12–19 September 2027 | Finca Ará Oko, Southern Spain
Discover the joy of singing Afro-Cuban music in the beautiful mountains of La Alpujarra.
Join us for a seven-night singing retreat at Finca Ará Oko, an ancient, beautifully restored off-grid farmhouse nestled in the mountains of southern Spain, with spectacular views towards the Mediterranean Sea.
Drawing on the musical traditions and repertoire of Chœur de Mots Clés, our choir based in London and Spain, this retreat offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich harmonies, rhythms and traditions of Afro-Cuban music.
Throughout the week, we will explore beautiful Cuban folkloric songs in three- and four-part harmonies, developing vocal technique, rhythmic confidence and ensemble skills in a relaxed, supportive and inspiring environment.
Whether you are an experienced singer or relatively new to Afro-Cuban music, the retreat offers space to develop your voice, deepen your musical understanding and experience the pleasure of singing together.
The Singing Programme
Our five-day programme combines group singing, vocal development, rhythmic training and opportunities for individual feedback.
Working with traditional Afro-Cuban repertoire, we will explore the relationship between melody, harmony and rhythm, developing an understanding of how the different vocal parts fit together.
Sessions will include:
- Cuban folkloric songs arranged in three- and four-part harmonies
- Breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups and vocal technique
- Rhythmic exercises to develop confidence and understanding of Afro-Cuban musical structures
- Ensemble singing, listening and musical communication
- Individual vocal development and feedback
- Opportunities for informal singing and practice throughout the week
Our approach is practical, inclusive and rooted in the oral traditions through which this music has been passed on for generations.
We aim to create a supportive environment where participants can develop their skills, challenge themselves and enjoy making music together.
Meet your Tutors
The retreat is led by Vicky Jassey and David Pattman, who bring many years of experience performing, researching and teaching Afro-Cuban music.
Find out more about your tutors:
Vicky Jassey – Read biography
David Pattman – Read biography
Singing with Our Local Choir
One of the special features of this retreat is the opportunity to connect with our local singing community in La Alpujarra.
During the week, we will travel to a nearby village to sing and collaborate with members of our local choir.
This musical exchange offers a wonderful opportunity to share songs, meet local people and experience the joy of singing together across cultures.
Rather than working towards a formal performance, the emphasis throughout the retreat will be on musical exploration, collaboration and the shared experience of singing.
What Our Participants Say
“Rehearsing with some of the local choir was such a treat and made me feel much more connected to the place, while also meeting wonderful people and learning the songs more quickly.
David and Vicky are excellent teachers, and I can wholeheartedly recommend their amazing setup. A truly special experience!”
— Mettje, Afro-Cuban Singing Retreat 2026
Your Home for the Week – Finca Ará Oko
Set high in the mountains of La Alpujarra, Finca Ará Oko is a beautifully restored traditional Andalusian farmhouse surrounded by spectacular scenery, with views stretching towards the Mediterranean Sea.
The finca provides a peaceful and inspiring setting in which to make music, relax and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Spain.
Between singing sessions, there is plenty of time to unwind by the pool, explore the surrounding countryside, enjoy a walk or simply relax with a book.
Our retreats are deliberately small, creating a friendly, informal atmosphere where participants can get to know one another and enjoy the experience of living and making music together.
Food and Accommodation
We provide three delicious home-cooked meals each day, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and relaxed communal dining.
Accommodation is available in a range of comfortable rooms, including single and shared options, as well as glamping for those who enjoy being closer to nature.
Visit our accommodation page to explore the different rooms and glamping options, see photographs of the finca and its surroundings, and find out more about the facilities available during your stay.
The finca offers a welcoming, communal atmosphere, with plenty of space to find a quiet corner when you need some time to yourself.
What’s Included
- Five days of Afro-Cuban singing tuition
- Opportunities for individual vocal development and singing in three- and four-part harmonies
- Collaborative singing with members of our local choir in a nearby village
- Seven nights’ accommodation at Finca Ará Oko
- Three delicious home-cooked meals per day
- Use of the finca’s facilities, including the plung pool and communal areas
- Time to relax, explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of La Alpujarra
- A welcoming, supportive atmosphere with opportunities for informal singing and musical exchange
What’s Not Included
- Flights to and from Spain
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance
- Additional nights’ accommodation (€50 per night, subject to availability)
- Additional meals outside the retreat programme (€5–€20 per day)
- Alcoholic drinks
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is suitable for singers with a range of musical backgrounds who are interested in exploring Afro-Cuban music.
You don’t need previous experience of singing Cuban music, although some experience of group singing and an enthusiasm for learning music by ear will be helpful.
Our emphasis is on participation, musical development and the pleasure of singing together.
For prices and accommodation options, please see below.
Avis Google
Super endroit, paysages magnifiques, gens sympathiques et musique encore meilleure. Je le recommande vivement aux débutants et à tous ceux qui veulent profiter de la musique latine. Une très bonne expérience.
I can't imagine a better holiday. Beautiful location, lovely warm people, great food and fantastic music making.
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.
I can’t wait to go back. Thank you!
Quelle belle façon de passer une semaine! Jouer de la salsa avec des gens charmants dans un cadre idyllique entouré d'amandiers et de la lumière éblouissante des Alpujarras! Le logement était fantastique et la nourriture aussi. Dave et Vicky sont des hôtes fabuleux.
Une expérience absolument incroyable. Ça fait deux semaines, et je n'arrive toujours pas à oublier les vues sur les montagnes ondulantes, la belle lumière, les arbres fruitiers, la nourriture délicieuse et, bien sûr, les cours quotidiens d'ensemble de salsa ! Les arrangements et les chansons choisis étaient si entraînants que nous n'avons pas arrêté de les chanter toute la semaine. Dave et Vicky sont des hôtes et des professeurs merveilleux, et je n'hésiterais pas à réserver à nouveau.
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.
Quelle semaine incroyable, le cadre, les gens, les chansons, la nourriture, l'hébergement ont tous concouru à créer une expérience inoubliable. Travailler avec Dave et Vicki est toujours une source d'inspiration. Leur capacité à adapter le niveau de difficulté à chaque groupe permet à chacun de vivre une expérience positive. Chanter avec le choeur Lobras a été particulièrement mémorable et édifiant.
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.
Quel endroit magnifique et paisible avec tout ce dont vous pourriez avoir besoin. Facile d'accès en voiture de location. Des appartements magnifiques et des espaces pour se détendre et réfléchir. Belle promenade locale pour admirer le lever du soleil.
