Sonoma Forge - La Donaira
Hidden within the warm embrace of the rolling hills of southern Spain, and within the confines of simple stucco and tile, is the healing comfort and simple luxury of one of the world’s most revered resorts. Finca La Donaira, a one-of-a-kind boutique eco-luxury retreat, is set high in the Andalucian countryside between Seville and Ronda. Unparalleled service, food and outdoor experiences await.
The ambience of La Donaire is of crucial importance to owner, Manfred Bodner, who was also the interior designer through his company, Themroc Design Ltd. All of the shapes and colors and textures and tastes of this unique place must communicate to the guest about the region, the environment, and the lifestyle. We are deeply honored that Mr. Bodner chose Sonoma Forge for his kitchen and bath fixtures. And we agree with his decision.
“We had been looking desperately for fixtures with the right personality and dimension to blend in with the overall design we had in mind. We sampled countless european models. Some felt ok, but when we unpacked them and held them against a stone wall in the half-constructed Cortijo, the picture always fell apart.
We used this process of “asking the house” a lot throughout the whole design process. It helped us create our quirky and very personal fusion of archaic structures and materials with industrial and post-industrial elements that make La Donaira today.
The nine rooms at Finca La Donaira include five in the main cortija, two across the courtyard and two designed as yurts set high on a hillside. Each is unique, some with enormous copper bathtubs and walk in showers, others with two stories, but all have gorgeous Sonoma Forge fittings, fantastically comfortable beds, and great style. In-keeping with the ethos of the property, all materials are natural: stone, iron, wood, leather, sheepskin and wool. Comfortable bedrooms all have sitting areas and large bathrooms offer underfloor heating for the chilly Andalucian winters. In the main cortijo, there are several sitting and lounge areas, with large scale furnishings and superb artwork. Large windows invite you to appreciate the incomparable scenery looking out on the medicinal gardens, farm, and hills beyond. Our internet research showed Sonoma Forge a last potential candidate, and when a conference took me to San Francisco, Erik Ambjor, president and owner of Sonoma Forge brought samples to me so I finally could see and touch Sonoma Forge products. I was a bit nervous because we felt we had seen it all and nothing really worked, but it felt right from the start. Nevertheless we had to ask the house... Some time after that samples arrived in Spain and eventually the Cortijo said YES!”
La Donaira features two outdoor “yurts” with the humble monikers of Yurt #1 and Yurt #2, and the simplicity is deceptive as these provide the ultimate in both outdoor romance and luxury commensurate with everything else that this unique resort has to offer.
Embark on a sensory journey, rejuvenate and revitalize in our spa. Get inspired by their luxurious, infinity pool with exquisite views. Feel beautiful as you step into their hammam to detoxify, relax and purify your body and mind, or warm yourself up in their natural, log heated sauna.
As their logo suggests, Finca La Donaira’s equestrian center is a real highlight of the estate, complete with 70 Lusitano horses raised using Natural Horsemanship, a computerized dressage area, plus lessons and trails for the true novice to experienced riders. The experienced team can also tailor multi-day riding programs, should you wish.
Sonoma Forge celebrates the art of skillful metalworking and machining by highlighting the beauty of metal in their unique line of designer faucets and tub fillers, dramatic shower systems, and coordinated bath accessories. Their distinctive product line offers homeowners refreshing design options with a decidedly masculine sense of style that enhances any setting, whether urban loft, country villa, or boutique hotel.