Hacienda de San Rafael

Steeped in history, the Hotel Alfonso XIII was constructed by order of the King as luxury lodging for the international VIPs attending the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

The luxurious AC Palacio de Santa Paula occupies the former Santa Paula Convent which has been lovingly restored to offer guests a relaxing retreat bursting with character.

Hotel Finca Cortesin is a grand retreat inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture, with big, bright rooms and airy courtyards of palatial proportions, all accented with antiques and materials from Spain, Portugal, Morocco that give a timeless feel.

The hotel has 67 large, luminous and exquisitely designed suites with lofty high ceilings. No two are alike and some have a small pool on their terrace. There are also fully serviced private villas available.

This is all set among acres of manicured gardens in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja a little west of Marbella, with sweeping views down to the Mediterranean and surrounding countryside. You’ll also find three huge pools, tennis courts, fine spa and, to top it off, one of Spain’s best golf courses. The private beach club’s infinity pool, beach-side restaurant and sun loungers are just five minutes away.

Dining is a treat here too. All day venue El Jardín is the relaxed venue for Spanish cuisine while Michelin-starred Kabuki Raw combines Japanese traditions with Mediterranean ingredients to form fabulous evening meals. Italian eatery Don Giovanni is open for dinner in the summer only. You can also eat at the golf club house and with bars and drink spaces throughout, you’re never too far away from a cocktail.

A bustling city full of art and culture, and a prime location by the sea, Barcelona really does have the best of both worlds. Overlooking Port Olympic and out across the Mediterranean, Hotel Arts Barcelona is the perfect place to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer.

The hotel was built to coincide with the 1992 Olympic Games and is an impressive feat of engineering, with 44 storeys of blue glass and exposed steel. A height advantage means that each of the 483 rooms and suites comes with spectacular sea or city views.

Head to the terraced gardens and outdoor pool, and you’ll find yourself side by side with Frank Gehry’s 52m golden fish sculpture that twinkles in a multitude of shades as the sun moves through the sky.

For some serious rest and relaxation, be sure to visit the 43rd-floor spa with its hydrotherapy pools, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. There is also a fully equipped gym.

Barcelona is well known for having its finger on the culinary pulse and the hotel has its own two Michelin-starred restaurant. Enoteca serves innovative cuisine inspired by the food and produce of the Mediterranean with an emphasis on seafood. The hotel has four other restaurants and a bar.