
Best Luxury Hotels in Basque Country
The beautiful Basque Country is an autonomous region of northern Spain, with its own distinct personality. Suitable for a beachside break, it’s also close to the Pyrenees for mountain exploring and to France, which has influenced the area’s traditions, culture and dining. Indeed, food is a big deal here, with locals having a gourmand reputation. Classic dishes revolve around homegrown/fished/reared produce such as grilled lamb, cured meat, salt cod, anchovies, sheep’s and goat’s cheese, piquillo peppers and artichokes. Top destinations in the Basque Country include San Sebastián, home to a glitzy film festival, and Bilbao, with its modernist architecture.
Basque Country, San Sebastián
Akelarre San Sebastián

This sleek venue was born in the 1970s as a restaurant. Enjoying spectacular success, it held two Michelin stars for 25 years, before securing a third in 2007, which it retained. Of course, the food is a massive draw, but in 2017, the arrival of rooms and a spa, made it the complete boutique dine and stay experience. Circular wooden terraces take advantage of the panoramic seaside views, as do private indoor/outdoor heated plunge pools in exclusive suites. Cantabrian multi-sensory cuisine is served in the top-class restaurants, Akelarre and Espazio Oteiza, with chef Pedro Subijana at the helm.
Basque Country, Samaniego
Palacio de Samaniego

A region popular for wine tourism, Rioja Alavesa (specifically the village of Samaniego) is home to this boutique two-storey establishment, part of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage portfolio. The stunning front elevation features wrought iron balconies and with just 9 rooms, it feels more like you’re a mansion guest as you climb the 17th-century original stone staircase to bed. Suites are named after wines, designed using natural regional materials and filled with local crafts and artworks. Chef Bruno Coelho blends French and Basque flavours with farm-to-table dishes at Tierra y Vino Restaurant. Two terraces accommodate a charming spot for drinks and a stone-clad pool.
Basque Country, Getxo
The Palacio Arriluce Hotel

The Palacio Arriluce Hotel, a 5-star establishment in Getxo, Bilbao, is housed in a historic building blending early 20th-century charm with contemporary luxury. The hotel offers 49 distinct rooms, each with its own character, equipped with high-end amenities. The on-site restaurant, led by chef Beñat Ormaetxea, serves innovative Basque cuisine. Guests can indulge in the hotel’s wellness spa, relax on the terrace with a swimming pool, or enjoy the croquet club. The hotel is also an ideal venue for events, providing various exclusive experiences like wine tasting, sailing, and cultural tours. Its proximity to the beach and the Bizkaia Bridge enhances its appeal as a premier destination.
Basque Country, San Sebastián
Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián

Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián is a modern, tranquil retreat located in the Miramón neighbourhood, offering a peaceful escape in the Basque Country’s lush mountains. The hotel blends eclectic, cosmopolitan design with natural surroundings, providing 80 well-appointed rooms, including spacious suites with serene forest views. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and diverse dining options. While slightly removed from the beachfront, it offers seclusion and comfort just a short drive from the vibrant heart of San Sebastián.
Basque Country, Elciego
Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego

A futuristic masterpiece and a feat of building brilliance, this one-of-a-kind 61-bedroom property was designed by the lauded architect Frank Gehry. In the countryside just outside the beautiful medieval town of Elciego (The City of Wine), it’s a place of contrast, where the old meets the new. The avant-garde style continues inside, where bedrooms have cloud lamps and Porsche-designed electric kettles. Two restaurants – 1860 Tradición and Marqués de Riscal Restaurant – are under the direction of Michelin-starred Chef Francis Paniego. The Vinothérapie® SPA Caudalie Marqués de Riscal offers treatments using wine as a key ingredient, as well as hydrotherapy including a heated pool and barrel bath.