Best Luxury Hotels in Spain

Founded in 1912, this was named after the Spanish queen consort, who was the first to enter the hotel. Since then it has hosted many A-listers. The Maria Cristina lies close to the beach and right beside the River Urumea, a Grande Dame reminiscent of the Belle Epoque era. Original features are found beside more contemporary touches in its 139 bedrooms. And when it comes to meals, there’s a daily buffet breakfast, as well as two fine dining establishments: Café Saigon and Mimo San Sebastián. With a gym, a library, free bicycle hire, daily classes (including Michelin-style cooking) and a fine on-site deli to peruse, there’s plenty to amuse its high-end guests.

Occupying a refurbished building in the centre of Santander the Gran Hotel Sardinero is the perfect place from which to explore the delights of Santander with the Gran Casino and Magdelena Palace only moments away.  Whilst the hotel occupies a historic building its interior is modern and has a maritime feel to it. Its rooms are elegant and welcoming with many boasting glorious sea views and some having private terraces where guests can sit out and watch the sunset over the glorious Bay of Biscay. The hotel’s restaurant prides itself on its gastronomic excellence offering guests a range of traditional meals which are made only with the finest local produce. The restaurant is open and spacious making it the perfect place for fine dining.  The Gran Hotel Sardinero is a great choice for travellers who like relaxed luxury and who want to explore all the sites Santander has to offer.

The Hotel Villa Favorita is the height of luxury and style. Located in the iconic La Concha Beach it seamlessly blends the life of San Sebastian with the tranquillity of a 19th-century Villa. The rooms are elegant, spacious and inviting, with many boasting fabulous views of La Concha Bay. Yet the Hotel’s piece de resistance is its two Michelin-starred restaurants Amelia curated by expert chef Paulo Airaudo. The food is exceptionally fresh and locally sourced with Paulo paying homage to his Italian and Argentinean roots in his cooking whilst also emphasising the use of local produce as well as forgotten ingredients in his cooking. The hotel also offers guests personal assistance when arranging excursions around the Basque country, its concierge service is nothing less than exceptional. The hotel is home to a spa and wellness centre which provides world class massages and wellness treatments for guests.

Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo, Santander comprises 64 luxurious guestrooms and suites. This boutique hotel is ideally located in the heart of the bustling city and is less than two kilometres from the beautiful sands of Playa Peligros and Playa El Sardinero II. A stay here ensures guests have all of the modern comforts they require while offering a contemporary sanctuary away from such a vibrant city. There is a breakfast buffet with gluten-free menus available to ensure all guests are catered for. This hotel truly extends a warm welcome to all, including furry friends – dogs are invited to accompany guests. Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo offers an activity booking service including visits to Santander Festival Palace, the Casino, or the beautiful shores of Playa El Puntal.

Nestled in the heart of Mallorca’s idyllic countryside the historic Zoetry Mallorca occupies a restored 14th-century country estate boasting its very own neo-gothic chapel, windmill and Mallorcan manor house. Its 101 rooms and suites are inside these architecturally preserved buildings and seamlessly blend Mallorcan heritage with modern amenities. Zoetry’s Pure Spa by Natura Blisse offers guests many different world-class treatments and is the perfect way to switch off and relax. Yet Zoetrys piece de resistance is its restaurant Mediterranean created by the renowned chef Andreu Genestra. It not only boasts a Michelin star but also has a green Michelin star, the restaurant prides itself on its use of local produce and has its own farm and vineyard. Zoetry also offers The Endless Privileges package which offers guests the height of luxury, with bespoke and attentive service, unique experiences and endless dining and drinks. Zoetry is the perfect luxury boutique hotel for guests wishing to soak up the beauty of the Mallorcan interior and relax.

With the idyllic Cala Giverola Cove at its centre, Zel Mallorca is a must-stay destination for any guest wanting sun, sea and relaxation. The Cala Giverola is an oasis nestled between the mountains and the ocean and its golden sand beaches are perfect for guests wishing to soak in the sun. Zel Mallorca expertly utilises natural light, Mediterranean colours and art to create a lively yet calming atmosphere inside the hotel. Its rooms are playful and welcoming with more luxurious rooms boasting private balconies and sea views. Its fully equipped spa provides guests with a perfect way to relax and its fully equipped gym as well as its tennis courts provides guests with a chance to stay fit. The hotel also runs yoga and meditation sessions for its guests and has bikes which guests can use to explore the surrounding area.  The hotel’s 5 restaurants and bars make the hotel not only a wellbeing hub but a gastronomic one as well. Simply put, Zell Mallorca is the definition of relaxation.

The Don Carlos Resort & Resort Marbella includes the stylish, contemporary Don Carlos 5-star hotel; the Don Carlos Private Villas; and The Oasis by Don Carlos, a luxe wellness destination. This upscale resort has a a live music cocktail bar, informal dining, a signature restaurant and a superb beach club. The Don Carlos is perfect for families, with a wealth of activities. The hotel beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Marbella, and you can access it straight from hotel! The hotel also offers much in the way of sports activities, with a 9-court tennis and sports club; and a wide variety of watersports.

Set within Gothic stone cloisters this modern brand inhabits a property with five centuries of history. Located beside the River Arlazón and close to the cathedral, many of its 110 bedrooms enjoy views of one or the other. Guests will also appreciate the mod cons, such as Nespresso machines and super thick mattresses, as well as access to a gym and sauna. The restaurant, Palacio de la Merced, is renowned as one of the best in the city, serving fine local cuisine. The Palacio also offers 10 function rooms.

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.

Every one of the 44 exterior bedrooms at the Gran Hotel La Perla has balconies looking onto Estafeta Street and Plaza del Castillo. There are also attic bedrooms and suites dedicated to former notable guests (including Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, Julián Gayarre and Víctor Eusa). Other famous names to have graced its corridors since its opening in 1881, are Charles Chaplin, Julio Iglesias and  Woody Allen. The hotel, the first five-star in the city, is set on Plaza del Castillo and has a breakfast room, as well as several meeting spaces.

Found on a tree-lined avenue, this hotel has 70 bedrooms, including some with river views, a balcony and a lounge. Watch the world go by, as you sip coffee under a parasol on the ground floor terrace, take some time to yourself in the library, work out in the gym, or dine with loved ones in the AC Lounge. You’ll find all of the local points of interest within walking distance and there’s onsite self-parking (for an additional fee), if your visit to Burgos is part of a road trip.

Book an adults-only getaway, in the heart of the action, at Palmanova, in the vibrant Magaluf area. Calvia is found between the town beaches of Palmanova and Son Matias, with a wealth of places to go and things to do, on the doorstep. Cook’s Club Calvià Beach received a full makeover in 2023 and provides both single, twin and double bedrooms. Beside the swimming pool and infinity pool, you’ll find a solarium and a stretch of hotel beach, where the scene of many a party will be held this season. Cook’s Club Calvià Beach hosts nightly live DJ sets, an indoor and outdoor bar, restaurant, sun terraces and a gym.