This looks like a scene from Sub-Saharan Africa. A dozen stilted tents and platformed pods are spectacularly sited among lush, scrubby wilderness where lynx roam and eagles circle. A lake sparkles in the sunlight and then shimmers beneath star-studded skies. No one would believe this is southern Spain – the land of buzzy costas and lively Moorish cities. Out here in the wild and mountainous interior is a serene stillness and a beauty that’s raw and rugged. It might just be Andalucia’s best-kept secret.
La Dehesa sits on a private reserve of holm oak forests, pine woods and olive groves. The six tented suites - magnificent structures made from chestnut and pine (not your average poles and pegs construction!) - and six glass tubbos - an almost 100% glass design offering unbelievable stargazing - are widely scattered so they feel uber private. Each is palatial, with huge windows for taking in the scenery, proper beds, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms with hot water. Out on the deck: expansive views and your very own plunge pool. A catering service offers breakfast trays and other meals, all brought to you at a time of your choosing. Dine on your deck and spot birds and resident livestock rambling past. Then when you’re done marvelling at nature, explore it; hiking, kayaking, horse riding, nature trails are all at your fingertips. Days end with stargazing – guided by an expert astronomer if you wish. Simply magical.
Highs
- You are here to switch off, and switch off you will! The tranquillity is intoxicating, and yet you’re only 40 minutes from Cordoba
- The stilted tents and tubbos are extremely spoiling, each with air-con, private plunge pools, and fridges stacked with local produce and wine. Some tents have second bedrooms, making them ideal for families
- This is a nature lover’s paradise – look out for endangered Iberian lynx, imperial eagle, eagle owl and deer
- Astronomers will love it here too; the dark skies of the reserve have made it a starlight tourism destination
- Delicious homecooked food can be delivered to your tent for every meal - just ask staff at reception or drop them a Whatsapp message
Lows
- Tents lack curtains or blinds so you'll likely wake at daylight, but you can use one of the sleeping masks provided; tubbos have exterior awnings for shade
- There are no communal areas, and no bars or restaurants in the vicinity, so you’ll likely be in your tent (or stargazing on your terrace) in the evenings
- If coming in late summer or early autumn, be prepared for the surroundings to look dry and dusty
- Pools are chilly - but refreshing in the stifling summer heat
Best time to go
Southern Spain is lovely at any time of year, though bear in mind that in the summer months it will be very hot. Come in early spring (Feb-Mar) for blossoming almond trees; a little later for wild flowers. Autumn (Sep-Oct) is deer rutting season. Winter brings ideal conditions for walking - generally you get clear skies, but be prepared for the odd bout of rain and temps below zero at night. La Dehesa usually closes for most of December.
Our top tips
Essential packing items include a pair of lightweight hiking shoes, some mozzie repellent, a good pair of binoculars, and perhaps a pack of cards or some games for the evenings (especially if bringing kids). An astronomy reference guide or night-sky app would also come in handy!
- Boutique Glamping
- 12 glamping suites
- Breakfast included; other meals by arrangement
- All ages welcome
- Closed: most of December
- Plunge Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The 12 tents and pods poke out from the bushy foliage like secluded bird hides. The tented suites are made largely from local wood, which gives them a treehouse-like vibe, while the cylindrical tubbos perch like bubbles made of glass and steel. Access is via steps leading to a wraparound deck where you’ll find your plunge pool, sunloungers and shaded seating, all surveying the view.
The main difference between the six tents is the number of bedrooms. The four Junior Suites (Olive Grove, Lake, Starlight, Pasture – named after their surroundings) each have a double room and a twin room, making them ideal for families. The two Suites (Imperial, Hide) are the same size as the Juniors but have just one bedroom, with the kingsize bed positioned to take in the view. Suites also come with free-standing tubs in their bathrooms, making them perfect couples’ escapes.
The interiors resemble smart cabins, with wooden walls, floors and partition screens separating spaces. Bathrooms and dressing rooms are hidden around the back, kitchenettes at the side, and lounging areas at the front where the views are the best.
Stargazing is the name of the game in the almost entirely glass tubbos: lie back on the bed and count the constellations above you, after which each glass pod takes its name (Orion, Zeus, Hercules, Cassiopeia, Artemisa and Perseus). The six tubbos are all the same in size and style; they sleep 2 in a large open-plan space containing a queensize bed, lounge and modern kitchenette. There's a bathroom with a freestanding Jacuzzi tub and doors onto the terrace that reveal an outdoor shower. Though not as discreet as the tents, they're slick, futuristic, and ridiculously romantic.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Plunge pool
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Your kitchenette has a microwave, toaster and small fridge, which comes loaded with locally produced deli items, like cured meat, cheeses and pâtés. There’s also a well-stocked wine fridge – ideal for lazy evenings on your deck. You probably won’t be cooking proper meals here, but that’s ok because there’s an excellent meal delivery service.
Breakfast is included in the rate and is delivered to your tent on a tray each morning. You get a selection of cold items like breads, cakes, fruit, meats, yoghurts and juices, all to be enjoyed on your private terrace.
Lunch and dinner can be delivered on request, and there’s a full a la carte menu of options to choose from. Most food is sourced from the local area, to minimise food miles and showcase regional delicacies. Try the salmorejo (a refreshing cold soup, complimentary if you book through i-escape) and the pigs cheeks – both local favourites. International items like pizzas, burritos and teriyaki chicken are also offered. Dietary requirements can be catered for.
If you need additional supplies or you fancy eating out for dinner, the nearest shops and restaurants are in Adamuz, a 10-minute drive away.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Room service
Activities
- Stargazing is phenomenal here. The unpolluted dark skies reveal constellations that aren’t visible in most other places. Do a guided excursion with a local astronomer one evening: the experience begins at sunset and includes a night walk around the estate
- There are numerous hiking trails in and around the property. Trek to a nearby cave, or follow nature trails through pine and oak woodlands, looking out for grey herons, tortoises and otters
- Go horseback riding through the Sierra Morena – there’s a riding school 10 minutes away
- Kayak along the Guadalquivir River, whose course runs just south of here. There’s a night-time excursion too, on which you’ll paddle by moonlight beneath those infinite starry skies – how romantic!
- See the Sierra Morena from the air on a balloon flight. It’ll take you over the vineyards of Montilla, where you’ll stop for a tasting
- Seasonal nature-based activities include almond tree blossom tours in Feb/March, deer rutting tours in Sep/Oct, and mushroom foraging in December
- Channel the peace of your surroundings with an in-suite massage
- Take a day trip to Cordoba. This historic city was the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus, and the spectacular Mezquita – the only mosque-cathedral in the world - is a sight to be behold
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Caves
- Foraging
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Stargazing
- Walking tours
Kids
Outdoorsy kids will have a lot of fun here. Nature, wildlife and adventure activities abound, and little ones will love meeting the resident farm animals (pigs, cows, sheep). There are two-bedroomed tents, and the plunge pools are fun for splashing in.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Junior Suites have two bedrooms, the second being a twin, so they're ideal for families. Baby cots are available upon request.
Cots Available
Kids Activities nearby:
Families Should Know:
There are steps up to the tented suites, but balconies are fenced.
Distances:
- Airport: 40 minutes (Cordoba)
- Supermarket: 10 minutes (Adamuz)
- Emergency clinic: 10 minutes (Adamuz)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
La Dehesa is located in the Sierra Morena, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve 30km northeast of Cordoba. The nearest town is Adamuz.
By Air:
Cordoba is the closest airport (60km), but you could also fly to Seville (175km) or Malaga (210km).
By Car
You'll probably want a car to reach La Dehesa as it's in a rural location. Access is via the A-4 road, which goes to Cordoba, Seville and Malaga. For car hire see our car rental recommendations. If coming from Cordoba, you could get a taxi to the property - staff can arrange.
By Train
La Dehesa is located between the AVE high-speed train stops of Los Pedroches and Cordoba. From there, take a taxi or hire a car.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Cordoba 60.0 km ODB
- Seville 175.0 km SVQ
Other:
- Beach 200.0 km
- Shops 6.0 km
- Restaurant 6.0 km
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