Andalucía, Spain · The First Edition

You don't need to find yourself.
You need somewhere to remember yourself.

A five-night journey into the beauty of Andalusia, where extraordinary horses meet slow living and quiet exceptional luxury. Ride beneath open skies, gather around long tables laden with local produce, drift between the pool and spa, and surrender to days with nothing expected of you. Every experience is thoughtfully curated to nourish, restore and reconnect you with the pleasure of simply being alive.

Not a retreat. A return.

Four women riding Andalusian horses at sunset toward a hilltop finca
The Name
Alma Querencia

WHERE THE SOUL RETURNS HOME

Alma — soul · spirit
Querencia — a place of belonging · a place to draw strength · a return to yourself

A name born from the spirit of Andalucía — the deep, quiet pull toward home, horses, and the place where you feel most yourself.

A luxury world for women seeking the extraordinary — bringing together horses, nature, nourishment, wellness and culture in unforgettable destinations.

The Invitation

A journey through Andalucía.
Horses, wild landscapes, beautiful local food, movement, restorative relaxation and the freedom to simply be.

Alma Querencia Andalucía — Five Nights · Six Days
The Experience

In the heart of Andalucía, surrounded by rolling olive groves, lies this 350-hectare estate — a secluded luxury Andalusian estate, part of the prestigious collection of The Leading Hotels of the World and an award-winning five-star property.

Spa treatment room opening onto Andalusian horses grazing at sunset01

Rest

The luxury of having nowhere to be.

Slow mornings. Deep rest. Long afternoons. Beautiful surroundings. Time that belongs entirely to you.

Candlelit long table set for dinner beside the pool at sunset02

Nourish

Sun-drenched Andalusian flavours, slow-simmered dishes, and the joy of the sobremesa.

Seasonal produce, Andalusian flavours, long lunches and the pleasure of eating well.

Woman riding a grey Andalusian horse with dust catching the light03

Move

Feel your body come back to life.

Ride wild trails, stretch in quiet courtyards, swim, and wander where the landscape leads. Movement that feels like freedom, not obligation.

An older woman resting her forehead against a white horse in dappled forest light04

Connect

Come back to yourself in harmony with horses, open spaces, and one another.

Shared journeys, long lunches, and the simple beauty of being present.

A woman resting her face against a white horse's forehead at sunset

Some things bring you back to yourself.

Horses have a way of doing exactly that. Their presence asks nothing of you — only that you slow down, pay attention and meet the moment as it is.

Ride beneath open skies, walk among them, or simply stand quietly in their company. With these extraordinary Andalusian horses, connection doesn't need to be explained. It is felt.

A different kind of luxury: being completely present.

A laughing woman walking her horse down a country lane between stone walls

Perhaps the greatest luxury is remembering how good it feels to simply be alive.

The Arc — Five Nights · Six Days
Day 0 — Arrive — Sunday 9 May The world falls away.

Arrive in the afternoon and settle into the finca. Take a swim, wander the grounds or simply sink into your room before meeting the extraordinary Andalusian horses at golden hour. As the light softens, gather to meet the other guests over a welcome aperitif, followed by a beautiful first dinner beneath the Andalusian sky.

No schedule. No expectations. Just the feeling of having arrived somewhere very different.

Day 1 — Connect — Monday 10 May Meet the horses. Find your rhythm.

Begin slowly with breakfast and a grounding session with the horses. Spend time with them on the ground — walking among them, observing, connecting and experiencing their presence up close. No riding today, simply time to slow down and be present.

Return for a long lunch made from beautiful local produce, followed by an afternoon entirely your own. Swim, read, rest or surrender to a spa ritual or massage.

As evening arrives, gather for drinks and dinner. Let the conversation linger long after the sun goes down.

Day 2 — Explore — Tuesday 11 May Beyond the finca.

Today, Andalucía opens beyond the gates.

Today's day trip takes you to one of the region's beautiful white villages, along with a visit to a traditional Spanish riding school.

Discover Andalucía through its architecture, history, artisans, food or local traditions — with experiences thoughtfully curated rather than simply ticked off a tourist itinerary.

Return in time for sunset. Rest, refresh and dress for an evening beneath the stars.

Day 3 — Nourish — Wednesday 12 May The pleasure of being well looked after.

Sleep in. Take your time over breakfast. There is nowhere you need to be.

The morning is given over to horses. For those who wish to ride, a guided journey through the estate's olive groves and open countryside, moving at an easy pace beneath the Andalucían sun. For those who prefer not to, the morning is yours to spend at leisure — by the pool, with a coffee, or simply watching the riders set off.

The afternoon is deliberately unstructured. Pool, spa, massage, a walk through the grounds or simply a shaded spot with a book.

Later, gather for an aperitif as the light changes, followed by an evening of exceptional food, wine and conversation.

Day 4 — Restore — Thursday 13 May Nothing to prove. Nowhere to be.

The most spacious day of the journey.

Wake when you want. Take breakfast slowly. Spend time with the horses, ride if you're drawn to it, or simply wander through the property and countryside.

Then let the day unfold. Pool. Spa. Massage. Long lunch. Siesta. A walk. A book. Conversation. Silence. Nothing is prescribed. Nothing is required.

As evening falls, gather for a final shared experience — a gala dinner beneath the Andalucían sky, the table dressed for celebration.

As the evening unfolds, a private flamenco performance comes to life before you — the rhythmic stamp of heels, the soulful voice of the guitar, and the raw, unguarded passion of a tradition centuries in the making. Part theatre, part ritual, entirely alive — an unforgettable Andalusian experience shared exclusively with our group.

Day 5 — Return — Friday 14 May Take a little of it home.

A final slow morning. One last breakfast. One last walk through the grounds. Perhaps a final quiet moment with the horses before departure.

There is no closing ceremony and no forced reflection. Just time to savour the place, the people and the feeling of having spent time somewhere extraordinary, a world apart from ordinary life, and perhaps a little closer to yourself.

Then, when it is time to leave, you return carrying something that cannot be packed into a suitcase. Perhaps this is what coming back to yourself feels like.

A woman resting her forehead against a white horse at sunset, mountains in the background
Sunset · Andalucía
Aerial view of the restored Andalusian finca at dusk, with riders approaching along the drive
The Finca
Who Is Alma Querencia For?

For the woman who has spent years being capable, responsible and endlessly needed — and is ready for something that is entirely her own.

Beauty without pretence
Adventure without pressure
Wellness without rules
Luxury without excess
Connection without obligation
Drawn to horses, or simply curious about them
Arrive alone or bring a friend or someone you love
Riding optional. Connect with Andalusian horses on the ground or in the saddle
Get ready to step into something extraordinary

You don't need to fit a certain age, lifestyle or idea of wellness. You simply need to feel the pull to step away — and come back feeling more like yourself.

Nothing here will ask you to improve.

Moments From Andalucía
Poolside lounge seating and bar area at the finca Aerial view of the finca's swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and gardens
A Different Kind of Escape

What Alma Querencia Offers

The Setting.A beautiful Andalusian finca, thoughtfully chosen.
The Horses.Extraordinary Andalusian horses — time to ride, connect or simply be in their presence.
The Table.Beautifully nourishing food — seasonal, local produce, long lunches and the pleasures of the Andalusian table.
The Days.Restorative days, not rigid schedules — pool, spa, massage, movement, nature and plenty of time with nowhere else to be.
The Culture.A genuine sense of place — flamenco, white villages, local culture and experiences beyond the usual tourist trail.
The Group.A small, intimate group — enough people for connection, enough space to make the experience your own.

What Alma Querencia Isn't

A riding holiday.You don't need to ride to belong here.
A wellness programme.No prescribed routines, workshops or wellness rules.
Equine therapy.The horses are here to be experienced, not to "fix" you.
A transformational retreat.We don't promise to change your life. We create the space for you to experience it differently.
A packed itinerary.Some of the best moments will be the ones we leave completely unplanned.
A place to become better.You don't need improving. You simply need somewhere to step away, breathe and feel alive again.

Nothing to achieve. Nothing to prove. Just an extraordinary place to be.

The founders with an Andalusian horse in a finca courtyard at golden hour
The Story Behind Alma Querencia
Simone CassellFounder & Host
Hilary CassellFounding Inspiration / Collaborator

Alma Querencia was born from something Simone has known since childhood: the quiet freedom of being around horses.

Growing up surrounded by Andalusian horses, she was drawn to their spirit, their presence and the way they ask you to slow down and be completely in the moment. Years later, as life became fuller and busier, that feeling began to call her back.

Alongside her career, Simone developed a deep passion for health and wellness, including founding an organic food brand and exploring what it truly means to feel well — not simply through how we nourish ourselves, but through how we spend our time, what surrounds us and how alive we feel within our own lives.

Her sister Hilary has always remained connected to horses, including through riding journeys in Spain and Portugal. That shared history and love of horses became part of the inspiration for Alma Querencia.

Simone began imagining an experience that could bring that feeling into a new chapter of life — extraordinary horses, beautiful landscapes, exceptional food, restorative wellness, meaningful experiences and the rare luxury of having nowhere else to be.

She created the journey she wanted to take, and the experience she believes more women deserve to have.

Questions, Answered
Can I come alone?

Absolutely. Many women will arrive alone, and our intimate group is designed for connection to happen naturally — over shared meals, horses and unhurried conversation. Come alone or bring someone you love. Either way, you'll feel at home.

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

No. Alma Querencia welcomes both experienced riders and women who simply feel drawn to horses. Riding experiences can be tailored to confidence and ability.

What if I'm not "into wellness retreats"?

Perfect. Alma Querencia isn't about schedules full of yoga, meditation and workshops. Wellness is woven into the experience through movement, exceptional food, nature, restorative treatments, horses, sleep and space to simply be.

How physically fit do I need to be?

You don't need to be highly athletic. There will be opportunities to ride, walk and move, but the experience is designed around enjoyment rather than performance.

Do I have a health condition or injury — is that a problem?

In most cases, no. Alma Querencia is designed to be gentle and adaptable — nothing is mandatory, and every activity can be scaled to how you're feeling that day. If you have a specific condition, injury or mobility concern, we simply ask that you let us know in advance so we can make sure the experience genuinely suits you.

I have dietary requirements or allergies — is that handled?

Yes, we cater for this. Simply let us know your requirements in advance and our chef will take care of the rest — nothing here is one-size-fits-all, including the food.

Will I have my own room?

Yes. Choose between a private room (single option) for the full five nights or a shared room with another guest (shared option).

Do I need to disconnect from my phone and email?

It's entirely optional. We won't take your phone away, and there's no pressure to switch off completely — but most women find that once they're here, they want to.

Do I need to arrange my own flights?

Yes. You'll arrange your own flights to Spain, as well as your transfers. We'll provide the arrival details and recommended transfer options to make getting there as easy as possible.

What does the investment include?

Your investment includes five nights of full luxury accommodation at Finca La Bobadilla, all meals, wine, nightly welcome drinks and soft drinks, the signature horse experiences with optional riding, a curated day trip to a white village and traditional Spanish riding school, a final night gala dinner with a private flamenco performance, and a carefully curated journey of experiences, wellness and restoration from arrival to departure.

What is the payment schedule?

Securing your place at Alma Querencia is simple. A 25% deposit confirms your booking, with the remaining balance split into two further instalments: 25% due 60 days before arrival, and the final 50% due 30 days before arrival. We'll send you a reminder ahead of each due date, so there are no surprises.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Your initial reservation payment is fully refundable if the retreat doesn't reach minimum guest numbers by 20 March 2027.

Once the minimum guest numbers have been reached and the retreat is confirmed, payments become non-refundable, subject to any rights you may have under applicable Australian Consumer Law. The booking payment (25%) is non-refundable once paid, as are the 60-day instalment and final balance, payable 30 days prior to the retreat. Should Alma Querencia cancel the retreat, all guests will receive a full refund of amounts paid.

The First Edition

The first twelve.
By invitation.

In the heart of Andalucía, surrounded by rolling olive groves, lies this 350-hectare estate.

A secluded luxury Andalusian estate, part of the prestigious collection of The Leading Hotels of the World and an award-winning five-star property.

Alma Querencia is intentionally intimate, with the inaugural experience bringing together just 10–12 women for five nights in Andalucía. This small group keeps the experience personal, unhurried and deeply considered. With dedicated spaces, dining and equestrian experiences thoughtfully curated for our guests, alongside room for connection, discovery and simply being present.

The first edition will be offered through a simple application rather than an open booking page. Tell us a little about yourself, what draws you to Alma Querencia, and why now. Once the inaugural group is complete, applications will close.

If it feels like your kind of escape, we'd love to hear from you.

LocationAndalucía, Spain
VenueFinca La Bobadilla, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World — an award-winning five-star Andalucían estate located in Málaga, southern Spain
Dates9–14 May 2027
Format5 nights · 6 days
Group size10–12 women
What's Included
  • Five nights of luxury accommodation at Finca La Bobadilla — a remarkable Andalusian hideaway described by The Telegraph as “one of the most stylish hotels in southern Spain.” Set within a magnificent olive-grove estate, this beautiful whitewashed village is a true haven of luxury and wellbeing, where timeless Andalusian character meets considered, sustainable hospitality.
  • A generous Andalusian dining experience throughout your stay — including breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning coffee and tea, wine, soft drinks and nightly welcome drinks. Savor the flavours of the region, with locally sourced produce, olive oil and garden-fresh ingredients at the heart of the cuisine, thoughtfully reimagined by Óscar Velasco — National Gastronomy Award winner — and the Finca La Bobadilla kitchen team.
  • Signature equestrian experiences in the heart of Andalusian nature — immerse yourself in the equestrian soul of the estate across 350 hectares of olive groves, open countryside and holm oak forests. From gentle guided rides and riding experiences to unhurried time spent walking among the horses, discover a different rhythm of life and a deeper connection to the land. Riding is optional and experiences can be enjoyed at every level.
  • A curated day exploring the soul of Andalucía — venture beyond the estate to discover the timeless beauty and traditions of southern Spain. Wander the whitewashed streets of a beautiful Andalusian village, soak up the atmosphere of the surrounding countryside, and experience the elegance and heritage of a traditional Spanish riding school. A thoughtfully curated day that brings together culture, horses, history and the unmistakable spirit of Andalucía.
  • A spectacular final-night gala dinner and private flamenco performance — gather for an unforgettable evening of exquisite Andalusian dining, beautiful surroundings and the raw, captivating artistry of flamenco, performed privately for your group. A fitting finale to your time in Andalucía — celebrating the horses, the land, the culture and the women who shared the journey.
  • A thoughtfully woven journey of meaningful experiences, wellness and restoration, shared with extraordinary women and creating connections and friendships that can continue long after you return home.
Enhance Your Stay — discover optional add-ons here
Also Included at the Finca

Gym and fitness access from 7am to 9pm daily, flow spa water circuit, use of resort pools, and cycling throughout the estate.

Investment€9,800 per person, private room. €7,500 per person, shared room.
To secure your placeConfirmed once your invitation is accepted

This is not a booking. Places in the first edition are personally reviewed and confirmed before a deposit is requested. By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Alma Querencia.

Received.

We read every request personally. If there's a place for you in the first edition, you'll hear from us directly — not an automated reply.

Enhance Your Stay

Optional additions for those who wish to make their time at Alma Querencia even more their own. These can be arranged directly with us.

A woman having a private portrait session with a grey horse against a whitewashed finca wall
Optional Add-On

Photography Package

A private portrait session with the horses, beautifully capturing your time at Alma Querencia to take home and treasure.

The flow spa's indoor water circuit with counter-current pool and stone waterfall feature
Optional Add-On

Flow Spa Treatments

Indulgent facials, massages and restorative body rituals with Natura Bissé, complemented by a heated indoor pool, Finnish and infrared saunas, Turkish bath, sensory showers and signature Olive Oil Rituals.

Two women riding horses together through a sunlit Andalusian courtyard
Optional Add-On

Additional Horse Riding

Riding is woven naturally into your journey with us. If you wish to spend more time in the saddle, additional rides through the estate can be arranged, offering a beautiful way to experience the landscape from a different perspective.

Full menu will be available to guests.

Beyond Andalucía

Andalucía is just the beginning.

A world of Alma Querencia Life awaits beyond the journey.

Your first Alma Querencia journey opens the door to a growing world of extraordinary places, private experiences and future journeys.

Welcome to Alma Querencia Life.

Enter the world of Alma Querencia.

Be the first to discover future journeys, private experiences & new destinations — with early access to the Alma Querencia Society Passport & the world beyond the first journey.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Alma Querencia.

You're on the list — we'll be in touch.