 rooms and 6 casitas arranged around a gorgeous pool courtyard. Run by an Anglo-Spanish family, it offers personalized luxury with superb farm-to-table cuisine and guided horse rides through olive groves. A beloved Relais & Châteaux property.
Hacienda San Rafael is a Relais & Châteaux property set on the Carretera Nacional IV near Las Cabezas de San Juan in the Seville province countryside, roughly equidistant between Seville city and the sherry towns of Jerez de la Frontera. The hacienda was built in the 18th century as a working olive oil and sunflower estate, and the land surrounding it still operates as a farm — olive groves, sunflower fields, and vegetable gardens that supply the kitchen directly. The property was transformed into a luxury hotel by an Anglo-Spanish family who have maintained it with a deeply personal, hands-on approach that distinguishes the experience from larger corporate luxury hotels. Eleven rooms and six private casitas are arranged around the original hacienda courtyard and pool; the casitas are particularly popular with couples seeking privacy. The cuisine is a central attraction — dinner at Hacienda San Rafael is a fixed daily menu that showcases local ingredients, house-produced olive oil, seasonal vegetables from the farm kitchen garden, and Andalusian recipes interpreted with care. Horse riding through the estate and surrounding countryside, guided birdwatching, and stargazing from the tower are among the activities available. The Doñana National Park, one of Europe's most important wetland reserves, is a short drive away and the concierge arranges guided jeep safaris into the park. Seville city is around 60 kilometres north; Jerez is 50 kilometres south. A car is essential.
Amenities
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Horse riding
- Garden
- Concierge
- Air conditioning
Location
Carretera Nacional IV, km 594, 41730 Las Cabezas de San Juan, Seville
36.9762, -5.9497 View on map
Highlights
- Intimate 11-room Relais & Châteaux hacienda
- Exceptional farm-to-table dining
- Horse riding through olive groves
Tips for visiting
- Dinner is a shared, communal experience rather than à la carte — check if this format suits the group before booking.
- The Doñana National Park is at its best for birdwatching in winter and early spring when migrating species are present; ask the hacienda to arrange a guide.
- The casitas are more private than rooms in the main building — worth requesting for a honeymoon or anniversary stay.
- Spring (March to May) is the most beautiful season: sunflowers are in bloom, temperatures are mild, and the landscape is vivid green.
- A rental car is essential — the hacienda is in the open countryside with no public transport connections.
Accessibility
The hacienda is a historic 18th-century working estate with uneven ground, stone paths, and traditional agricultural structures. Wheelchair access is limited in some areas. Some ground-level rooms are more accessible than others. Guests with mobility requirements should discuss specific needs with the hotel before booking to identify the most suitable accommodation.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Hacienda San Rafael from Seville?
The hacienda is approximately 60 kilometres south of Seville city on the N-IV road, around 50 minutes by car. Jerez de la Frontera is roughly the same distance to the south.
Are meals included in the rate?
Breakfast is included in all room rates. Dinner is available by prior arrangement and is served as a set daily menu. Many guests opt into dinner given the quality of the farm-to-table cuisine and the distance from other restaurants.
Is horse riding available at the hacienda?
Yes, guided horse rides through the estate's olive groves and surrounding countryside are available for guests of all experience levels. Rides should be arranged in advance through the hotel.
What is the minimum stay requirement?
The hacienda typically requires a minimum of two nights for most booking periods. During Semana Santa and other peak periods, longer minimum stays may apply. Confirm at the time of booking.