Best Luxury Hotels in Spain

Sensitively restored, this 17th-century palace retains its original charm and character, oozing with atmosphere while offering modern amenities. Guests are accommodated in 46 elegant and serene bedrooms in soft neutral colours with tactile fabrics. The in-house restaurant competes ably with local options, offering drinks and food by the glamorous outdoor pool. And the columned spa with its bamboo feature art, hydro jetted pool and hot tub is a real oasis — the perfect antidote to a hard day’s sightseeing. Hotel Hospes Palacio de Arenales makes for a lovely city spa break, or for a cultural mini-moon.

Housed in a 16th-century palace, this stone building contains smooth pillars, curved ceilings, Juliet balconies, hardwood and tiled floors and an inner sanctum-like courtyard. It’s found opposite Plaza San Juan and some of its 86 bedrooms overlook the medieval square and church. Guests can make use of the onsite gym, meeting rooms, the La Cava del Emperador bar and the Yuste Taperia-Restaurante, set on a street-level terrace. While encapsulating the local heritage, this property brings the NH Collection’s signature contemporary style and slick standard of service to Cáceres.

While many flock to beachside resorts in Ibiza, the Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila offers a very different perspective on the island. The 19th-century property is a former Lord’s manor house, tucked into the walled city of Dalt Vila, a Unesco World Heritage site. It was only recently transformed from a residential home into a hotel, with 12 guest rooms located in the main house and in an annex (book the former for original features such as beamed ceilings and wrought iron balconettes). The terrace provides stunning views over the harbour, there’s a fine dining intimate restaurant overlooking the plaza (all meals are served here) and an outdoor plunge pool to cool off in the Balearic heat.

Those seeking an adult-only ambience can book a room at the latest venture from Amàre (the previous one was in Marbella). Sant Josep de sa Talaia is perched on the beach at Bou Cove, where guests have direct access to a dock. The hotel has an airy, contemporary and barefoot luxury feel, with rattan hanging chairs in bedrooms, spaces designed to take full advantage of the aquamarine backdrop and wicker-furnished, lantern-lit al fresco terraces with glass balustrades. Private yoga, DJ sessions by the infinity pool, menus by Michelin-star chef Mauricio Giovanini and a beach club are all part of the lifestyle here.

The first “grand luxury hotel” to arrive on Menorca, Villa Le Blanc is perched beside Santo Tomás Beach on the Camí de Cavalls trail, with direct access to the sands via its garden. Blending perfectly into its surroundings, the whitewashed and glass balconied property echoes the local architecture and takes an eco-conscious approach to hospitality. Cuisine by S’Amarador and Joan Canals is served at CRU, there’s a Thai Room Spa and Wellness Centre onsite and a pool overlooking the sea. Bedrooms are swathed in shades of cream, with some suites adding private terraces, plunge pools and freestanding tubs.

A former nobleman’s home dating from the 1900s, Can Albertí 1740 Boutique Hotel has grown from a six-bedroom residence to offering 14 bedrooms across its three stories. Recognisable by its salmon pink and white front elevation with wrought iron balconies, it’s both striking and romantic. Inside, vintage styling — nodding to the building’s heritage — melds with contemporary Mediterranean furnishings. Guests can access an honesty bar, a leafy courtyard and a terrace perfect for sundowners, and the concierge is on hand to arrange spa treatments and dish out parasols and towels for beach use.

This palatial 18th-century mansion house turned boutique hotel will suit urban explorers wishing to soak in the city’s heritage. 14 bedrooms have their original sash windows and beams, complemented by Farrow and Ball palettes. The hotel may be small, but there are several places for guests to gather; in the sophisticated lounge beside the modern wood burner, at the bar, over a tasting menu in the bistro, in the walled courtyard garden and on a deckchair beside the plunge pool. Descend to the restored cellar, where you’ll find a “hidden” serene spa with limestone walls.

Dating back to the 18th century, this building accommodates 302 bedrooms across classic and premium categories and seven levels of suites, the highest featuring a huge panoramic terrace). The decor offers plenty of nods to its heritage, with antique and vintage pieces alongside modern comforts. It’s also home to the award-winning El Jardín restaurant, serving traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist by Chef Miguel de la Fuente (the Sunday buffet brunch here is quite the spread). The Caroli Health Club comprises a fitness centre, a sauna, treatment rooms and a Turkish bath.

The Paseo de la Castellana is the most exclusive street in Madrid and it’s here you’ll find the Hyatt Regency Hesperia. The hotel presents a destination restaurant, Santceloni, with two Michelin stars; serving regional delicacies from across Spain, the dining room was designed by Pascua Ortega. Plus there’s La Manzana restaurant and the Scotch Bar for food and drink on the premises. Choose from 169 bedrooms and 32 suites at the Hyatt Regency Hesperia, all place you within walking distance of boutiques and Madrid’s top attractions.

Housed in a 19th-century building in the capital’s commercial district, the NH Collection Madrid Abascal Hotel was formerly an embassy and home to one of the city’s wealthiest families. Now its 193 bedrooms are decorated in an all-white palette, with premium suites adding furnished terraces. Guests can sip cocktails by Diego Cabrera in the bar, dine from Spanish seasonal menus in the restaurant and relax with a book in the cool courtyard. There’s a bijou gym on the premises, but those staying here also have access to a larger fitness centre across the road.