A Grand Discovery of Spain

Overview

In the heart of Madrid, along the grand Paseo de la Castellana boulevard, is where you’ll find Rosewood Villa Magna. Long esteemed for hosting discerning travellers, Rosewood Villa Magna has been thoughtfully refurbished to an elevated level of contemporary style that features modern amenities.

Each of the 154 guestrooms and suites are a calm haven amidst the cosmopolitan surroundings of the vibrant Spanish capital. Rosewood Villa Magna’s 101 guestrooms offer a quietly elegant, modern aesthetic that is both soothing and inspiring, whilst the 53 suites offer privacy and vast spaces ideal for families or relaxed romantic escapes. Each suite features a sitting room and large windows to frame sunny vistas and the twinkling city lights. Suites also overlook Castellana Boulevard, the hotel gardens or the city with its pretty boutiques.

Dining options consist Amós Restaurant, where you can indulge on the exceptional produce of Spain’s northern lands, along with Las Brasas de la Castellana Restaurant. Here you can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine on a terrace that overlooks the elegant gardens. There is also an all day cafe and a terrace bar where you can relax with a drink as the sun dips below the horizon.

Experiences include treating yourself to a massage or a treatment at the Sense spa, or exploring the local neighbourhoods of Madrid.

Overview

One of Madrid’s newest boutique hotels, set among noble residences and grand embassies, the Hotel Urso has quickly become one of the hottest and trendiest places to lay your head.

Housed in an early 20th-century palace, its neoclassical style gives off an air of sophistication, while its well-appointed interiors are comfortable and stylish.

Its six categories of guest rooms and suites range in size, bed type and views, yet all feature contemporary Scandi-chic-style décor and calming tones.

Wake up to breakfast each morning in the light-filled conservatory, decorated in Oriental-inspired 18th century wallpaper and bamboo plants. When you’re ready to head out and explore, you’ll find sites such as the Madrid History Museum, the National Museum of Romanticism and the vast Retiro Park, located close by.

Wind down after your day in the plush wood-panelled spa, offering a variety of massages and specialised skincare treatments. And when you’re fully relaxed, head to the sleek Urso Bar for cocktails and gourmet Spanish tapas, made from ingredients sourced at the local Mercado de Barceló. The hotel restaurant, ½ Ración, which means ‘half portion’ offers cuisine based on the traditional Madridian food.

Overview

Barcelona is a city famous for its striking architecture and eye-catching design, so pay homage to the beautiful Catalan capital at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Barcelona.

Located on the famous Passeig de Gràcia, you’re just minutes from Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and within walking distance of Las Ramblas, the iconic la Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter.

The interiors are stylish and contemporary, whilst subtly reflecting the hotel’s oriental heritage. 120 rooms and suites look out over the boulevard or the peaceful mimosa gardens. Spain is a country fiercely proud of its rich culinary history and the hotel’s restaurant, Moments, has been awarded two Michelin stars for its innovative Catalan cuisine.

There is also a restaurant specialising in seafood; the chef Ángel León, has been nickname the Chef of the Sea due to his passion and knowledge for everything from shellfish to seaweed and salt. For light bites, enjoy tapas at the bar or on the terrace. A tipple in the Banker’s Bar is a must; in a nod to its former life as a bank, the ceiling is fashioned from original security boxes. Barcelona’s beautiful skyline is best appreciated from the rooftop where you can relax in the pool or admire the view with a cocktail in hand.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

Set in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, among Roman fortifications and medieval arches, the Mercer Hotel is a luxury five-star property, located within walking distance to many of the city’s major sights, such as the Cathedral, the Rambla and the Barcelona History Museum.

The cosy, yet elegant rooms retain as much of the original features as possible from bare brick walls to wood-beamed ceilings, and are decorated with sleek furniture and low lighting. The open-plan bathrooms also add a touch of cutting-edge and stylish design.

Dine on classic tapas and local specialties made from local products created by chef Xavier Lahuerta at Le Bouchon, an informal and relaxed restaurant which offers diners the perfect atmospheric mix of traditional neighborhood bars. In the heat of the day, head up to sunbathe on the roof terrace or take a dip in the plunge pool, and by night nibble on tapas in the French bistro-inspired bar or order a drink in the intimate cocktail lounge.

Overview

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.

Overview

Set right on La Concha beachfront, the historic Hotel Londres is housed in a grand belle epoque-style building, and has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. Occupying such prime city location, this opulent four-star hotel has become somewhat of a city landmark, offering luxurious and modern facilities, with a touch of old-world charm.

The guestrooms and suites are spacious and light, featuring classic design and neutral tones, with small splashes of colour in the artwork and soft furnishings. Choose to wake up to the spectacular views of the sea and the famous promenade or the charming Xabier Zubiri Square and the city’s old town.

San Sebastian is of course all about food and gastronomy, and the Hotel Londres is no exception. Dine on delicious Basque cuisine in the modern La Brasserie Mari Galant restaurant, paired with spectacular views over La Concha Bay, followed by a cocktail in the classic Bar Swing.

Relax and rejuvenate after exploring the city by heading along the beach to La Perla Thalassotherapy centre, an opulent spa with modern-day technology and luxurious treatments.

Overview

The grande dame of San Sebastian hotels, the Maria Cristina sits overlooking the Urumea River and is set an elegant belle epoque-style building. It first opened its doors back in 1912 and since has hosted everyone from royalty and aristocrats to Hollywood celebrities.

Its lavish gold and marble interiors exude grace and refinement, while its 136 rooms and suites add stylish touches of modernity in their colourful contemporary artwork and high-tech features. Choose from river, garden or city views, or even your own private terrace.

Each morning begins here with an extravagant breakfast in the grand breakfast room, surrounded by Corinthian columns, heavy damask drapes and ornate plasterwork, while in the evenings pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and cocktails can be enjoyed in the Dry Bar, inspired by the glamour of the golden days of Hollywood. Dinner is also offered at the Asian-themed Saigon Café.

With sites such as the San Telmo Museum of Basque Ethnography and History, the impressive Buen Pastor Cathedral and the pretty La Concha Beach right on your doorstep, it’s ideally situated.