There are moments in life where you start a new chapter and do what you have always dreamed of. That is exactly what Alexander Musch and Patty Lindeman (both 51) did. After three decades of building successful expat careers in Europe, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, they are stepping away from their hectic lives to open a boutique bed-and-breakfast nestled in the sun-drenched hills of Andalucía, trading the fast-paced rhythms of city life for the tranquillity of southern Spain.

By Arthur Blok
“Do not get me wrong, we loved our lives in Dubai, but the idea of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and creating a space that feels like home for those who want to escape their hectic lives’ was something we couldn’t ignore anymore,” said Alexander Musch, who currently serves as the General Manager of Pullman Downtown Dubai, has been a well-known figure in the UAE's hospitality scene.

Musch, who had a distinguished 25-year International Hotel career managing luxury hotels and elevating the guest and team member experiences to new heights, has left a lasting imprint on the region’s upscale hotel industry. In 2024, he received the much-coveted General Manager of the Year Award in the UAE, and he does not see this radical transition as a retirement but as a ‘reinvention’.

“The years flew by here in Dubai. We have been here for 15 years now with our three boys, while both having a full-time job”, said his soulmate, Patty Lindeman, who has been shaping young minds as a kindergarten teacher at the Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai. The couple met at the secondary school in Haarlem (The Netherlands) and have been together ever since.

For over 30 years, she has dedicated her career to education, nurturing generations of children with passion, patience, and creativity.  Lindeman: “The high pace of Dubai life takes its toll; it's time to take things a little easier.”

The decision to exchange the dynamic multicultural life of Dubai for the peace and serenity of the rolling hills of Andalusia, Spain, was not made overnight. The Dutch couple raised three sons, now grown and forging their own paths, and wanted to pursue their dream.

As they approached a new decade of life, the couple felt a pull toward something more personal, grounded, and fulfilling. What is a better place to do that than the extensive landscapes of Andalucia, where silvery-green olive groves cover slopes, valleys, and mountainous terrain?

Musch: “We wanted to stay close to our hospitality roots and create something together where people can unwind and take a moment of silence to break away from city stress.”

It has to be said, there is something majestic about their new venture, a charming bed-and-breakfast tucked in the heart of Andalucía.

It was also a great opportunity to blend their talents: combining years of expertise in the hospitality sector with creativity and flair for hosting. “It is something close to our heart, a simpler life closer to nature and good food. A break away from hectic city life,” Musch added.

And that is exactly what their new establishment, named Casa Rural El Olivar, is. A breathtaking boutique hotel surrounded by its own olive groves and rolling hills, from where guests will experience amazing sunsets. A nature sanctuary for guests seeking authenticity, relaxation, and meaningful connection.

“Dubai was a unique place to grow, and it brought us a lot: a safe and rich life where our family could connect to cultures from all over the globe”, Musch emphasised. All those years of hard work paid off and helped them to fulfil their dream.

“We wanted to create a place where people feel part of something, where stories are shared over homemade breakfasts and local wine, surrounded by beautiful nature and farm animals,” Lindeman concluded. “And we are so proud of that we did it.”

Their journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a new dream and that courage and curiosity can lead to the most rewarding chapters of all.

Their Casa Rural El Olivar consists of eight beautiful rooms and one suite, all surrounded by a private olive orchard and offering breathtaking lake views. Facilities include a gym, an infinity pool overlooking a beautiful lake, a relaxation lounge, and plenty of private Zen areas to unwind with (lake and) olive orchard views.

Booking for this summer and fall season just opened via Olivar’s website or by mail at[email protected].