Por cuarto año consecutivo, tenemos el honor de acoger en Finca Ará Oko a uno de los grandes maestros de la percusión cubana a nivel mundial. Bárbaro Crespo, conocido como “Machito”, es un tamborero ritual y rumbero que proviene de una dinastía de percusionistas folclóricos de La Habana. Antes de trasladarse a Europa, fue también miembro destacado del reconocido grupo Osain del Monte.
Este retiro incluye cinco días de aprendizaje inmersivo, con cuatro horas diarias de enseñanza impartidas por Machito. A través de talleres prácticos, trabajo en conjunto y una profunda inmersión cultural, los participantes tienen la oportunidad de profundizar en su comprensión de los ritmos y las tradiciones afrocubanas.
Pero lo que hace realmente especial este retiro no son solo las clases. Gran parte de la magia sucede fuera del horario programado: las sesiones espontáneas que surgen después de las clases, las conversaciones compartidas alrededor de la mesa y los momentos musicales improvisados que nacen de forma natural durante la semana.
El profundo conocimiento de Machito, su amplia experiencia y su forma de enseñar clara e intuitiva —junto con su generosidad tanto dentro como fuera del espacio formal de las clases— lo han convertido en una parte esencial del espíritu y la comunidad de Finca Ará Oko.
Su manera cercana y alentadora de enseñar crea un ambiente cálido y acogedor, donde cada participante se siente apoyado, inspirado y animado a crecer musicalmente.
Las reservas para 2027 ya están abiertas con un descuento de aproximadamente 58 €. Para asegurar tu plaza, es necesario realizar un depósito no reembolsable de aproximadamente 175 €. Te recomendamos reservar con antelación, ya que las plazas son limitadas y este retiro suele completarse rápidamente. El precio aumentará en aproximadamente 58 € a partir del 20 de abril de 2027.
Alojamiento y Precios
HABITACIÓN INDIVIDUAL: €1105
HABITACIÓN COMPARTIDA: €945 – Cada habitación se comparte entre 2 – 3 personas.
GLAMPING: €820. Cada tienda se comparte entre 2 personas.
Qué incluye:
4 horas de clases diarias durante 5 días más tiempo adicional para practicar.
7 noches de alojamiento.
3 comidas diarias.
Alojamiento – habitaciones compartidas, individuales o glamping.
Acceso a tambores.
Oportunidad de presentarse la última noche en un bar local.
La posibilidad de alojarse en una hermosa casa rural en un entorno espectacular, lejos de las distracciones cotidianas.
No incluye: Para más información sobre los puntos siguientes, visita nuestra página de información de viaje.
Nuestros retiros de percusión folclórica afro-cubana en grupos reducidos ofrecen un estudio intensivo de los fundamentos de los ritmos cubanos e incluyen batá, rumba, makuta, bembé, gúiro, palo e iyesá, entre otros. Estos géneros altamente polirrítmicos mejoran el sentido del tiempo, las habilidades en conjunto, la concentración y la confianza. Además, es una excelente oportunidad para socializar con personas afines.
Adaptamos el contenido del curso para satisfacer las necesidades y el nivel de cada grupo.
Los retiros de una semana se dividen entre clases y tiempo de práctica, aprovechando al máximo el entorno excepcional, relajándose y, por supuesto, disfrutando de la comida y la bebida.
Qué está incluido:
5 horas de clases x 5 días más tiempo de práctica.
2- 7 noches de alojamiento.
3 comidas al día.
Alojamiento – compartido, habitaciones individuales o glamping.
Acceso a instrumentos.
La oportunidad de actuar la última noche en un bar local.
La oportunidad de alojarse en una hermosa granja en el espectacular campo lejos de las distracciones de la vida cotidiana.
No incluido:
Para más información sobre los puntos siguientes, visite nuestra página de información sobre travel information.
Noches extra de alojamiento
Comidas extra
Alcohol
Costes y alojamiento: €100 de depósito. Pago completo antes del 8 de mayo de 2024
HABITACIÓN INDIVIDUAL: €840 o €120 por día, el número mínimo de días es dos.
HABITACIÓN COMPARTIDA: €630 o €90 por día, el número mínimo de días es dos.
GLAMPING
Cómo reservar
Para inscribirte en uno de nuestros cursos, completa el siguiente formulario para ayudarnos a procesar tu solicitud y conocer un poco más sobre ti.
Para asegurar tu plaza, realiza un pago de 75 euros en concepto de depósito no reembolsable.
For the fourth consecutive year, we are honoured to welcome one of the world’s leading masters of Cuban percussion to Finca Ará Oko. Bárbaro Crespo, known as “Machito”, is a ritual drummer and rumbero who comes from a dynasty of folkloric percussionists in Havana. Before moving to Europe, he was also a leading member of the renowned group Osain del Monte.
This retreat includes five days of immersive learning, with four hours of expert tuition each day led by Machito. Through a combination of practical workshops, ensemble playing and cultural insights, participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Afro-Cuban rhythm and tradition.
But what makes this retreat truly special is not only the classes. Much of the magic happens outside the scheduled sessions: the spontaneous jams that emerge after class, the conversations shared around the table, and the impromptu musical moments that naturally unfold throughout the week.
Machito’s deep knowledge, extensive experience and clear, intuitive teaching style — combined with his generosity both inside and outside the formal class setting — have made him an essential part of the spirit and community of Finca Ará Oko.
His warm and encouraging approach creates a welcoming atmosphere where every participant feels supported, inspired and encouraged to grow musically.
Bookings for 2027 are now open with a discount of £50. To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of £150 is required. We recommend booking early, as places are limited and this retreat fills quickly. Price will increase by £50 after April 20th 2027.
Accommodation and Prices
Prices: The price includes seven nights’ accommodation, three meals a day, and five days x four hours of tuition plus practice times and the chance of a live jam session at our local bar.. (Please see below for costs not included.)
SINGLE ROOM: £925
SHARED ROOM: £825. Each room shares 2 – 3 people.
GLAMPING: Earlybird £720. Each tent shares two people.
What is included:
4 hours of tuition x 5 days plus practice time.
7 nights accommodation.
3 meals a day.
Accommodation – shared, single rooms or glamping.
Access to drums.
An opportunity to perform on the last night at a local bar.
The chance to stay in a beautiful farmhouse in the spectacular countryside away from the distractions of everyday life.
Not included:
For more information on the points below, please visit our travel information page.
Flights
Airport transfers:
Travel Insurance
Extra nights of accommodation: €50 pn
Extra meals: €5 -20 pd
Alcohol
How to book
Fill out our registration form below and pay using the link.
Great place, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and even better music. Highly recommended for beginners and anyone wanting to enjoy Latin music. A very good experience.
I absolutely loved spending time with Vicky and Dave and a fantastic group learning Afro-Cuban songs!
The food was super tasty and nourishing, and the views from the finca, overlooking the sea, with golden skies and the Milky Way, were truly unforgettable.
But what I loved most was spending time with these amazing human beings, who are genuinely devoted to music, teaching, and community-making in such a fun, humble, down to earth and heartfelt way. These are qualities I’ve rarely found in teachers, so meeting Vicky and Dave felt like a precious gift that brought a lot of joy into my life.
What a lovely way to spend a week! Playing Salsa together with lovely people in an idyllic setting surrounded by almond trees and the dazzling light of the Alpujarras! The accommodation was fantastic and so was the food. Dave and Vicky are fabulous hosts.
An absolutely amazing experience. It’s been two weeks, and I still can’t get the rolling mountain views, the beautiful light, the fruit trees, the delicious food, and—of course—the daily salsa ensemble lessons out of my mind! The arrangements and songs chosen were so contagious that we couldn’t stop singing them all week long. Dave and Vicky are wonderful hosts and teachers, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book this again.
Brilliant immersion into the songs & rhythm & traditions of the Afro-Cuban culture. Still singing snippets of the songs…my brain synapses have made all sorts of new connections as I learnt to balance moving, clapping & singing in different time signatures - like rubbing your stomach & patting your head! Great food & accommodation too.
What an amazing week the setting the people, the songs , the food, the accommodation all came together to create an unforgettable experience. Working with Dave and Vicki is always inspirational. Their ability to tailor the level of difficulty for each group means everyone has a positive experience. Performing with the Lobras choir was particularly memorable and uplifting.
I cannot recommend a stay at Finca Ara Oko enough. The accommodation was wonderful, we were very comfortable. Lots of different areas to relax in & the plunge pool was a lovely bonus to cool off in. The setting was simply stunning - huge skies, amazing sunsets & very peaceful, a real retreat from our busy lives. Vicky & Dave are such wonderful hosts, they made us feel really welcome & at home, such kind genuine people.
What a beautiful peaceful place with everything you could possibly need. Easy to get to with a car hire. Gorgeous apartments and spaces to relax and reflect . Lovely local walk to view the sunrise.
A week-long retreat for anyone interested in exploring the roots of Afro-Cuban percussion and ensemble work. This retreat is aimed at both beginners and those who have covered Latin percussion basics.
Our small-group folkloric percussion retreats offer intensive study in the foundations of Cuban rhythms, including batá, rumba, makuta, bembé, gúiro, palo and iyesá, among others. These highly polyrhythmic traditions strengthen timing, ensemble skills, focus and confidence. The retreat is also a great space to connect with like-minded people. We tailor each course to the needs and level of the group.
The week-long retreats are split between tuition and practice time, making the most of the amazing location, relaxing and, of course, eating and drinking.
Prices: The price includes seven nights’ accommodation, three meals a day, and five days x four hours of tuition. (Please see below for costs not included.)
Earlybird rate: a non-refundable deposit of £150 paid before 30th March 2025.
Regular rate: a deposit paid after 30th March 2025.
Full payment: due by 5th April
If you would like to arrange to pay in instalments, let us know.
Single Room: (Please note, you will still be sharing a bathroom)
*Earlybird Single Room: £845
Regular Single Room: £935 (1-2 available)
How to book Step 1: Fill out our registration form below. Step 2: Pay your deposit by clicking on the payment link or using our bank details. Please read our Cancellation and Participation Guide before booking. Step 3: Pay the outstanding balance directly to our bank account by the 30th of April 2025.
Great place, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and even better music. Highly recommended for beginners and anyone wanting to enjoy Latin music. A very good experience.
I absolutely loved spending time with Vicky and Dave and a fantastic group learning Afro-Cuban songs!
The food was super tasty and nourishing, and the views from the finca, overlooking the sea, with golden skies and the Milky Way, were truly unforgettable.
But what I loved most was spending time with these amazing human beings, who are genuinely devoted to music, teaching, and community-making in such a fun, humble, down to earth and heartfelt way. These are qualities I’ve rarely found in teachers, so meeting Vicky and Dave felt like a precious gift that brought a lot of joy into my life.
What a lovely way to spend a week! Playing Salsa together with lovely people in an idyllic setting surrounded by almond trees and the dazzling light of the Alpujarras! The accommodation was fantastic and so was the food. Dave and Vicky are fabulous hosts.
An absolutely amazing experience. It’s been two weeks, and I still can’t get the rolling mountain views, the beautiful light, the fruit trees, the delicious food, and—of course—the daily salsa ensemble lessons out of my mind! The arrangements and songs chosen were so contagious that we couldn’t stop singing them all week long. Dave and Vicky are wonderful hosts and teachers, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book this again.
Brilliant immersion into the songs & rhythm & traditions of the Afro-Cuban culture. Still singing snippets of the songs…my brain synapses have made all sorts of new connections as I learnt to balance moving, clapping & singing in different time signatures - like rubbing your stomach & patting your head! Great food & accommodation too.
What an amazing week the setting the people, the songs , the food, the accommodation all came together to create an unforgettable experience. Working with Dave and Vicki is always inspirational. Their ability to tailor the level of difficulty for each group means everyone has a positive experience. Performing with the Lobras choir was particularly memorable and uplifting.
I cannot recommend a stay at Finca Ara Oko enough. The accommodation was wonderful, we were very comfortable. Lots of different areas to relax in & the plunge pool was a lovely bonus to cool off in. The setting was simply stunning - huge skies, amazing sunsets & very peaceful, a real retreat from our busy lives. Vicky & Dave are such wonderful hosts, they made us feel really welcome & at home, such kind genuine people.
What a beautiful peaceful place with everything you could possibly need. Easy to get to with a car hire. Gorgeous apartments and spaces to relax and reflect . Lovely local walk to view the sunrise.
We offer small-scale retreats in a beautiful off-grid farmhouse in the Spanish Alpujarra, Sierra Nevada mountains.
Our retreats combine tuition and practice time as well as making the most of the amazing location, which includes mountain walks, beaches, sea-swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, star-gazing and horse riding as well as relaxing and, of course, eating and drinking.
Videos to give you a taste of the location and atmosphere at Finca Ara Oko.
Afro Cuban Folkloric
Salsa
Coro de Clave
Aerial Views
Google Reviews
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