Welcome to Las Mecías
A regenerative farm & guesthouse enveloped in nature
Imagine waking up in a place where you can see the sun rise and the sun set.
Where you open the door, walk down the path and pick a fresh fig off the tree.
A place where fresh bread and homemade orange juice are a part of the daily ritual.
Where you can lie in a hammock all day and listen to the wind, or walk through fields and hills, past springs and rivers.
A place where all things quiet down and there is space for inspiration to thrive & the relationship with one’s self is renewed.
Our Dream for Las Mecías
When picturing in the mind's eye, one sees rolling hills, snow-topped mountains peaks, olive groves and vineyards in the distance.
Chickens, mindlessly clucking about and picking at the ground. Mischievous goats going on little adventures through the bush and munching on the undergrowth.
A garden, growing in symbioses with all that lives in and around it.
Everything is there for a reason emulating the perfect imperfections of nature, nothing is ever too much or too little for long. An entity within a larger system, older that time itself and forever changing, undulating with the seasons. Life feeding life in a constant cycle. Always remembering that we are as much a part of this cycle and need to play our part to keep the wheel turning.
Being self-sufficient is a large part of this dream.
Not relying on corporations to feed us, keep us warm and turn on the light when the sun goes down. A simpler and alternative way of living, where life slows down and we weed out the unnecessary stresses of modern life. Everything takes as long as it needs and nothing is forced.
An enclave of peace, tucked away in the Andalucian countryside.
Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation for proper nourishment.
Unfortunately in most parts of the world, top soils have been annihilated due to monoculture farming. The short term, quick cash attitude and use of pesticides has ruined traditional, sustainable agriculture. There is very little good intention or love for the planet in these attitudes to farming. Unhealthy soil creates an imbalance of micro and macro nutrients, depletes soil health and kills any life, and therefore growth. With the climate in Spain being hot and dry for most of the year, a lot of work has to be done in terms of replenishing the soil.
Throughout generations, local farmers have (unfortunately) adapted to the demands of global commodities and are now largely growing in massive plastic greenhouses. We feel it is absolutely critical to preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings and move towards a simpler life that has a positive impact on our planet.
Water
Water, the source of all life. Without it nothing exists.
In a self sustaining system, no resource is more valuable. With a yearly average rainfall of just over 500mm the challenge is real to preserve, recycle and conserve as much as possible.
Using water systems intended to keep water in the loop, reusing grey water for washing and cleaning and finally irrigating the garden, orchard and food forest, we will be able to effectively minimize the amount of water needed.
Dry composting toilets further reduce the average water use per person and amending the garden soil to increase moisture retention aids in preventing water loss through evaporation.
Collecting as much rainwater as possible is paramount in ensuring sufficient water throughout the year without having to rely too heavily on subterranean water reserves.
Serenity
Much of life today is too demanding and much too fast paced.
Having both experienced high highs and very low lows, being a part of the restaurant industry as well as a plethora of other professions, we’ve both adopted the mantra, ‘live slow’.
We are firm believers that rest is best, nature is healing and instilling a sense of peace into your nervous system is something that needs to be a daily practice.
As cheesy as it sounds, we’re human beings, not human doings.
At the farm, we typically rise with the sun and let the daily rituals unfold; we encourage you to feel into what you want to do on any given day, and simply see what arises.
Meet the team
Nina
Learning to ask 'why' and embracing the continuous circle of curiosity is something that has allowed me to experience a plethora of adventures, working and exploring many different parts of the world. Seeking for 'something more' has been one big question mark since my teenage years, which led me to travel & find what I find most important; community, a simple, healthy and sustainable lifestyle, being creative & keeping an open heart and mind. Being able to cultivate those things in one place and share it with others is inconceivably exciting & fulfilling!
Laura
In recent years I have come to embrace my insufferable curiosity and accept that I will always be a jack of all trades but a master of none. Being in an environment that allows me to learn motivates me to the fullest. I have wandered down many paths and have picked up the most random knowledge and skills along the way. Being in nature and working with my hands fills me with childlike happiness and lets me indulge my never ending desire to learn new things.