A Luxury Family Exploration of Spain

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. This grand structure quickly became an emblem of the city centre and has been continuously used as a hotel until the present day, although Franco’s regime necessitated a name change to the Andalusian Palace while under his rule. To this day, you’ll find that it is the city centre’s only true, luxury property. Typically Andalusian in style, the hotel expresses the region’s mixed Moorish and Castilian founding influences with authentic and detailed features. Each of its 151 bedrooms including its 19 suites are unique in design, falling into three style categories: Andalusian, Moorish, and Castilian. Alongside its exalted, majestic architecture, Hotel Alfonso XIII is also notable for its large pool, which sits amidst lush gardens. This makes it a rare urban sanctuary and one of the only locations where being in Seville during the heat of high summer will be thoroughly enjoyable. By the pool you’ll find an al fresco restaurant that turns itself into a twinkling vision after dark and serves Spanish and international delicacies. You can also eat in the sumptuously-tiled gallery surrounding an arched interior courtyard where you can take your breakfast and coffee. If you fancy something truly epicurean, the atmospheric Ena tapas bar is manned by Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán of Barcelona. Afterwards, discuss the highlights of your meal to the accompaniment of live piano music at Bar Americano. In terms of location, you’ll find that you really couldn’t be better placed to discover Seville. Hotel Alfonso XIII sits right on the edge of the old – pedestrianised – quarter, meaning that you can benefit from arriving to the hotel by car and walking five minutes to outstanding historic sites such as the Cathedral de Seville, the Alcazar, Puente de S. Telmo, and Plaza de Espana.

This innovative luxury 12-roomed boutique hotel is located in the Casa Palacio Castelar in the heart of the historic centre of Seville near the Plaza Nueva and next to the emblematic Bullring La Maestranza. One of the main concerns of the Mercer group is the conservation of the heritage and culture of the buildings of all of their hotels. The integration of the old and the new is one of their hallmarks. Mercer Sevilla boasts a minimalist and refined atmosphere in a typical Andalusian setting. Behind the elegant classic façade, you’ll find a patio and a beautiful courtyard with a marble floor, which is covered by a spectacular dome bathing the space with natural light. There’s also the majestic original staircase from the Casa Palacio Castelar. María Luisa gastronomic restaurant and FIZZ cocktail bar can be found around the Andalusian-style patio. Head to the rooftop and you’ll find a charming terrace, with a pool and a solarium. This oasis of peace is the perfect place from which to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the picturesque Arenal District.

The 18th-century Hacienda de San Rafael lies within a former olive estate in the beautiful Andalusian countryside, halfway between Seville and Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry bodegas and dancing horses. Rooms are centred around a pretty bougainvillea-filled courtyard and open out onto a veranda where guests can enjoy breakfast. There are also three suites set within the peaceful gardens. High ceilings ensure plenty of space and light, and each room is individually designed with carefully selected antiques, fabrics and artefacts. The hotel lies within five acres of gardens and features three outdoor swimming pools and a tennis court. Whenever possible, dining is al fresco and there are two outdoor bars where you can enjoy a drink and appreciate the colourful flowers and the warmth of the Andalusian sun. The focus is on honest Mediterranean food with fresh fish brought in from the Atlantic, meat from locally reared Iberian pigs and vegetable from their own organic garden. With its wealth of history and culture, Seville is less than an hour’s drive away, as is Jerez de la Frontera with its palm-lined squares and Moorish architecture. To the east is the Sierra de Cadiz and its cluster of hilltop settlements known as ‘los pueblos blancos’ which translates as ‘the white villages’ due to the annual whitewashing of the houses. You’re also within easy each of the Costa de la Luz and Doñana National Park, a wetland reserve perfect for bird watching.

Granada is a city with more than its fair share of beautiful buildings and stunning architecture. 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. The hotel is centred around a beautiful courtyard with elegant stone arches and palm trees, the delicate tinkling of the fountain in the background. It also houses the tombs of the nuns from the convent. Admire it from the wraparound balcony on the first floor, complete with 16th century frescos, or sink into one of the chairs and enjoy it illuminated at night. Fusing old and new, the hotel has managed to retain its charm and authenticity while allowing guests to enjoy all the comforts of a modern hotel. There are 75 rooms and suites, some with exposed brick walls and views over the courtyard. The restaurant occupies the former convent library and the menu makes for good reading, fusing traditional Andalusian flavours with more modern culinary concepts. The courtyard is the perfect setting for a glass of wine and nibbles. You’re ideally situated on the Gran Via de Colon, one of the main avenues in Granada’s old quarter. The cathedral and archeological museum are on your doorstep and the majestic Alhambra is within walking distance.

Granada is a city steeped in history, but this hasn’t stopped it embracing modern Spanish culture with aplomb. The blend of old and new is what makes a stay at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos so special. The hotel is split across two buildings, one a renovated 19th century palace and the other a striking modern construction. The interior is bright and airy, and rooms in the older part of the hotel contain beautiful features such as plasterwork ceilings, Doric columns and friezes. After a day of exploring, you’ll relish the opportunity to relax and unwind in the spa which features Turkish baths, a sauna and thermal pool. Sightseeing can build up quite the appetite so enjoy some traditional Spanish tapas or dishes inspired by the city’s Moorish past in the hotel’s restaurant. No trip to Granada would be complete without visiting the majestic Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th century. Be sure to also stop by the Granada Cathedral and the Alcazaba, a wonderfully preserved Moorish fortress.

The Alhambra is one of the most iconic landmarks not just in Granada, but across Europe. The Parador de Granada is located within its grounds and is the perfect place to appreciate it in all its glory. A former Franciscan convent, the Parador was built on the site of a Nasrin palace. The remains of the Turkish bathes are still visible today and other relics are housed in the hotel museum. Part of the building was the former chapel where the kings of Spain were buried before moving to the Royal Chapel. Enjoy a stroll in the garden, from which you can look out at the city’s medieval walls and towards the Sacramonte and Albaicín neighbourhoods. The hotel blends classic and contemporary design with wooden floors, latticed shutters and pieces of antique furniture alongside more modern features in the 45 rooms and suites. The restaurant serves traditional Spanish cuisine and the terrace is the perfect place to while away balmy summer evenings. The Alhambra is understandably one of Spain’s most popular attractions, but your prime location means you can enjoy its majestic palaces and beautiful gardens once the crowds have disappeared.

The undisputed grande dame of southern Spain, this iconic resort sprawls along a prime patch of the ‘Golden Mile’, a stretch of beautiful beach between Marbella’s Old Town and Puerto Banus’s yachts. Built in 1954 by a prince as the Costa del Sol’s first luxury hotel, it soon attracted the likes of Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant and Laurence Olivier, and has lost none of its glamorous lustre since. There are 37 guestrooms and 78 elegant suites scattered throughout acres of jasmine-scented gardens with outdoor terrace overlooking the glorious gardens or views out to sea. There are also 14 two-, three- and five-bedroom villas, some with private pools, and the illustrious six-bedroom Villa Del Mar. Choose from nine bars and restaurants including an opulent Champagne bar, lavish buffet at the legendary Beach Club, romantic grill restaurant and a trendy café. There’s also impressive tennis courts, three swimming pools, a modern Thalasso Spa, a Dave Thomas designed golf course, equestrian centre, superb kids’ club and a luxury shopping gallery. In short, facilities that rank it among the best in the world.

Hotel Seda Club is located at the heart of Granada’s historical centre, in the Plaza de la Trinidad, a gardened square dating from 1893 and just a stone’s throw away from the city’s Cathedral. This exclusive location gives you the opportunity to enjoy Granada as a local, surrounded by history, whilst also experiencing the vibrant rhythm of a truly authentic city.

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.