Best Independent Style Hotels in Spain

Set in a nineteenth-century palace in the lively El Arenal district, this twelve-room hotel is four minutes along a narrow cobbled street from the Plaza Nueva metro station, and slightly further to the cathedral. Rooms have all amenities, with some boasting balconies, or terraces complete with orange trees. Other facilities include a rooftop bar next to a plunge pool and an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar. A lounge area is overlooked by a traditional courtyard and fountain, featuring the original marble spiral staircase in one corner.

Once you step across the threshold of Es Princep, you immediately notice you’re somewhere special – you are embraced by the warmth of welcome you’d expect from this Mediterranean island, but you also become immersed in the sophisticated vibe of a capital city hotel. Es Princep is a full-service luxury hotel. There’s the urban flair of its destination cocktail bar, Gremium (where mixologist and bar manager Andreu Genestar works his magic, bringing genuine cocktail flair to Palma’s vibrant bar scene); fine-dining at the hotel’s Bala Roja restaurant (named after the hotel’s historic district, overlooking the city walls); and the upscale pampering of ‘Coco’, Es Princep’s luxury oasis spa – whilst the capacious guest rooms boast sea views.

This sophisticated five-star hotel complex can be found right next to the enchanting Dorada beach in Lanzarote’s leading resort of Playa Blanca. Guests here are treated to sweeping sea views that run out towards the neighbouring islands. Each of the guestrooms is expertly designed and very spacious, while the light and natural colours help to create the feeling of yet more space and light. Many rooms have their own small kitchens as well as ocean facing balconies. Among the first rate facilities that are just waiting to be enjoyed on the site itself are eight restaurants, a large spa and an enchanting outdoor swimming pool complex.

Puente Romano Marbella is an award-winning, experiential destination on the shores of the Mediterranean. This renowned Andalusian village-style resort offers elegant suites and private villas where heritage meets contemporary refinement. The ancient Roman bridge that stands within the resort’s beachside gardens inspires its name. Today Puente Romano invites guests to experience local flavours at El Pimpi and Sea Grill, alongside international icons like Nobu, COYA, Cipriani and GAIA. After sunset, COYA Club and NYX Marbella are the sought-after nightspots.

Found in a restored and renovated 19th-century mansion that used to belong to the Aloma Femenia family, the Saint Francesc is right at the heart of Palma’s historic town centre. The building itself is of neo-classical 19th-century style although inside the décor is paired back and contemporary with classic touches. The use of light marble and wood textures, stone checkerboard or stained wood parquet flooring, and huge arched glass windows, create a luxurious but warm feeling – the lobby looks more like the entrance to a beautiful modern art gallery than a hotel. Most of the 42 rooms and suites have exposed wood beams, covered verandas, and original frescos and mouldings. There is an impressive collection of modern art and photography, some of which have been privately commissioned for the hotel. There is of course an obligatory roof terrace with particularly impressive panoramic views over Palma’s old town. For the night owls and those who are more active, the Spa and fitness area are open 24/7.

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.

For a luxury city centre stay, in the heart of Seville’s labyrinthine old town, then choose the family-owned Hotel Corral del Rey Seville, a historic property full of eclectic, creative style and upscale elegance. Corral del Rey is one of the most established boutique hotels in the city. Created by a family with a consistent track record in luxury hospitality, the property is within converted ‘Casa Palacios’; striking noble houses once homes to the city’s wealthy when Seville was at the epicentre of world trade with the Americas.

People who like to be active during their holiday while surrounding themselves with luxury are sure to appreciate all that the Son Brull Hotel & Spa next to Pollensa has to offer. In addition to the signature spa with its sauna and steam room, the hotel also feature a large tennis courts and a huge outdoor swimming pool complex, both of which are set in a picturesque garden. Lovers of fine dining are also sure to be in their element here as gourmet cuisine is served in a stylish setting. Wine enthusiasts are sure to be in their element as a winery is attached to this luxurious hotel. Special wine tours and tastings are available on request and this special experience is sure to help make staying in this hotel truly memorable.

Located on the Costa Adeje Golf Course, the award-winning Hotel Royal Garden Villas boasts twenty-eight sensational 1- to 3-bedroom villas, each with a private, heated pool and features the Queen Villa with Pavillion. There are three dining venues, including the gourmet Jardín restaurant with its extensive wine cellar, as well as the option to enjoy floating brunch from the comfort of your own pool. There is also a weekly poolside dining experience with a tasting menu and live music. Guests can enjoy the exclusive Golden Pond Spa with lavish treatments and facilities including Hydromassage showers, a Turkish Bath, and a fitness centre. Unique couples Spa packages are also available. The hotel also boasts scenic sailing and fishing trips aboard the ‘Royal Garden’ boat where you can spot Canarian marine life.

An air of the aristocratic combines with a botanical theme, as greenery climbs oil-painting clad walls inside the Can Bordoy Grand House. 24 bedrooms have opulent gilt touches, sparkling chandeliers, ornate mirrors, rich contemporary fabrics and freestanding tubs. As with the decor, plants and sustainable ingredients are central to the cuisine served at its restaurant, Botànic. The candlelit spa features the iconic building’s original 12th-century natural stone walls and offers treatments using vegan SCENS products and therapies by Swiss Perfection. And a rooftop terrace provides cathedral views; a lovely spot to sunbathe and sip on champagne.

La Fonda Heritage Hotel, the elegant Marbella old-town boutique hideaway, is the first and only Relais Châteaux property in Andalucia. This 20-room property is on the charming and tranquil Plaza Santo Cristo square, surrounded by historic buildings. Fine dining is of course a hallmark of any Relais Châteaux experience, and La Fonda Heritage Hotel is no exception. Its signature Jane Restaurant, with Executive Chef Pascal Silman leading the team, offers a refined experience in the unique setting of a former chapel, with a menu inspired by Andalucia, using local and regional ingredients in creative ways. Los Patios de La Fonda is the hotel’s informal bistro space for breakfast, as well as daytime snacks and early evening tapas and cocktails, while the sky bar is a spacious roof terrace with views across the old town to the Mediterranean.

The Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa is a lavish 5-star resort in the heart of Lanzarote, overlooking the dazzling sea and the Bay of Arrecife and a mere five minutes from the airport. On the stunning El Reducto Beach, this hotel is comprised of 160 comfortable and contemporary guestrooms and suites fitted with expansive windows offering spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean or the city of Arrecife. The rooms are divided into 56 double rooms, 104 suites and 4 Sky Suites with two bedrooms and panoramic views. The hotel offers four diverse dining options including the rooftop Blue 17 Restaurant with an exquisite menu and sensational views. Guests are invited to take full advantage of the AQUAPLUS SPA with its hydrothermal circuit and a range of treatments and massages on offer.