“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.” Safiya 2025
Finca Ará Oko is a creative retreat born from our love of music, nature and community. As musicians and percussionists who spent decades working in London, we dreamed of creating a space where people could immerse themselves in music, creativity and connection, surrounded by peace and natural beauty.
That dream became reality here in Andalusia. Our off-grid farmhouse rests between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains, nestled among almond groves, fig trees and vineyards. Just 15 minutes from the town of Cádiar, the finca offers both seclusion and connection — a sanctuary where creativity can flourish and where many guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Building on Bombo Productions, our London-based community arts organisation, we created Finca Ará Oko to welcome guests into a world of music, learning, and renewal.
Meet the People Behind Finca Ara Oko
Finca Ara Oko was created by Vicky Jassey and David Pattman — musicians, educators and retreat leaders with over two decades of experience creating transformative musical experiences in the UK and Spain.
Together they combine international performance careers with a passion for creativity, community and connection, creating spaces where people can learn, relax and immerse themselves in music and nature.
David Pattman
A drummer, percussionist, writer and arranger with roots in jazz and Latin music, David has toured internationally and recorded with artists including Jacob Collier, Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club, Bebo Valdés, Chachaito, Paul McCartney, and AfroCubism, among many others.
A sworn ritual batá drummer, he has spent more than 35 years performing and teaching, sharing the richness of Cuban folkloric music with people of all backgrounds and abilities. Read more
Vicky Jassey
A singer, percussionist and scholar, Vicky founded Bombo Productions in 2007 and holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology. She specialises in Afro-Cuban folkloric music, co-directs Coro di chiave, and leads Moving Voices UK, supporting survivors of human trafficking through singing.
She is also a ritual singer for Tambor de Fundamento, Güiro and Cajón de Muerto, and has dedicated much of her work to building community through music. Read more
Most guests arrive not knowing anyone and leave with new friendships, inspiration and unforgettable memories. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Il cibo era super gustoso e nutriente, e i panorami dalla finca, che dominavano il mare, con cieli dorati e la Via Lattea, erano davvero indimenticabili.
Ma ciò che ho amato di più è stato passare del tempo con questi incredibili esseri umani, che sono genuinamente devoti alla musica, all'insegnamento e alla creazione di comunità in un modo così divertente, umile, con i piedi per terra e sentito. Queste sono qualità che raramente ho trovato negli insegnanti, quindi incontrare Vicky e Dave è sembrato un dono prezioso che ha portato molta gioia nella mia vita.
Non vedo l'ora di tornare. Grazie!
Continuo a canticchiare frammenti delle canzoni... le mie sinapsi cerebrali hanno creato un sacco di nuove connessioni mentre imparavo a bilanciare il movimento, l'applauso e il canto in diverse time signatures - come strofinarsi la pancia e darsi pacche sulla testa!
Ottimo cibo e alloggio.
L'ambientazione era semplicemente sbalorditiva: cieli enormi, tramonti incredibili e molto tranquillo, un vero rifugio dalle nostre vite frenetiche.
Vicky e Dave sono ospiti meravigliosi, ci hanno fatto sentire davvero i benvenuti e a casa, persone così gentili e sincere.
