Afro-Cuban Percussion: Rhythm Roots Retreat

19th – 26th July 2026

A week-long retreat for anyone interested in exploring the roots of Afro-Cuban percussion and ensemble work. This retreat is aimed at both beginners and those who have covered Latin percussion basics.

Our small-group folkloric percussion retreats offer intensive study in the foundations of Cuban rhythms, including batá, rumba, makuta, bembé, gúiro, palo and iyesá, among others. These highly polyrhythmic traditions strengthen timing, ensemble skills, focus and confidence. The retreat is also a great space to connect with like-minded people. We tailor each course to the needs and level of the group.

The week-long retreats are split between tuition and practice time, making the most of the amazing location, relaxing and, of course, eating and drinking.

 

Course tutors
David Pattman and Vicky Jassey
(Read more about them here)


Accommodation and Prices

Prices:
The price includes seven nights’ accommodation, three meals a day, and five days x four hours of tuition. (Please see below for costs not included.)

  • Earlybird rate: a non-refundable deposit of £150 paid before 30th March 2025.
  • Regular rate: a deposit paid after 30th March 2025.
  • Full payment: due by 5th April

If you would like to arrange to pay in instalments, let us know.

Single Room: (Please note, you will still be sharing a bathroom)
*Earlybird Single Room: £845
Regular Single Room: £935 (1-2 available)

 

Shared rooms: 3 available
Earlybird Shared Room: £725
Regular Shared Room:  £795

 

Glamping (2 people per tent):
Earlybird Glamping: £675 each
Regular Glamping: £730


What the retreat includes:

    • 4 hours of tuition x 5 days plus practice time.
    • 7 nights accommodation.
    • 3 meals a day.
    • Accommodation – shared, single rooms or glamping.
    • Access to percussion instruments, piano and bass amp.
    • An opportunity to perform on the last night at a local bar.
    • The chance to stay in a beautiful farmhouse in the spectacular countryside away from the distractions of everyday life.

Not included:

For more information, visit our travel information page.

    • Flights
    • Airport transfers:
    • Travel Insurance
    • Extra nights accommodation
    • Extra meals
    • Alcohol

How to book
Step 1: Fill out our registration form below.
Step 2: Pay your deposit by clicking on the payment link or using our bank details. Please read our Cancellation and Participation Guide before booking.
Step 3: Pay the outstanding balance directly to our bank account by the 30th of April 2025.

Registration Form & Payment Links

Name
Gender
We use this information to organise sleeping arrangements.
Address

Accomodation

Which type of room would you like?
Prices vary according to th retreat and room type. Please check the webpage of the retreat you wish to book.
Please select your payment type.
Please check the dates on the retreat page for early bird discounts.
Dietary requirements

Payment Options

Please remember to read our Retreat Cancellation Guide,

Submit this form and make a payment to secure your place today.

There are no payment fees. 

Monzo Easy Payment Link for the deposit (Opens in a separate window)

£150 Deposit

Alternatively, pay directly into our account. These details are also used for the outstanding balances.

Bank Details:
Victoria Rosemary Jassey
Bombo ProductionsSort
code: 04-00-03
Account number: 10614012

To pay in Euros via Revolut
Beneficiary: Victoria Rosemary Jassey
IBAN: GB44 REVO 0099 7089 4931 33
BIC / SWIFT code: REVOGB21
CODE: @victors5wd

Our space - Accommodation.

Our catering - Food at Finca Ara Oko

How to get to us - Travel Information


Google Reviews

Finca Ara Oko place picture
5.0
Based on 55 reviews
powered by Google
Great place, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and even better music. Highly recommended for beginners and anyone wanting to enjoy Latin music. A very good experience.
Anne Martin profile picture
Anne Martin
4 days ago
I can't imagine a better holiday. Beautiful location, lovely warm people, great food and fantastic music making.
Laura Valenti profile picture
Laura Valenti
8 months ago
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 profile picture
Venetia Bennion
8 months ago
What a lovely way to spend a week! Playing Salsa together with lovely people in an idyllic setting surrounded by almond trees and the dazzling light of the Alpujarras! The accommodation was fantastic and so was the food. Dave and Vicky are fabulous hosts.
Safiyya S.B. profile picture
Safiyya S.B.
8 months ago
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.
Rachel Dymond profile picture
Rachel Dymond
10 months ago
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 Paul profile picture
Maria Paul
10 months ago
What an amazing week the setting the people, the songs , the food, the accommodation all came together to create an unforgettable experience. Working with Dave and Vicki is always inspirational. Their ability to tailor the level of difficulty for each group means everyone has a positive experience. Performing with the Lobras choir was particularly memorable and uplifting.
Charli Rees profile picture
Charli Rees
11 months ago
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 profile picture
Debbie Kleiner
11 months ago
What a beautiful peaceful place with everything you could possibly need. Easy to get to with a car hire. Gorgeous apartments and spaces to relax and reflect . Lovely local walk to view the sunrise.

Retreats

 

We offer small-scale retreats in a beautiful off-grid farmhouse in the Spanish Alpujarra, Sierra Nevada mountains.

Our retreats combine tuition and practice time as well as making the most of the amazing location, which includes mountain walks, beaches, sea-swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, star-gazing and horse riding as well as relaxing and, of course, eating and drinking.

What’s On 2025

Afro Cuban Percussion 19th – 26th May 

Machoto’s Master Bata & Rumba Retreat 16th – 23rd June

Coro de Clave Singing Retreat 14th – 21st July

Salsa Percussion & Ensemble Retreat 1st – 8th September

 

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Videos to give you a taste of the location and atmosphere at Finca Ara Oko. 

Afro Cuban Folkloric 

 

Salsa

 

Coro de Clave

 

Aerial Views 

 

 

Google Reviews