Best Independent Style Hotels in Spain

Embedded into the stunning island of La Gomera, Bancal Hotel & Spa blends the essence of luxury with environmentally conscious design and practices to give you a tranquil retreat with every modern comfort. There is an array of modern and stylish guestrooms and suites which enhance the beauty of the nature that surrounds you and invites in glorious sunlight. There are three dining venues to choose with options of gourmet dining with panoramic views, a buffet with show cooking, or a poolside terrace overlooking the sea. Each of the hotel’s five bars offer something distinct including live music at Silbo or poolside relaxation at Maraire. Guests are invited to completely unwind in AUALA Wellness & Spa and make use of its hydrotherapy circuit and treatment menu. There is also a 24-hour gym with indoor and outdoor fitness classes. The hotel boasts three adult pools and two children’s pools surrounded by sun decks in addition to the private adults-only Nudist Sun Deck.

Located in the stunning, scenic surrounds of La Mancha, Hotel La Caminera Club de Campo offers a luxurious, 5-star retreat to guests from all over the world. This lavish golf and spa resort can be found on the tranquil outskirts of Torrenueva, 70km from Ciudad Real, a spectacular Spanish region, famed for remarkable wines and classic literature, elegance and serenity.

Hacienda de San Rafael is a classic Spanish hacienda surrounded by rural estate farmland, close to the romantic Andalusian capital of Seville. This palatial estate is a luxe Andalusian retreat. Guest rooms and duplex suites are found within the main manor house; whilst in the landscaped grounds are individual villa suites or ‘casitas’ with access to a dedicated pool. Facilities include a restaurant, bar; and sports like tennis and padel, as well as swimming pools, yoga and massage. Activities on offer embrace horse-riding, and cultural tours to nearby cities such as the sherry wine city of Jerez, and Seville, the capital of Andalucia.

Located in the heart of Ciutadell, looking out over an ancient harbour lies a remodelled palace. Hotel Can Faustino aim to give you a true Menorcan experience. They offer luxurious accommodation and delicious, locally sourced meals. They warmly welcome you aboard their boats for a sailing or motoring experience. Alternatively, you may prefer horse riding or a yoga session. The spa offers a range of treatments as well as an impressive indoor pool and Hammam. Hotel Can Faustino really is an amazing place to relax and enjoy.

Don’t be fooled by the name, this is no ‘hostel’. This retreat, dating back to the 1920s, has hosted a plethora of Hollywood’s icons as well as real-life royalty. Hostal de la Gavina sits on an area of land jutting out toward the sea. This provides panoramic views from most of its sides, with an excellent beach just five minutes on foot via a coastal path. The interiors here follow a palatial traditional style with gleaming parquet flooring, silk wallpaper, Grecian pillars, flamboyant flower arrangements, marble surfaces and antique furniture. Three restaurants (the main dining room offers piano accompaniment at dinner) a spa and a ship-themed bar are available for guests’ enjoyment. Outside there’s a large, glamorous pool terrace, a kids’ play area and tennis courts. 

Opened in 2024 as Formentera’s first ‘eco-resort’, Dunas de Formentera is pure escapism in the Mediterranean. This beachside hotel offers barefoot luxury in a spectacular sea view location surrounded by nature, just steps from a sandy beach. 45 rooms and suites are found within standalone bungalows and duplex buildings, set amongst the sand dunes of Migjorn beach, shaded by juniper and pine trees. The property’s restaurant, Caliu offers Mediterranean dishes, with views of the infinity pool and the azure and aquamarine waters of Formentera.

This large and lavish resort has been attracting major celebrities from all over the world for many years and is the perfect place to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Nature lovers are sure to be in their element here as in addition to being right on the edge of the sands of Maspalomas the enchanting lagoon and nature reserve of Charca is just a short stroll away. Guests should make sure that they select one of the spacious upper-floor suites so that they can take in the vistas of the dunes below from the serenity of their balcony.

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.

This modern meets mid-century five-star hotel lies ten minutes from Girona, within the PGA Catalunya Resort – making it extremely popular with golf enthusiasts. On the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Camiral is the epitome of elegance and chic. The Mediterranean restaurant, chilled out brasserie and bars (including a pool bar) provide ample opportunity for socialising. While a fitness centre, on-site activities, an infinity pool surrounded by luxe loungers, and a spa ensure there’s plenty to keep guests occupied – be it relaxing, or getting active. It accommodates 149 rooms with Elemis toiletries and pillow menus.

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.

People who want the chance to feel like royalty should not miss the chance to stay at this grand former palace of the Marqués de Caro. This unique building can be found in the Old Town and the city walls have been incorporated into the design. Each of the guestrooms is as unique as the building itself and it is worth taking the time to check out all of the available options. Each of the rooms also has a story behind it and The Cat’s Room was once the main domain of the former owner’s precious cat. Unwinding on one of the large sunbeds that are set around the outdoor swimming pool while sipping a cocktail or two is the perfect way to spend an hour or two, while the Caro Hotel Valencia is famous for its excellent dining opportunities. Food is presented at art at the Michelin-starred restaurant Sucede and food lovers can be sure that they will be in for a real treat here.

Take a heritage vacation by staying in this magical castle dating back to the turn of the 14th century. This Catalan ruin – said to have been inhabited by Christopher Columbus at one point – has been completely refurbished to create boutique hotel accommodation comprising 57 bedrooms. Here guests will find exposed stonework, global artefacts, patchwork rugs, stained glass windows, Tibetan textiles and Victorian bathtubs, all contributing to an antique, yet exotic feel. There are two pools, one proffering stunning views and a bar, the other tiled and nestled in the castle’s gardens. Hotel Castell d’Empordà’s restaurants serve Spanish and Asian dishes and a cellar bar provides an atmospheric spot for a drink.