La Esperanza Granada reimagines Spanish Hacienda life in Andalucia for romantic and retreat getaways. #WEAdvertorial | Words and images courtesy of La Esperanza Granada
Set in the heart of the countryside in Granada, La Esperanza blends authentic Andalusian style with an elegant sense of contemporary cool. An enchanting private estate with eight gorgeous guest suites, La Esperanza exudes a sense of timelessness and presents an aesthetic of understated luxury throughout the property and guests can expect an exceptional level of boutique hospitality. Located amidst 4.5 hectares of organic gardens, ancient orchards and olive groves, this striking hacienda-villa overlooks Lecrin Valley (named “Valley of Happiness” by the Arab settlers hundreds of years ago), the picturesque region at the foothills of Sierra Nevada mountains.
Located just 35 minutes from the historic city of Granada, La Esperanza pays homage to the distinctive Alhambra style of the region’s medieval architecture dating from the Moorish occupation. The ambitious vision of international traveller, publisher and entrepreneur Christine Cunanan, La Esperanza is a member of the L.V.X. Collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and brings together the finest aspects of luxury living within one exceptional Spanish country house hotel.
“We are receiving so many inquiries for weddings and private family holidays for winter 2021 and the rest of 2022. We have fully paid bookings already for 2022 and we have seen a spike in interest since summer started for private villa rentals. Spain has reopened to tourists who can prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and life is returning to normal here. Several of our clientele are out from Asia and they shared that La Esperanza Granada is their dream wedding destination as a themed wedding venue and a private retreat getaway with family and friends. They love the exclusivity of booking up the entire villa, and the ease of accessibility to various outdoor activities like skiing in the mountains, horseback riding or playing golf at one of three golf courses just a short drive away. Guests can also explore Granada and the beautiful historic towns and villages in the countryside, or spend an idyllic afternoon enjoying our on-premises spa treatments or any of our handpicked activities where we can even invite a sommelier and private chef over for guests an Andalusian culinary experience, ” shared La Esperanza Granada owner, Christine Cunanan.
Artisanal touches
Escape to nature in style at this beautifully secluded and authentic style hacienda surrounded by exclusive gardens. Granada’s best traditional craftsmen, the last to continue the painstaking artistic traditions of the Moors, have created a courtyard in the style of the Alhambra. Handpainted frescoes by a trompe l’oeil artist adorn the doorways and windows where all the antiques and artworks were discovered with the assistance of some of the finest purveyors in Andalusia. Handcrafted chandeliers and sculptural lighting enhance the features such as the grand stone fireplace, oak panelled bar and ornate accessories. An impressive 1903 Bechstein grand piano sits gracefully in the spacious salon while the library provides a quiet area for catching up on a little work or relaxing with a book. Original artworks from contemporary Spanish artists adorn the walls alongside intricate antique tapestries.
Magical 5-star setting for destination weddings
The numerous terraces, courtyards and gardens provide a magical 5-star setting for destination weddings. Wedding parties will have full use of the main house with a master suite and up to seven ensuite bedrooms in the guest wing, plus a wide range of indoor and outdoor venue options. Palm trees, statues, fountains, brightly coloured tiles, artists’ murals, lemon trees and manicured lawns all add to the sense of subtle sophistication. In addition to some gorgeous landscaping details such as shaded pergolas and secluded gazebos, the estate also boasts a large swimming pool, infinity jacuzzi and tennis court. Exceptional gastronomic menus can be prepared by the villa’s private chef Maria Pimento, or guests can also opt for catering services from some of the region’s most talented private chefs.
As La Esperanza’s owner, Christine has thought of every minute detail when it comes to luxury travel, from the finest bed linens to the beautifully scented organic amenity products in the bathrooms. Christine took the bold step of purchasing the property while in the midst of the Pandemic in the summer of 2020, the construction and development work took place over several months and the project was completed in April 2021.
Christine explains “La Esperanza Granada offers guests an authentic and vibrant Spanish hacienda experience. I want everyone who checks-in to feel like our personal guests in a much-loved house with every possible comfort provided. From cocktail soirees to family reunions or retreats, we love bringing people together. I believe it will be love at first sight and that La Esperanza will become their happy place – one associated with happy memories.”
Handpicked Collection of Regional Experience
Further adding to La Esperanza’s five-star guest experience are Christine’s handpicked collection of concierge experiences which can be enjoyed both at La Esperanza and beyond in the countryside surrounding the estate.
Onsite activities include an inspiring variety of experiences such as Paella making masterclasses, Spanish-style mixology sessions, Flamenco lessons and Spa treatments. Beyond the property, there is a wealth of history and culture to discover with the heritage-rich city of Granada situated just a short drive away. From a unique dinner experience with a Flamenco show set within an ancient mountainside cave, to a cultural trip visiting the land of the ancient Moors at Alpujarras, or private guided tours of the famous Alhambra or the Albayzin and Sacromonte neighbourhoods of Granada, there is so much to see and do in Andalucia.
For food-lovers, Christine highly recommends the “Caviar tasting and Andalusian countryside horse riding experience” where guests can sample the world’s first certified organic caviar produced in a small town in Granada province. Made with no preservatives, the Riofrio caviar is now making waves in the culinary world. For adventure seekers, there is a “Snow and sand in Sierra Nevada and Costa Tropical experience” where weather permitting, guests visiting from December to the end of April can spend a day at a ski-village in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the next day, visit a seaside village with pristine beaches on the Mediterranean coast in Costa Tropical.
La Esperanza Granada is a boutique escape like no other and the entire villa can be hired for exclusive use for thematic private events and rural retreats. It is a 90-minute drive from Malaga International Airport and has a private heliport onsite so private helicopter transfers can be arranged upon request.
For more information you may visit www.laesperanzagranada.es (#WEAdvertorial)
Follow Wedding Essentials Magazine on social media | Facebook Wedding Essentials Magazine | Instagram @weddingessentialsph | Email us your wedding stories at [email protected]
