Luxury Spain Food and Wine Tours made for you

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.

Located on the banks of the mighty River Duero amongst the vineyards and wineries that characterise the region, sits Abadia Retuerta. Great respect was paid during the restoration of this ancient 12th century monastery, the result of which is an architecturally beautiful yet thoroughly modern luxury hotel. You’re located in the heart of the Abadia Retuerta wine estate, so it’s no surprise that the sight of rows upon rows of vines greets you wherever you look. There are 27 beautifully furnished rooms and three suites, some of which come with a private terrace and original Miró paintings. Northern Spain is immensely proud of their rich culinary heritage, and the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant is a celebration of all that is great about this part of the country. Locally sourced ingredients, including herbs and vegetables grown in their own kitchen garden, are used to created innovative and contemporary dishes. There is also the chance to enjoy traditional Spanish tapas and dine al fresco in the warmer months. No trip to this region would be complete without tasting the exceptional wine, and the 700-hectare estate is the perfect place to start. The climate here is perfect for growing Tempranillo grapes so expect rich, full-bodied reds. Located in the Castilla y León province, east of Valladolid, there are plenty of castles, churches and pretty medieval towns to discover. The hotel can also help you organise helicopter flights, cycling and hiking tours, falconry and cookery classes.

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.

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.

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.

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.