La Rioja Wine Region, Spain
Hotel Marques De Riscal
Frank Gehry's Hotel Masterpiece
Eye-catching against the green of La Rioja’s hills, Hotel Marques De Riscal’s striking and innovative roof has been designed to reflect the precious liquid that’s produced in the celebrated adjoining winery of the same name.
Created by architectural genius Frank Gehry, the roof resembles a sail in the wind. It’s stripes of titanium are coloured in shades of silver that represent a wine cup, gold for the cap of a bottle, and of course, red to embody the wine itself. Catch the hotel on any different day, and its hues will appear to have changed in the sun.
With just 43 rooms divided between two wings connected by a bridge, a stay in this boutique hotel and winery will be an immersive experience. Due to the varying placements of the hotel’s huge windows, each room leaves a difference impression.
When you’re not out sampling the delights of the region’s oldest winery, sit down to a meal in either of the hotel’s two restaurants, one boasting a Michelin star. As expected, the wine list is impressive and features collections which date all the way back to 1862. On a sunny day, there’s nothing more pleasant than enjoying a gourmet meal on the terrace and admiring the views of the distinctive countryside and the quaint town of Elciego. Should you fancy some indulgence, the Vinotherapy spa boasts a design-focused indoor pool and multitude of luxury treatments based on the grape.
If you can bear the crowds, visit in Autumn to experience the full process of the grape harvest. Regardless of the season, you can look forward to wine tours, tastings, and pairings, as well as a profusion of exhilarating outdoor activities such as balloon rides, biking, and horse riding.
Highlights
Biking on St. James' path
Balloon rides
Horse riding
Wine and harvest activities such as tours, tastings, and pairings
Cooking lessons
43 rooms
Two restaurants, one with Michelin star
Pool
Spa
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Spain
Whatever you want from your adventure in Spain, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Hotel Marques De Riscal with
Metsovo
Perched high on the slopes of the Pindus Mountain Range in Greece, at the gateway to Pindus National Park, Grand Forest Metsovo is a secluded sanctuary that invites you to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, including mist-draped peaks, dense forests and the charming old town of Metsovo. The surrounding national park, a sanctuary of biodiversity, is home to Eurasian brown bears, wolves, wildcats, deer and the Balkan chamois. Over 80 species of birds, including the golden eagle, eastern imperial eagle and lanner falcon, soar above. Venture into the forest’s depths on guided hikes or simply soak in the view from the hotel’s panoramic terraces.
The suites at Grand Forest Metsovo are designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering sumptuous interiors, warm wooden accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ever-changing mountain vistas. Overlooking the vast mountain expanse, the restaurant Metsovo 1350m presents a contemporary interpretation of Epirus’ rich culinary traditions. Savour locally sourced ingredients transformed into exquisite dishes. Meanwhile, the lobby provides a more relaxed setting, where you can enjoy light meals, fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails beside the fireplace. The 24-hour gym features state-of-the-art Cybex equipment, ensuring an invigorating workout with spectacular views. Children will enjoy the kid’s club, a dedicated space filled with toys, creative play areas and board games.
For those seeking the ultimate in relaxation, the Aspen Spa is an invitation to reconnect with both body and mind. Inspired by the resilient Aspen tree, known for its smooth white bark and shimmering leaves, the spa embodies a philosophy of strength, renewal and harmony. In this tranquil space, indulge in rejuvenating treatments, unwind in the soothing indoor pool, or immerse yourself in the invigorating warmth of the sauna and Turkish bath. Beyond the spa, soak in the crisp mountain air while floating in the hotel’s stunning outdoor infinity pool, where the horizon stretches endlessly over the peaks. The indoor pool offers a more sheltered sanctuary, its warm waters reflecting the ethereal beauty of the mountains beyond.
Peloponnese
Located on the slopes of Mount Mainalos in the Peloponnese region, MANNA is a historic retreat infused with heritage and elegance. Originally built in 1929, this remarkable structure is a testament to both architectural beauty and a noble past. Founded by Anna Mela, an aristocrat devoted to philanthropy, it was originally a sanatorium. Anna dedicated her life and fortune to the care of wounded soldiers and tuberculosis patients, earning her the title of the ‘Soldier’s Mother’. Today, her enduring legacy is honoured in the very name MANNA, derived from ‘Mother Anna’, a tribute to her unwavering compassion and service.
The restoration of MANNA has been meticulously undertaken in collaboration with archaeologists, ensuring the integrity of its original architecture while seamlessly integrating contemporary elegance. The result is a sanctuary of sophisticated design, where high ceilings, refined furnishings and sustainable materials harmonise with the serene embrace of the ancient fir forest. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views, while soft natural tones, warm wood and plush textures create an atmosphere of understated opulence.
MANNA’s wellness hub is a tribute to the therapeutic power of its surroundings, offering a curated journey of self-care. Experience the restorative warmth of the sauna and hammam, surrender to the tranquil depths of the ‘cave’ pool, or reconnect with your body and mind through yoga, either practiced beneath the towering fir trees or by a crackling indoor fireplace. The landscape beyond invites exploration and adventure– invigorating hikes along Greece’s most scenic trails, mountain biking through winding paths or even skiing at the nearby Mainalos Ski Resort.
The dining menu at MANNA reinterprets Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on ethical, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast showcases native ingredients and traditional recipes prepared with a light, wholesome touch, while the all-day menu celebrates the richness of Greek gastronomy, infused with international inspirations and contemporary techniques. Seasonality guides every creation, ensuring an ever-evolving menu that embraces a zero-waste philosophy, where each ingredient is thoughtfully utilised.
