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While the Spanish sunshine lures visitors all summer long, there’s far more to discover beyond the beach. With centuries of rich history, a rolling countryside and rising wellness scene for post-Ibiza rejuvenation, Spain offers unique stays that go well beyond the expected. From the vibrant heart of Madrid to the sparkling shores of Andalusia, these dreamy five-star retreats reveal the full spectrum of Spain’s most luxurious escapes.
Best hotels in Barcelona
Mandarin Oriental
Located on Barcelona’s most exclusive shopping boulevard and beside many of Gaudi’s architectural icons, the Mandarin Oriental is Passeig de Gracia’s most luxurious stay. Accommodations span rooms, suites and an exclusive penthouse, all with interiors by designer Patricia Urquiola. There are five bars and restaurants, from all-day dining at Blanc to sundowners best sipped by the sleek infinity pool. Swap wine pairings for wellness with a trip to the hotel’s spa, complete with an indoor pool.
Ohla Barcelona
For a truly luxurious stay, check into the ‘hotel with a thousand eyes’ – named for the countless ceramic eyes on its neoclassical facade – an imaginative creation by sculptor Frederic Amat. This Gothic Quarter hotel is located on the site of a ruler’s palace and where Roman water channels once flowed through the city. Add a rooftop terrace bar with some of the best views in the city, a rooftop pool and a MICHELIN-starred French restaurant, Caelis – and it’s a feast for all of the senses, not just sight.
Kimpton Vividora
The rooftop at Kimpton Vividora steals the spotlight with a splash-worthy pool and Terraza de Vivi, the hotel’s vibrant rooftop bar, serving up signature cocktails against a stunning city backdrop. Downstairs, Fauna delivers Mediterranean magic with a creative twist, while GOT effortlessly shifts from a morning cortado haven to a sleek evening mixology lab. The rooms and suites are a paradise for design lovers, with playful touches that scream Barcelona cool.
Best Hotels in Southern Spain
METT Hotel & Beach Resort
Stealing the show on Marbella’s golden shoreline, METT Hotel & Beach Resort brings Mediterranean glamour with a dose of wow-factor to the Costa del Sol. Think sleek rooms with jaw-dropping sea views and private terraces. Foodies are in for a treat – from Italian classics at Isola to flavourful Latin American cuisine at D’Lirio.
The beach club is where the magic happens with top-notch DJs spinning tracks while you lounge by the sprawling pool with a cocktail in hand. MOI Spa hits the sweet spot between traditional treatments and modern facilities, while the staff anticipate your every whim before you’ve even thought of it.
La Zambra Resort
Tucked away in the Mijas hills, La Zambra breathes new life into the legendary former Byblos Hotel. Once a paragon of luxury for international jetsetters and royalty such as Princess Diana and the Rolling Stones, this hidden gem offers 197 rooms and suites decked out with bespoke furnishings and killer views of either manicured gardens or the Sierra de Mijas mountains.
Culinary excellence is at the heart, with Picador taking centre stage for Spanish cuisine, and Palmito serving up Mediterranean flavours. With three swimming pools, tennis courts and exclusive access to two world-class golf courses, La Zambra has all bases covered. Perfectly located between mountains and sea, it captures the liberated spirit of southern Spain while rolling out the red carpet with understated luxury.
La Bobadilla
Off the beaten track among 1,000 acres of olive groves and oak forest, La Bobadilla is a crowning jewel between Granada and Málaga. This architectural knockout channels medieval village vibes with its whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles and marble colonnades – all crafted by local artisans. Each of the 67 rooms and suites has its own personality, featuring hand-curated furniture and balconies overlooking the countryside.
The real showstopper is La Finca, where ingredients come straight from the estate’s organic gardens to your plate. If you fancy exploring, saddle up for a horseback adventure, hop on a bike through ancient olive groves or make a beeline for the Flow Spa.
Best hotels in Madrid
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
A pinnacle of Madrid luxury, this palace, located in the famous Golden Triangle of Art of Madrid, ticks all the boxes. During your stay, wine and dine at one of five restaurants and bars overseen by genius Spanish chef Quique Dacosta, including the MICHELIN-starred Deessa, complete with pristine interiors, sparkling chandeliers and a terrace overlooking the Ritz Garden. Rejuvenate in the heaven-meets-earth spa of sparkling marble, and luxuriate in elegant rooms and suites dripping with crystals and brushed with gold.
Hotel Villa Real
Hotel Villa Real reigns as a masterpiece of Spanish luxury. Nestled in the glittering heart of Spain’s capital, this hotel captivates with its audacious blend of Renaissance treasures. Sophisticated chambers feature seductive private terraces where Madrid’s skyline unfolds like a love letter, while the hotel’s museum-worthy collection of Roman mosaics and ancient artifacts turns ordinary hallways into galleries that would make Prado jealous.
Savour Mediterranean gastronomy at the celebrated East 47, where food arrives as edible poetry and people flock from miles away just to try the duck cannelloni. After dark, the sultry lounge beckons with artisanal cocktails crafted by mixology virtuosos.
Best hotels in Ibiza
Mondrian Ibiza
Perched dramatically on the shores of Cala Llonga, Mondrian Ibiza is a bold architectural statement with an effortlessly cool aesthetic. Expect crisp, minimalist interiors with a playful splash of Ibizan charm – think whitewashed walls, earthy textures and panoramic balcony views. The food scene is equally impressive, from contemporary Japanese plates at Niko to handcrafted cocktails at Bungalow. Day melts into night at the buzzing Hyde Beach bar, where DJs set the mood against a backdrop of blue waters. Four sparkling pools invite you to dip.
TRS Ibiza
Commanding a prime position on the island’s western coastline, TRS Ibiza delivers a five-star, adults-only experience with uncompromising attention to detail. Located just outside San Antonio, this resort encourages limitless indulgence – whether that’s gourmet local cuisine at Helios, premium cocktails at ÍO Pool Bar or pampering spa treatments at Zentropia. Rooms and suites ooze comfort with plush bedding, rooftop jacuzzis and terraces primed for golden-hour drinks. The real showstopper? The rooftop Gravity bar, where an infinity pool spills into the sunset and top-tier service ensures every sip of champagne is chilled to perfection.
Cala San Miguel Hotel Ibiza
Tucked in a secluded bay on the island’s northern shores, Cala San Miguel Hotel Ibiza offers a masterclass in understated elegance. Designed to blend exquisitely into its surroundings, this retreat celebrates Ibiza’s natural beauty through neutral tones and locally inspired decor. Wake to the sound of gentle waves, sip morning espressos on a sunny balcony and ease into the day with a dip in the lounger-lined pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Foodies are in for a real treat, with a strong focus on fresh, locally grown ingredients. Adventure is right on your doorstep, whether it’s kayaking through hidden coves, hiking coastal trails or diving into the island’s crystalline waters.
Feature image: La Bobadilla
