A Luxury Spanish Honeymoon

Overview

The luxurious Cotton House Hotel is located in a stunning 19th century neoclassical building and was the former headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation. As well as paying homage to its past, there are plenty of contemporary Spanish design features to admire, so enjoy all the comforts of a modern hotel with a side helping of history.

Sophisticated and chic, many of the hotel’s original features have been preserved including ornate dark wood and gold ceilings, hand-painted frescos, and ceramic tiles. The beautiful spiral staircase is a real feat of engineering; rather than rising from the ground, it is suspended from the upper floor. The decor is inspired by the colours of the cotton plant, so expect soft tones of white, black, red and sepia.

All 83 rooms are bright and airy, and you can be assured of a good night’s sleep as you wrap yourself in the bed linen made, naturally, from the highest quality Egyptian cotton. In the afternoons, relax on the roof terrace or take a dip in the outdoor pool and enjoy the views of Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia. When evening falls, dine on classic Mediterranean dishes at the hotel’s restaurant and be sure to try one of the exquisite cocktails at the bar.

Barcelona is a city of such beauty and you’re perfectly situation to go exploring with the Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and the Gothic Quarter are all within walking distance.

Overview

Set in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, among Roman fortifications and medieval arches, the Mercer Hotel is a luxury five-star property, located within walking distance to many of the city’s major sights, such as the Cathedral, the Rambla and the Barcelona History Museum.

The cosy, yet elegant rooms retain as much of the original features as possible from bare brick walls to wood-beamed ceilings, and are decorated with sleek furniture and low lighting. The open-plan bathrooms also add a touch of cutting-edge and stylish design.

Dine on classic tapas and local specialties made from local products created by chef Xavier Lahuerta at Le Bouchon, an informal and relaxed restaurant which offers diners the perfect atmospheric mix of traditional neighborhood bars. In the heat of the day, head up to sunbathe on the roof terrace or take a dip in the plunge pool, and by night nibble on tapas in the French bistro-inspired bar or order a drink in the intimate cocktail lounge.

Overview

Set right on La Concha beachfront, the historic Hotel Londres is housed in a grand belle epoque-style building, and has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. Occupying such prime city location, this opulent four-star hotel has become somewhat of a city landmark, offering luxurious and modern facilities, with a touch of old-world charm.

The guestrooms and suites are spacious and light, featuring classic design and neutral tones, with small splashes of colour in the artwork and soft furnishings. Choose to wake up to the spectacular views of the sea and the famous promenade or the charming Xabier Zubiri Square and the city’s old town.

San Sebastian is of course all about food and gastronomy, and the Hotel Londres is no exception. Dine on delicious Basque cuisine in the modern La Brasserie Mari Galant restaurant, paired with spectacular views over La Concha Bay, followed by a cocktail in the classic Bar Swing.

Relax and rejuvenate after exploring the city by heading along the beach to La Perla Thalassotherapy centre, an opulent spa with modern-day technology and luxurious treatments.

Overview

The grande dame of San Sebastian hotels, the Maria Cristina sits overlooking the Urumea River and is set an elegant belle epoque-style building. It first opened its doors back in 1912 and since has hosted everyone from royalty and aristocrats to Hollywood celebrities.

Its lavish gold and marble interiors exude grace and refinement, while its 136 rooms and suites add stylish touches of modernity in their colourful contemporary artwork and high-tech features. Choose from river, garden or city views, or even your own private terrace.

Each morning begins here with an extravagant breakfast in the grand breakfast room, surrounded by Corinthian columns, heavy damask drapes and ornate plasterwork, while in the evenings pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and cocktails can be enjoyed in the Dry Bar, inspired by the glamour of the golden days of Hollywood. Dinner is also offered at the Asian-themed Saigon Café.

With sites such as the San Telmo Museum of Basque Ethnography and History, the impressive Buen Pastor Cathedral and the pretty La Concha Beach right on your doorstep, it’s ideally situated.

Overview

Eye-catching against the green of La Rioja’s hills, Hotel Marques De Riscal’s striking and innovative roof has been designed to reflect the precious liquid that’s produced in the celebrated adjoining winery of the same name.

Created by architectural genius Frank Gehry, the roof resembles a sail in the wind. It’s stripes of titanium are coloured in shades of silver that represent a wine cup, gold for the cap of a bottle, and of course, red to embody the wine itself. Catch the hotel on any different day, and its hues will appear to have changed in the sun.

With just 43 rooms divided between two wings connected by a bridge, a stay in this boutique hotel and winery will be an immersive experience. Due to the varying placements of the hotel’s huge windows, each room leaves a difference impression.

When you’re not out sampling the delights of the region’s oldest winery, sit down to a meal in either of the hotel’s two restaurants, one boasting a Michelin star. As expected, the wine list is impressive and features collections which date all the way back to 1862. On a sunny day, there’s nothing more pleasant than enjoying a gourmet meal on the terrace and admiring the views of the distinctive countryside and the quaint town of Elciego. Should you fancy some indulgence, the Vinotherapy spa boasts a design-focused indoor pool and multitude of luxury treatments based on the grape.

If you can bear the crowds, visit in Autumn to experience the full process of the grape harvest. Regardless of the season, you can look forward to wine tours, tastings, and pairings, as well as a profusion of exhilarating outdoor activities such as balloon rides, biking, and horse riding.

Overview

In the charming village of Villabuena de Álava, surrounded by the Basque mountains and celebrated vineyards of Rioja, the Viura’s stacked cubed form contains cool and bright interiors that amplify the surroundings.

29 rooms are unobtrusively luxurious, with floor to ceiling panoramic windows, some with views over the quant village streets, the neighbouring San Andrés Church and to the Cantabrian mountains on the horizon. Six suites feature a separate living room and private terraces.

Gastronomy takes pride of place here, with an intimate restaurant offering exquisite tasting menus of creative Rioja and Basque cuisine, paired with an extensive wine list by the Viura’s sommelier. Guests can enjoy a wide range of wines from the region and fully immerse themselves in the local viticulture on tours to local vineyards, tasting sessions and tutorage in pairing.

The surrounding area can be explored on borrowed bicycles and the village swimming pool, a great place to relax and mix with the local, is open to guests and sits next to the hotel.

Overview

Steeped in history, the Hotel Alfonso XIII was constructed by order of the King as luxury lodging for the international VIPs attending the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

This grand structure quickly became an emblem of the city centre and has been continuously used as a hotel until the present day, although Franco’s regime necessitated a name change to the Andalusian Palace while under his rule. To this day, you’ll find that it is the city centre’s only true, luxury property.

Typically Andalusian in style, the hotel expresses the region’s mixed Moorish and Castilian founding influences with authentic and detailed features. Each of its 151 bedrooms including its 19 suites are unique in design, falling into three style categories: Andalusian, Moorish, and Castilian.

Alongside its exalted, majestic architecture, Hotel Alfonso XIII is also notable for its large pool, which sits amidst lush gardens. This makes it a rare urban sanctuary and one of the only locations where being in Seville during the heat of high summer will be thoroughly enjoyable.

By the pool you’ll find an al fresco restaurant that turns itself into a twinkling vision after dark and serves Spanish and international delicacies. You can also eat in the sumptuously-tiled gallery surrounding an arched interior courtyard where you can take your breakfast and coffee. If you fancy something truly epicurean, the atmospheric Ena tapas bar is manned by Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán of Barcelona. Afterwards, discuss the highlights of your meal to the accompaniment of live piano music at Bar Americano.

In terms of location, you’ll find that you really couldn’t be better placed to discover Seville. Hotel Alfonso XIII sits right on the edge of the old – pedestrianised – quarter, meaning that you can benefit from arriving to the hotel by car and walking five minutes to outstanding historic sites such as the Cathedral de Seville, the Alcazar, Puente de S. Telmo, and Plaza de Espana.

Overview

This innovative luxury 12-roomed boutique hotel is located in the Casa Palacio Castelar in the heart of the historic centre of Seville near the Plaza Nueva and next to the emblematic Bullring La Maestranza. One of the main concerns of the Mercer group is the conservation of the heritage and culture of the buildings of all of their hotels. The integration of the old and the new is one of their hallmarks.

Mercer Sevilla boasts a minimalist and refined atmosphere in a typical Andalusian setting. Behind the elegant classic façade, you’ll find a patio and a beautiful courtyard with a marble floor, which is covered by a spectacular dome bathing the space with natural light. There’s also the majestic original staircase from the Casa Palacio Castelar. María Luisa gastronomic restaurant and FIZZ cocktail bar can be found around the Andalusian-style patio.

Head to the rooftop and you’ll find a charming terrace, with a pool and a solarium. This oasis of peace is the perfect place from which to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the picturesque Arenal District.

Overview

Granada is a city with more than its fair share of beautiful buildings and stunning architecture. The luxurious AC Palacio de Santa Paula occupies the former Santa Paula Convent which has been lovingly restored to offer guests a relaxing retreat bursting with character.

The hotel is centred around a beautiful courtyard with elegant stone arches and palm trees, the delicate tinkling of the fountain in the background. It also houses the tombs of the nuns from the convent. Admire it from the wraparound balcony on the first floor, complete with 16th century frescos, or sink into one of the chairs and enjoy it illuminated at night.

Fusing old and new, the hotel has managed to retain its charm and authenticity while allowing guests to enjoy all the comforts of a modern hotel. There are 75 rooms and suites, some with exposed brick walls and views over the courtyard.

The restaurant occupies the former convent library and the menu makes for good reading, fusing traditional Andalusian flavours with more modern culinary concepts. The courtyard is the perfect setting for a glass of wine and nibbles.

You’re ideally situated on the Gran Via de Colon, one of the main avenues in Granada’s old quarter. The cathedral and archeological museum are on your doorstep and the majestic Alhambra is within walking distance.

Overview

Granada is a city steeped in history, but this hasn’t stopped it embracing modern Spanish culture with aplomb. The blend of old and new is what makes a stay at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos so special.

The hotel is split across two buildings, one a renovated 19th century palace and the other a striking modern construction. The interior is bright and airy, and rooms in the older part of the hotel contain beautiful features such as plasterwork ceilings, Doric columns and friezes.

After a day of exploring, you’ll relish the opportunity to relax and unwind in the spa which features Turkish baths, a sauna and thermal pool. Sightseeing can build up quite the appetite so enjoy some traditional Spanish tapas or dishes inspired by the city’s Moorish past in the hotel’s restaurant.

No trip to Granada would be complete without visiting the majestic Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th century. Be sure to also stop by the Granada Cathedral and the Alcazaba, a wonderfully preserved Moorish fortress.

Overview

The Alhambra is one of the most iconic landmarks not just in Granada, but across Europe. The Parador de Granada is located within its grounds and is the perfect place to appreciate it in all its glory.

A former Franciscan convent, the Parador was built on the site of a Nasrin palace. The remains of the Turkish bathes are still visible today and other relics are housed in the hotel museum. Part of the building was the former chapel where the kings of Spain were buried before moving to the Royal Chapel.

Enjoy a stroll in the garden, from which you can look out at the city’s medieval walls and towards the Sacramonte and Albaicín neighbourhoods. The hotel blends classic and contemporary design with wooden floors, latticed shutters and pieces of antique furniture alongside more modern features in the 45 rooms and suites. The restaurant serves traditional Spanish cuisine and the terrace is the perfect place to while away balmy summer evenings.

The Alhambra is understandably one of Spain’s most popular attractions, but your prime location means you can enjoy its majestic palaces and beautiful gardens once the crowds have disappeared.

Overview

Hotel Seda Club is located at the heart of Granada’s historical centre, in the Plaza de la Trinidad, a gardened square dating from 1893 and just a stone’s throw away from the city’s Cathedral. This exclusive location gives you the opportunity to enjoy Granada as a local whilst also experiencing the vibrant rhythm of this historic city.

There are 21 rooms available at Seda Club, ranging from deluxe rooms to La Alcoba Real, the most expansive suite here. All rooms are designed to encompass harmony and tranquillity with the elegant colours, textures and art chosen carefully. Some rooms offer beautiful garden views whilst others have their own private balconies, allowing you to gaze down at the lively Granada below in the square and narrow streets.

Seda Club’s restaurant offers Andalusian cuisine concocted from produce that is selected and delivered daily from the finest local markets, proving an authentic gourmet experience. Relax at the cocktail bar or head down to the wine cellar to choose from a wide selection of wines, cavas and champagnes. Later, sink into bliss with one of Seda Club’s treatments at the spa.