Finca La Bobadilla, the iconic 73-room luxury estate set on a magnificent 350-hectare private landscape in the Sierra de Loja, is now open following a meticulous design-led renovation by Único Hotels.
Positioned as the gateway to the heart of Andalusia, the property lies just 15 minutes from Antequera’s AVE high-speed train station, 40 minutes from Málaga, and under one hour from the historic cities of Granada and Córdoba. Surrounded by rolling hills, Mediterranean woodland, and more than 2,000 ancient olive trees, Finca La Bobadilla offers an exceptional blend of deep rural serenity and convenient access to southern Spain’s richest cultural and natural experiences.
Único Hotels, the family-owned Spanish boutique hotel group founded by Pau Guardans and now led with his children Carlota and Alex, acquired the estate in early 2025 and assumed management in February 2025. The group has completed a meticulous, design-led renovation that elevates every aspect of the property while carefully preserving its authentic Andalusian character and village-like charm.
“We are delighted to welcome Finca La Bobadilla into the Único Hotels family,” said Pau Guardans. “This renovation has allowed us to enhance the guest experience while honouring the estate’s unique Andalusian heritage and spirit. As a family, we wanted to preserve the small rituals that make Bobadilla feel like home – the morning ritual of fresh pastries, the pony that greets visitors, the sound of the chapel organ – while offering new moments for families and friends to connect.”
Design and craft
Interior design direction was led by Único’s in-house team, headed by Pilar García-Nieto. The renovation strengthens the estate’s deep connection to its landscape through a refined palette of natural materials – wicker, raffia, rattan, noble woods, and handcrafted ceramics sourced from local artisans. Warm neutral tones, textured wall finishes, preserved wooden beam ceilings, natural stone and terracotta-inspired flooring, and bespoke rugs inspired by traditional motifs, create warm and tactile interiors that feel both timeless and deeply rooted in place.
Guest rooms and suites now feature more generous proportions, improved spatial flow, residential-style seating areas, expansive terraces that blur indoor and outdoor living, natural linen and cotton textiles, custom furniture with artisanal detailing, and layered warm lighting with wrought-iron lamps and coloured glass lanterns. Bathrooms have been elevated with handcrafted ceramics, clean lines, and sensory tactile finishes. The “Horses” series by Xavier Guardans adds a distinctive artistic touch that reinforces the estate’s and region’s strong equestrian heritage.
Public spaces
Public spaces have been thoughtfully refreshed for greater intimacy and calm. The Mozarabic-inspired lobby welcomes guests with warmer lighting and refined materials. The bar, library, and billiard areas have been reorganised to encourage relaxed rhythms, enhanced by abundant indoor plants that connect guests to the surrounding countryside. The three signature restaurants – El Cortijo, La Jara and El Mirador – have been completely redesigned with new layouts, furniture, lighting, and décor. Gastronomic direction is provided by acclaimed chef Óscar Velasco, with a strong focus on seasonal Andalusian produce and authentic local flavours.
A distinctly local welcome
The new Finca La Bobadilla deepens its relationship with local producers and traditions. Breakfast pastries and Antequera molletes are sourced from Tahona de Fuente Camacho, a 70‑year‑old bakery in Loja, and artisanal sweets made by the nuns of the Convent of Archidona are left as a welcome treat in guest rooms. These small, human gestures aim to make stays feel lived‑in and lovingly local.
Outdoor and family experiences
The outdoor experience has been dramatically enhanced. Landscape design by acclaimed Rocío Sainz de Rozas has introduced a more natural and sustainable aesthetic, replacing over 10,000 m² of grass with native plantings and mulch, restoring and lighting pathways, and doubling parking capacity. New and upgraded facilities include:
- A dedicated Equestrian Centre with five horses and curated riding routes through the olive groves and woodland – and Wendy, the 32-year old pony, who has become a beloved elder of the farm
- A Bike Centre with more than 20 mountain bikes and e-bikes for all ages
- Expanded courts for tennis, padel, and pickleball
- Over 1,000 m² of refreshed outdoor pool areas surrounded by aromatic gardens and generous terraces
- A fully updated Flow Spa with new sensory showers, upgraded massage cabins, Finnish sauna, contrast therapies, a dedicated Children’s Spa, and heated indoor pool. Treatments are delivered using premium products from Barcelona-born Natura Bissé offering luxurious, results-driven rituals for deep relaxation and wellbeing
- A refreshed Kid’s Club (seasonal), offering supervised creative workshops, arts and crafts, outdoor games, themed activities, water sports, gardening experiences, nature exploration, and interaction with farm animals. Half-day and full-day options with meals are available for children 4-12
- Additional family-friendly features include a dedicated children’s indoor pool, outdoor playground with slides and shaded areas, and direct access to the estate’s farm, vegetable garden, and lake
- A new family-friendly gym that opens onto the olive groves, a games room with board games and billiards
Music, history and moments
The estate’s chapel – home to one of the largest private collection organs in Europe – will host a new concert series in collaboration with local conservatories, bringing live music into the rhythms of the hotel and the surrounding towns. These cultural moments, alongside everyday small pleasures – from farm breakfasts to sunset rides -are central to the renewed Finca experience.
Sustainability and stewardship
Sustainability is embedded throughout, with biomass for hot water generation, an on-site photovoltaic plant, and extensive use of local materials and artisanal techniques.
Finca La Bobadilla now provides an ideal setting for couples, groups of friends, and families seeking a sophisticated rural retreat with rich activities and easy access to Andalusia’s highlights.
