Sobre

“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 de Clave, 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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Imagem do local Finca Ara Oko
5.0
Com base nas avaliações do 61
Foto de perfil Merle Hensel
Merle Hensel
Há 2 semanas
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.
Foto de perfil Julia Polonio
Julia Polonio
Há 3 semanas
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.
Foto de perfil u.j. hensel
u.j. hensel
Há 3 semanas
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!
Foto de perfil Arantxa Casado
Arantxa Casado
Há 3 semanas
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.
Foto de perfil MSadler Coder
MSadler Coder
Há 3 semanas
Fantastic unique experience - great music - great community - I will never forget
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!
Ótimo local, paisagens lindas, pessoas simpáticas e música ainda melhor. Altamente recomendado para iniciantes e para quem quer desfrutar de música latina. Uma experiência muito boa.
Foto de perfil Anne Martin
Anne Martin
Há 5 meses
I can't imagine a better holiday. Beautiful location, lovely warm people, great food and fantastic music making.
Foto de perfil Laura Valenti
Laura Valenti
Há 1 ano
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!