Best Resort Hotels in Spain

Founded in the 1950s by Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe, this was once the hotspot of various figures of European royalty during the summer but has since had a bit of a revival. Now renowned as an amazing health and well-being retreat as well as retaining some of the old-school glamour which had attracted the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly to return again and again. The 35 guestrooms and 80 suites are set amongst lush subtropical gardens and many include private outdoor terraces. With white timbered roofs and a coastal-inspired pastel palette, Deluxe Beachfront rooms compliment their views of the Strait of Gibraltar; whilst private villas ooze contemporary Andalusian chic dressed nearly all in white and boasting private pools. When you aren’t lazing around in verdant walled courtyards or around one of the three pools, you can learn meditation from a master, work with a naturopath, nutritionist or fitness expert to improve your lifestyle, or enjoy a Thalassotherapy treatment or ritual at the award-winning spa – holistic wellbeing is at the core of the Marbella Club’s ethos. When you get hungry The Grill is an old-school restaurant with knowledgeable sommeliers and French fare presented under silver cloches, whilst The Beach Club has a renowned buffet of vibrant seafood, paella, pasta salads and cold meat for more casual dining. Alternatively, the Chiringuito MC Beach serves up barbequed sacks and smaller bites, perfect for poolside dining.

The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Hotel Benahavis Marbella Resort is the group’s new flagship resort in Southern Spain. Sheltered by majestic mountains, this Mediterranean resort is close to some of the country’s most beautiful ‘white villages’, the prestigious town of Marbella, and the sparkling sea. Expect a compelling combination of European elegance with upscale gastronomy across 8 dining venues, as well as exceptional leisure facilities including a super-stylish beach & racquet club, an award-winning spa and championship golf courses.

The kind of resort hotel where the hydrotherapy plunge pool is lit from aloft by a Baroque crystal chandelier and flanked by a gilt-topped oversized mirror. It’s a castle with a modern annexe, surrounded by extensive grounds that incorporate an 18-hole golf course. Yet Castillo de Gorraiz is just a ten-minute taxi ride into town (or you can jump on the hotel shuttle). The public areas are opulent, with heavy velvet drapes and Gothis furnishings, while 47 bedrooms take on a simpler aesthetic. Dine indoors, or take in the views with a meal on the terrace.

Set between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Mijas mountains, Higuerón Hotel Málaga, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a refined yet vibrant escape that blends Andalusian charm with cutting-edge design. The 290 rooms and suites feature minimalist interiors in neutral tones with floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and panoramic views across the coastline or mountains.

Art and architecture feature throughout the resort, complemented by world-class amenities. Dining spans 10 venues, including Sollo, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Diego Gallego, Arara Bistro Bar for Latin-inspired dishes, and the rooftop Infinity Pool Lounge for cocktails and sunsets.

The Nagomi Spa & Beauty Centre is a destination in itself, offering hydrotherapy, wellness programmes, and Natura Bissé treatments. With multiple pools, tennis and padel courts, a state-of-the-art gym, and proximity to the Higuerón Sports Club and Beach Club, this design-led resort seamlessly combines relaxation, gastronomy, and coastal energy on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

As soon as you arrive in the building, the connection with wine is made clear, as an impressive bottle installation greets guests in the lobby. Pay a visit to the spa and you can book treatments which use wine-based products (guestroom toiletries are also infused with vino), or you can just drink it, in the restaurant, bar, or via a wine tasting arranged by staff. Golf is another draw for guests coming here; bedrooms and a dining terrace overlook the course with its pretty mountain views. And the gourmet offer is enticing, with its signature eatery, L’Olivera, cooking up Catalan favourites showcasing the local catch.

Inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture, this exclusive and luxurious hotel and resort is the perfect summer getaway. Blending the best of traditional Mediterranean lifestyle with contemporary living, the Finca Cortesin offers incredible cuisine, impeccable service and blissful tranquillity. Built around two sunny courtyards the hotel only has 67 rooms and yet feels palatial in style and space. Rooms are spacious and filled with light – a notable feature is their beautifully high ceilings. Spaces in the hotel manage to be both elegant and luxurious whilst still offering a lot of comfort. We adore the statement printed textiles which stand out against the warmly neutral décor. Surrounding the hotel is 23,000 sqm of landscaped gardens, a luxurious Thai spa, an incredible 4 swimming pools (our favourite is the heated indoor pool with views of the coast), tennis courts, and a spectacular beach club. The hotel is not lacking in dining options either – choose between the relaxed terrace restaurant El Jardin de Lutz, the Michelin-starred Kabuki Raw serving up Japanese-Mediterranean fusions, the traditional Italian brasserie from Sicilian chef Andrea Tumbarello, Don Giovanni, or casual tapas and drinks from The Blue Bar.

Reserved for adult travellers, La Isla y El Mar was the first hotel in the world to receive the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certificate, awarded by the Unesco Institute for Responsible Tourism. Alongside its 81 modern suites, is The African Secret, the hotel’s wellness centre, a buffet dining area and an on-trend a la carte restaurant. If you’re in need of some time in a cool, calm oasis, book a stay here. 

Lloret de Mar is one of Costa Brava’s premier destinations and it’s here that Hotel Santa Marta is found. Yet this property is hidden away, in an exclusive forested location beside Santa Cristina beach (this is accessed via a woodland path). The 76 room hotel is within reach of the town, yet provides plenty of activities on-site, such as tennis courts, beachside yoga, a waterfront pool with jacuzzi, supervised kids activities and an Ayurvedic spa. Guests can also bring their pets along when holidaying here. Fine dining is available at Hotel Santa Marta and there are two bars – one indoor, one alfresco.

The Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor is an exquisite luxury resort nestled on the serene Formentor Peninsula. This historic property has been meticulously restored to blend classic Mediterranean charm with modern comforts. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including rooms and suites with views of lush gardens or the crystal-clear sea, some featuring private plunge pools. Enjoy an array of dining experiences, a full-service spa, outdoor pools, and activities such as hiking, water sports, and boating. The resort’s design emphasises tranquillity and connection with nature, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Formentor Peninsula is known for its breathtaking scenery, and the resort offers direct access to pristine beaches and lush pine forests.

Deià maybe just a small mountain town on the island, but it is home to one of the most luxurious hotels in the entire region the Belmond Le Residencia. Surrounded by lush greenery and uninterrupted views, La Residencia has a relaxed and artistic feel that is worlds away from the more generic international hotel chains we have grown used to. Every single one of the hotel’s rooms, suites and villas is decorated in a specific style, and no two parts are the same. Guests will love the facilities on the property, which include a full spa, several restaurants and bars, two outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a full fitness facility, an art gallery and even a shuttle that goes directly into the heart of Deià.

Created in the style of a pink Moorish fortress, this luxurious hotel can be seen for miles and is sure to impress guests before they even arrive. Set right on the edge of Abama Beach, this is an enchanting place to unwind. The villas that can be found close to the beach offer guests plenty of luxury combined with pure privacy, while this resort features a sumptuous spa, several excellent eateries and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. People who want the chance to get back into the swing of things will also love the championship golf course that can be found right on the site.

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.