Machito’s Afro-Cuban Percussion Retreat 2027

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

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First name *

Surname *

Email address *

Mobile telephone number, including international dialling code *

your planning intolerances?

Country of residence *

Retreat Prices, Early Bird Offer & Payment Information

Early Bird Offer – Save £50!

Book by 28 February 2027 and save £50 on your retreat accommodation. Standard prices apply from 1 March 2027.

A £150 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining balance is due six weeks before the retreat begins, by 9 May 2027.

Your booking is only confirmed once your deposit has been received.

Please read our Retreat Cancellation Policy and Participation Guide prima di prenotare.

Accommodation Selection (all retreat prices are quoted in British pounds (GBP), per person) *

• Poolside Single Room with Private En-suite - £995.00
• Standard Single Room with Shared Bathroom - £925.00
• Poolside Daybed Single Room - £850.00
• Shared Twin Room - £825.00
• Flexible Bedroom – Single Occupancy - £925.00
• Flexible Bedroom – Double or Twin Occupancy - £825.00
• Bell Tent Glamping - £720.00

Total retreat price

£0.00

Remaining balance due by 9th May

How would you prefer to pay your deposit? We will send a payment link once we recieve your registration preference. *

• Wise – recommended for international payments
• UK bank transfer
• Revolut

We will send you a payment link once we recieve your form. Your place is only secure once you have paid your deposit. We offer several payment methods to make it easier for guests joining us from different countries. Wise is our preferred international payment method, allowing guests to pay using supported local currencies and payment methods. UK bank transfer and Revolut are also available.

Accommodation Information

All guests must register individually, including couples and friends sharing accommodation. We will do our best to accommodate sharing preferences, but all room and bell tent allocations are subject to availability and confirmation by the organisers.

Are you planning to share accommodation with someone you know? *

• Yes, I would like to share with someone I know.
• No, I am happy to share with another retreat participant.
• Not applicable, I have selected a private room.

If you would like to share with someone you know, please provide their full name. *

Has your preferred roommate registered? *

• Yes
• No
• They intend to register shortly

Preferred bed arrangement *

• One double bed
• Two separate single beds
• No preference

If you are happy to share with another retreat participant, please tell us about any preferences or requirements we should consider when allocating your accommodation.

We will do our best to accommodate sharing requests. All guests must register individually, and final room allocations will be confirmed by the organisers.

Do you have any dietary requirements? *No specific requirementsVegetarianVeganoOther

Dietary requirements (Other) – please provide details *

Do you have any food allergies or intolerances? *

• No
• Yes

Food allergies or intolerances – please provide details *

Do you have any accessibility, mobility or other practical requirements that we should be aware of to help make your stay comfortable?

You are welcome to contact the organisers directly to discuss any requirements before booking.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Booking Terms and Agreement *

• I understand that every participant must register separately and pay their own deposit, including couples and friends sharing accommodation.
• I understand that the £200 non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure a place on the Machito Retreat, subject to the full booking terms.
• Submitting your registration does not automatically secure your place. We will review your accommodation request and contact you with payment instructions. Your booking will be confirmed once your £200 deposit has been received and your accommodation has been confirmed.
• I have read and agree to the retreat booking terms and cancellation policy.

Submit Retreat Registration

Recensioni di Google

Finca Ara Oko

5.0

Basato su 61 recensioni

alimentato da

Albert Pastor Solanas

5 mesi fa

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.

Anne Martin

5 mesi fa

I can't imagine a better holiday. Beautiful location, lovely warm people, great food and fantastic music making.

Laura Valenti

1 anno fa

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!

Venetia Bennion

1 anno fa

Che bel modo di passare una settimana! Ballare Salsa insieme a persone adorabili in un ambiente idilliaco circondato da mandorli e dalla luce abbagliante delle Alpujarras! L'alloggio era fantastico e così anche il cibo. Dave e Vicky sono padroni di casa favolosi.

Safiyya S.B.

1 anno fa

Un'esperienza assolutamente incredibile. Sono passate due settimane e ancora non riesco a dimenticare i panorami delle montagne ondulate, la bellissima luce, gli alberi da frutto, il cibo delizioso e, ovviamente, le lezioni giornaliere di ensemble di salsa! Gli arrangiamenti e le canzoni scelte erano così contagiose che non riuscivamo a smettere di cantarle per tutta la settimana. Dave e Vicky sono ospiti e insegnanti meravigliosi, e non esiterei a prenotare di nuovo.

Rachel Dymond

1 anno fa

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.

Maria Paolo

1 anno fa

Che settimana incredibile, l'ambiente, le persone, le canzoni, il cibo, l'alloggio si sono uniti per creare un'esperienza indimenticabile. Lavorare con Dave e Vicki è sempre fonte di ispirazione. La loro capacità di adattare il livello di difficoltà a ciascun gruppo significa che tutti vivono un'esperienza positiva. Esibirsi con il coro Lobras è stato particolarmente memorabile ed edificante.

Charli Rees

1 anno fa

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.

Debbie Kleiner

1 anno fa

Che posto bellissimo e tranquillo con tutto ciò di cui potresti aver bisogno. Facile da raggiungere con un'auto a noleggio. Appartamenti splendidi e spazi per rilassarsi e riflettere. Bella passeggiata locale per ammirare l'alba.