“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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A comida estava super saborosa e nutritiva, e as vistas da quinta, com vista para o mar, com céus dourados e a Via Láctea, foram verdadeiramente inesquecíveis.
Mas o que mais adorei foi passar tempo com estes seres humanos incríveis, que são genuinamente devotados à música, ao ensino e à construção de comunidade de uma forma tão divertida, humilde, terrena e sincera. Estas são qualidades que raramente encontrei em professores, por isso conhecer a Vicky e o Dave foi como um presente precioso que trouxe muita alegria à minha vida.
Mal posso esperar para voltar. Obrigado!
Continuo a cantar excertos das canções... os meus neurónios fizeram todo o tipo de novas ligações à medida que aprendi a equilibrar o movimento, as palmas e o canto em diferentes compassos - como esfregar a barriga e dar palmadinhas na cabeça!
Ótima comida e alojamento também.
O cenário era simplesmente deslumbrante - céus enormes, pores do sol incríveis e muito tranquilo, um verdadeiro refúgio das nossas vidas agitadas.
Vicky e Dave são anfitriões maravilhosos, fizeram-nos sentir muito bem-vindos e em casa, pessoas tão gentis e genuínas.
