Our Story
A TALE OF OLD STONES AND NEW BEGINNINGS
Back in its prime, El Agustín was no ordinary priestly abode. This 300-year-old Catholic rectory once belonged to the Monasterio de Oia’s vast domain, a network of clergy who preached, plotted, and (if whispers are to be believed) partied rather enthusiastically in these Galician hills. Legend has it the property was mysteriously gifted to a local family, the details lost to time (though surely a scandal or two lies at the heart of the tale).
Inside, relics of this storied past remain: a grand marble bathtub, where the priests once washed away the confessions of the townspeople, an old bodega where barrels of wine once fueled many a late-night debate, and deep stone window nooks where sermons were written by day, and whispered secrets shared by night.
Centuries passed...
...until, on a blustery afternoon (April 17th, 2022, a date now etched in our family’s lore) the four of us stood on that very terrace, surrounded by half-restored walls, the scent of wild herbs and old granite thick in the air, wondering what life might be like if we returned to the land of our ancestors.
In true Agustín spirit – impetuous, irreverent, and ever drawn to adventure – we took a leap of faith. Inspired by Oliver’s grandfather Agustín, a gregarious Gallego who lived life large and delighted in every detail, we made the impulse purchase of our lives: a centuries-old, half-forgotten rectory in the most spectacular town you’ve never heard of: Malvas, Spain.
What followed was a journey of discovery...unearthing vineyard trails, forgotten water mills, ancient stone paths, secret beaches, and vistas that would make even the most seasoned of travelers pause. We soon realized this place holds a magic too special not to share, a land where the past and present mingle, where life slows to the rhythm of the old ways, and where every wander reveals a wonder.
And so El Agustín was born, a hillside luxury retreat that once again echoes with laughter, and where every guest becomes part of the unfolding tale.
If you find yourself here, glass of albariño in hand, feet propped on the terrace bench, know this: you’re stepping into a story centuries in the making. And it's a story still being written, one shared adventure at a time.
Choose your El Agustín adventure
Experiencing El Agustín is delightfully effortless, whether part of our fully curated group visits, or on your own bespoke journey through our private escape offerings. No matter your path, every moment is ultra-luxury, where every detail, from the perfect hike to a midnight glass of Galician orujo, is orchestrated for you, leaving you free to do the only thing that matters: revel in the experience.
Enjoy private transportation from Vigo, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, or Porto, Portugal to El Agustín in a Mercedes S-Class. Coming with an entourage? We’ll scale the welcome accordingly. And if you’re feeling particularly fabulous, descend from the skies by helicopter (our lawn’s quite photogenic). However you wish to arrive, we’ll ensure the welcome is every bit as memorable as your stay.
Curate your experience. Whether you’re escaping solo to recharge, plotting your next business triumph, or simply hungry for new flavours and fresh adventures, El Agustín offers experiences to match your mood. From quiet reflection to grand explorations, each journey is crafted with care and just the right hint of indulgence. Choose your own adventure; we’ll handle the rest.
Within El Agustín’s eight acres, once the domain of Catholic priests, now lovingly reimagined for modern pleasure-seekers, you’ll find a world unto itself. There’s a spa for indulgent moments of restoration, a gym for penance, and a pool that begs you to linger. Wander through gardens rich with seasonal delights, sip wines from our vineyard grapes, and escape to our forest retreat when you’d rather not be found. There’s an old water mill which still grinds to the rhythm of its neighboring stream, and tucked throughout the grounds, little luxuries and surprises to entertain you for days.
The art of our service lies in the smallest of details: a favorite wine waiting before dinner, a room warmed before a cool evening returns, flowers freshly cut and placed just so. You’ll find no stiff uniforms or rehearsed greetings here – only a team of gracious hosts and experts tending to the details that define our quiet luxury. From estate managers and private drivers to chefs, sommeliers, guides and gardeners, each plays their part in creating an effortless, seamless experience you’ll barely notice but will thoroughly appreciate.
