Best Luxury Hotels in Spain

Tucked away in amongst the narrow medieval streets of the old centre of Palma is Posada Terra Santa – an unassuming boutique hotel housed in the Boixador Baron’s former stately home (dating back to 1576). A large central patio leads off to the reception area as well as peaceful interior patios which reflect the out-door/in-door feeling that many traditional Spanish homes are known for. Follow the flower-filled urns that adorn the stairs up to the main body of the hotel. The Posada Terra Santa has kept the original layout of the 26-bedroomed home, each of which are decorated in taupes, greys, and light luxurious neutrals, keeping a comfortable and cool elegance running throughout the hotel. There is an almost Scandi-inspired design element to the hotel with modern furniture design and lots of wood. The rooms are situated higher up in the townhouse so most have views out across the terracotta tiled rooves. La Despensa del Baron restaurant is a lovely place to chill out – the original 14th-century gothic arches provide for a shady arcade under which to enjoy some local wine and tapas. The hotel too has an abundance of common space including a terrace with a solarium and small heated swimming pool, a cosy library, and an honesty bar perfect for midnight snacks.

Cristine Bedfor Malaga is a creatively restored and decorated 1871 mansion, a new boutique 27-room guest house hotel that resonated with an imaginative world of storytelling and elegant hospitality. Opened this June at the corner of Calle Granada and Calle Méndez Núñez in Malaga’s historic old town, this enchanting property is the latest creation from Cristina Lozano. Each Cristine Bedfor property tells a chapter from the fictional life of Cristine Bedfor, and here in Malaga, we discover her childhood adventures on the floating island of Clementine

Part of the Marriott group, this hotel is one of the finest in the city. Declared an artistic and historic monument, the building was once the Santa Paula Convent (in the 16th century) and the Casa Morisca (in the 17th century). Its restaurant, El Claustro, is the former convent refectory, now home to a modern dining concept. 66 rooms and seven suites (some of which offer full accessibility) now occupy a total of five floors, with minibars and cable TV alongside beamed ceilings, wooden floors and views framed by arched windows. There’s also a fitness centre on-site and around-the-clock room service.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean sits the H10 Playa Meloneras Horizons Collection in Gran Canaria’s scenic Meloneras area. The hotel is comprised of a lush selection of comfortable and contemporary guestrooms and suites with options from the Privilege Service which offers exclusive rooms and amenities including the Doble Privilege Terrace with views out to sea or over the pool from its expansive terrace. There are five à la carte dining venues featuring Il Trastevere and Sakura, serving Italian and Teppanyaki Japanese cuisine respectively, as well as a buffet restaurant with show cooking. The hotel’s four bars include the poolside Naturalia and the Lobby Bar with live music. Guests are invited to take full advantage of the Despacio Spa Centre with bithermal shower and other wellness facilities. The hotel also provides guests with fitness facilities including a fully equipped gym and tennis courts. There are heated outdoor swimming pools including a gorgeous infinity pool and a children’s pool. The H10 Playa Meloneras Horizons Collection entertainment programme is sure to suit guests of all ages throughout your stay.

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.

This is another converted palace with a view of the bell tower, but this one dates from the fifteenth century. Despite the recent renovation, the original features and style have been respected, with rooms grouped around the central indoor courtyard, while another patio has its own well. The attention to detail continues with the care and attention that staff give to their visitors, with even kettles being provided. Terracotta flooring cools the bedrooms, some of which contain carved wooden ceilings; spaces range from standard double to suites, and there is disabled access. A Basque restaurant features a charcoal grill, and in another nod to that region, there’s also a Pintxos Bar.

This brand’s fun and youthful vibe fits perfectly into island life. The 162-bedroom W hotel has a chilled barefoot feel by day and a party atmosphere after dark. Its Lounge, set at the heart of the property, has been inspired by the amphitheatre design of the Old Town’s Dalt Villa. Glow is the oh-so-grown-up rooftop space for over 16s. And the WET deck creates a backdrop for dancing, swimming and drinking to the DJ’s beats. W’s Chiringuito Blue serves Mediterranean dishes, with the Beach by Ushuaïa offering a more casual ambience. Plug into the serenity of Ibiza’s natural environment at AWAY Spa.

To stay at the Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella is to experience an icon reborn, to be immersed in the spirited elegance of Marbella when it first emerged as a playground for the privileged few. 195 including 60 suites and duplex suites, distributed across three buildings: Atrium, Miramar and Jardín. Luxury suites feature in-suite living rooms and spacious private terraces. Contemporary Mediterranean design by Cristina Carulla Studio with natural materials and vibrant colours. Dining includes Jara restaurant, with Mediterranean menus designed by Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García.

The Lodge Mallorca offers that rare and perfect balance – a serene retreat that still embraces discovery and adventure. This boutique sanctuary, with signature lavender fields, in the UNESCO-protected Sierra de Tramuntana welcomes guests with elegantly appointed suites, between the historic farmhouse and standalone buildings across the 157-hectare estate. Days unfold at your preferred pace – perhaps lounging by the stylish infinity pool, indulging in fire-cooked Mediterranean cuisine at ‘Singular’ restaurant, rejuvenating in the wellness area with its pool and wooden barrel sauna, or exploring over 20km of private trails.

Barceló Teguise Beach is a luxurious adults-only hotel situated just 150m from the scenic Las Cucharas Beach in Lanzarote’s Costa Teguise. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation and is comprised of 305 comfortable guestrooms and junior suites with the majority featuring private hot tubs indoors or on the terraces. There are multiple dining options and bars including B-Lounge Cocktail Bar, Breeze Gastro Pool Bar and Champs Sports Bar. There are two heated swimming pools so you can enjoy soaking up the sun all year round including a stunning infinity pool with a spacious sun deck. A rejuvenating wellness centre with state-of-the-art facilities and treatments is available to guests as well as a fully equipped fitness studio and classes. There is also a wide range of water sports activities available at the beach for guests to make the most of their stay.

At the foot of the imposing Mount Teide, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, sits the luxurious Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora. This five-star sanctuary boasts 19 room options ranging from deluxe rooms and suites to RedLevel-exclusive accommodations including the RedLevel Master Suite Ocean View with Bathtub on the Terrace. RedLevel services include access to reserved and private areas of the hotel; preferential reservations for eateries and facilities; and butler service. There are 10 restaurants and bars to choose from and guests can enjoy live music performances and evening entertainment at the Plaza Atlántica. The hotel is home to four outdoor pools, including the longest infinity pool in Europe, in addition to an indoor spa pool. There are 2000m2 of spa facilities, a 24-hour fitness centre and tennis and paddle courts. The hotel is family-friendly and offers a kids club and designated water play park with slides as well as adults-only areas and experiences. It is also pet-friendly.

A converted 19th-century building homes the airy Boutique Hotel Calatrava, which sits as part of a façade of buildings that used to form an ancient Arabic wall in Palma. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary Spanish style – there is a lot of natural wood throughout, interesting art adorns the clean walls, and the furniture is a stylish mix of modern and vintage. There are only 16 rooms for a truly boutique experience, all of which have King size beds and spacious closets. We recommend going for a suite if you can as you are guaranteed a view over the bay of Palma from your private balcony, perfect for lazy holiday breakfasts. The Boutique Hotel Calatrava also offers a comprehensive luxury concierge to ease the stress of travelling – from organising day excursions to booking your private yacht, their staff can do it all for you.