Hacienda Benazuza ElBulli Hotel - Our Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2007

Reviewed by Michael Soffe


FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD ..............

A truly scrumptious, yummy Hotel about 25 minutes due west of Seville. If you are looking for creature comforts, this is five star luxury on a grand, but intimate scale. The Hacienda Benazuza, originally a 10th Century Moorish farm was transformed into this magnificent Hotel in 1992 to coincide with the “Expo” of Seville in that year. It has grown from strength to strength. The arrival of Chef extraordinaire Ferran Adria or “El Bulli” as he is more commonly known, has added yet another dimension to the success of the Hotel. It is situated in a residential area of Sanlucar la Mayor (not the most attractive of Andalucian towns) but once inside the gates as the hacienda opens up, you would never know you were in a town.

An enormous courtyard greets you leading to the reception which houses the old olive press and a small olive oil museum. What is soon apparent is that style and service are of a very high standard. The Major Domo and receptionists are dressed in tailed morning suits. This style is appreciated by the glitterati of Spanish society (Royal family, stars of film, TV, football and bullfighters are amongst the frequent visitors). During the April Fair and Holy Week in Seville the Hacienda Benazuza is THE place to be seen! Helicopters come and go from the Hotel’s heli-pad and their rent a body-guard service is put to good use!

Grandiose in style, the Hotel meanders around several interior patio courtyards. All have hidden away seating areas and each is a different oasis. The gardens also meander and as you explore you will be continually charmed and delighted by the different areas such as a traditional Italianate garden with box hedges or the “patio de la higuera” (fig tree patio). Ornamental pools and the tinkling sounds of fountains cool the senses in the soaring summer temperatures.

Tucked away in the garden behind tall hedges is the inviting swimming pool. Discreetly placed, teak double sun loungers are dotted about in the shade of trees. The Hotel also has a Spa with massages and beauty treatments available.

The 44 bedrooms are opulent to say the least. Grand both in size and in style. Whatever your tastes, trompe l’oeil celings and frescoes, ornately carved Mudejar ceilings – there is one to suit. Brimming over with antiques and original works of art they are all classical in style. You know you are in an old palace! Every facility of a luxury five star Hotel can be found in the rooms. The wow factor is unforgettable.

It is indeed a rare privilege to eat in a restaurant that falls under the auspices of one of the world’s greatest Chefs. It is difficult to know where to start in describing a culinary journey at Hacienda Benazuza. Food is “art” and here you are in the “Louvre” of the food world. I feel I must visit the Hotel at least 5 times a year just to keep you updated!!!!!

Internationally renowned as “THE” hotel breakfast, you start the day with a feast with a difference. An enormous number of staff and chefs cater to your every whim and the tasting specials of fresh juices and aperitifs are unique.

Lunch has to be taken poolside in “La Alberca”, an outdoor restaurant festooned with delicate fabrics and a wall of cascading water. Dazzlingly beautiful. No menu here, just a small wooden box that you open and make your selection from the photos of the El Bulli inspired dishes. Sublime.

Tapas (if you are still hungry!) can be taken in the evenings in “La Albacaria” where again the bounds of what we know as tapas are being pushed to the limits by this extraordinary Chef.

La “piece de la resistance” is dinner in the main restaurant “La Alqueria” where Ferran Adria made his mark. His top disciple, Rafa Morales as Head Chef and Juan Jose Moran, the Maitre, personally oversee every finely tuned detail. It is worth noting that it is one of the ten restaurants with two Michelin Stars in Spain. The A La carte Menu is continually changing and holds such delights as lobster gazpacho with aromatic basil; loin of tuna with redcurrants and eucalyptus; orange soup with mango ravioli and ginger crème caramel to name but a few. Many gourmands opt for the Menu de Degustacion – the Tasting Menu (allow a good two and a half hours!). Owing to its reputation it is imperative to make reservations at La Alqueria at least two weeks in advance – we are happy to do this for you when we make your Hotel reservation.

An Ideal Hotel for serious “foodies”

The Hotel is basking in a whole host of awards for excellence and is featured regularly in the international press and upmarket food and wine magazines.