20–27 June 2027 | Finca Ará Oko, La Alpujarra, Granada, Spain
For the fourth consecutive year, we are delighted to welcome one of Cuba’s leading masters of Afro-Cuban percussion to Finca Ará Oko.
Bárbaro Crespo, affectionately known as Machito, is a ritual drummer and rumbero from a dynasty of folkloric percussionists in Havana. Before moving to Europe, he was a leading member of the renowned group Osain del Monte.
This retreat offers five days of immersive learning, with four hours of expert tuition each day. Through practical workshops, ensemble playing and cultural insights, participants will deepen their understanding of Afro-Cuban rhythms, musical traditions and performance practices.
But what makes this retreat truly special is not just the classes. Much of the magic happens beyond the scheduled sessions: spontaneous jams after class, conversations around the table and impromptu musical moments that unfold naturally throughout the week.
Machito’s extraordinary knowledge, extensive experience and clear, intuitive teaching style, combined with his generosity both inside and outside the classroom, have made him an integral part of the spirit and community of Finca Ará Oko.
His warm, encouraging approach creates an atmosphere in which participants feel supported, inspired and challenged to develop their musical skills.
Set in the spectacular mountains of La Alpujarra, the retreat offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Afro-Cuban music while enjoying the tranquillity, natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere of Finca Ará Oko.
Bookings for 2027 are now open!
Book by 20th April 2027 to receive a £50 early-booking discount. Prices increase by £50 from 21st April. Places are limited, and this popular retreat fills quickly.
What’s Included
- Five days of expert tuition with Machito (four hours per day), plus additional practice time.
- Seven nights’ accommodation at Finca Ará Oko.
- Three meals a day.
- A choice of single, shared or glamping accommodation.
- Access to drums throughout the retreat.
- An opportunity to perform at a local bar on the final evening.
- Time to relax, explore and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of La Alpujarra.
- The chance to share music, meals and experiences with fellow participants in a welcoming and supportive environment.
What’s Not Included
- Flights.
- Airport transfers.
- Travel insurance.
- Additional nights’ accommodation (€50 per night).
- Additional meals (€5–€20 per day).
- Alcoholic drinks.
For information about travelling to Finca Ará Oko, please visit our Travel Information page.
How to Book
Complete the registration form below to select your accommodation and register your interest.
Each participant must complete their own registration form, including couples and friends sharing accommodation.
Once we have confirmed accommodation availability, we will contact you with payment instructions.
A £150 non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure your booking, subject to our booking terms.
Please read our Guida alla cancellazione e alla partecipazione before registering.
Registration Form
Recensioni di Google
What an amazing singing retreat! Set in the beautiful mountains of Spain, the whole experience was just magical. We stayed at a gorgeous finca with the loveliest hosts, Vicky and David, who made us feel so welcome.
The singing sessions were brilliant — lots of great singing, laughter and fun, with such a lovely group atmosphere. And the food was absolutely delicious, thanks to the wonderful Italian cook, Kiara!
A really special few days in a beautiful setting. I came home feeling happy, inspired and definitely singing a little louder! Would absolutely recommend.
An excellent Afro-Cuban singing retreat in an exceptional setting, with wonderful teachers and hosts. I not only recommend it, I will definitely be back.
Thank you for making everything so easy and natural.
Excellent retreat ! Great people to explore music with ❤! The house and grounds are very peaceful; the week was fun and restorative for me. I recommend it!
What a fantastic experience this Afro-Cuban singing retreat was! The setting was wonderful, and the professionals were excellent! Thank you so much, Vicky and David, for teaching us these beautiful songs.
Fantastic unique experience - great music - great community - I will never forget
Ayyy, como ponerlo en palabras...?
Perfecta combinación de profesionalidad, organización, amabilidad y cercanía.
Cantar en familia en ese lugar especial en el campo fue una experiencia inolvidable!
Gracias a las participantes y a Vicki y Dave.
Nos vemos en la proxima
We have done a great week. Vicky and dave gave all their love and power to creat community with wonderfull songs. We really succeded to learn that dificult stuff! And in the end even everybody song a solo voice! What big steps forward!
Ottimo posto, splendidi paesaggi, gente cordiale e musica ancora migliore. Vivamente consigliato ai principianti e a chiunque voglia godersi la musica latina. Un'ottima esperienza.
I can't imagine a better holiday. Beautiful location, lovely warm people, great food and fantastic music making.
