Beyond Spain’s tried-and-tested beach resorts, uncover one-of-a-kind heritage gems and uber-chic beach clubs, from city to coast.
The lure of Spanish sunshine keeps coastal resorts buzzing all summer long. But with its centuries of rich history, rolling Mediterranean countryside and post-Ibiza-nights wellness scene, it’s worth venturing beyond to uncover stays that are truly one-of-a-kind – and ultra luxurious.
From the bustling centre of Madrid to the coral crusted Balearic coastline, these dreamy five-star escapes showcase the true breadth of Spain’s luxury offerings.
Scroll on for the best of the best.
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Barcelona’s best hotels
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona: legendary elegance
Located along Barcelona’s most exclusive shopping boulevard and beside many of Gaudi’s architectural icons, the Mandarin Oriental is not only a legend among hotel brands, but is also Passeig de Gracia’s most luxurious five-star stay. Accommodations span rooms, suites and an exclusive penthouse suite, all with interiors by Patricia Urquiola. There are six dining and drinking options here, from all-day menus at Blanc to sundowners best sipped by the sleek infinity pool. Moments, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is helmed by mother-son team Carme Ruscalleda and Raul Balam – the former has scooped seven Michelin stars for her time at the kitchen pass. Wine pairing can be swapped for wellness with a trip to the hotel’s spa, complete with indoor swimming pool, hair spa and treatments sure to lull guests into serenity.
Ohla Barcelona: art-led storytelling
If you favour a luxury stay that’s truly unique, you’ll want to set ‘the hotel with a thousand eyes’ in your sights. So-called for the all-seeing ceramic eyes on its neo-classical facade by sculptor Frederic Amat, its quirky exterior offers just a taste of the whimsical, art-inspired wonderland within Ohla Barcelona. But the story of this Gothic Quarter hotel doesn’t end with the art: rich with history, it’s located on the site of a ruler’s palace and where Roman water channels once flowed through the city. Add to that a rooftop terrace bar with some of the best views in the city, a crystal clear-sided rooftop pool, and a Michelin-starred French restaurant, Caelis – and it’s a feast for all of the senses, not just sight.
Palma de Mallorca’s best hotels
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular: boutique beauty
Part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, this former manor is a hidden gem in the very heart of historic Palma. Find a true reverence for Spanish history in this 19th-century neoclassical mansion, in the centre of Palma’s old town. Perfectly balancing modern luxury with its rich heritage, this hotel is decorated with modern chandelier alternatives, a private contemporary art collection and bespoke furniture by Philippe Starck. At its core is the olive-tree-dotted Majorcan Courtyard, where a glass of vintage Spanish cava is the ideal aperitivo before a Mediterranean seafood dinner at Quadrat in the old stables. Panoramic city views and sunsets await at the 200-metre Singular Rooftop and pool, where an extensive cocktail list serves up the flavours of summer to match (try the Gin Rol with its tropical, cinnamon-spiced twist on gin and Aperol).
Nobis Hotel Palma: 12th century splendour
Step into one of the city’s oldest buildings, a former medieval Muslim palace dating back to the 12th century, and into a world of award-winning interior design. Luxuriate at the rooftop bar sampling spectacular Spanish cava and succulent lobster and duck magret, or relax among natural Spanish limestone and warm wood in the spa, complete with a restorative infrared sauna. Fun fact: the spa features an old escape tunnel from medieval times.
Menorca’s best hotels
Menorca Experimental: bohemian retreat
Fuelled by a creative spirit; this 19th-century revived-finca-turned-boutique-beachside-resort is designed to emulate a luxurious artist’s retreat. Surrounded by 40 acres of biodiverse southern Menorca wilderness, this coastal oasis is as exclusive as they come. From learning pottery and taking drawing classes in the Art Deco-inspired interiors to learning the lay of the lush land with a horse-riding session, this is one of Spain’s most secluded retreats – a place where inspiration runs wild.
ARTIEM Audax: adults-only paradise
This adults-only sanctuary, near Menorca’s enchanting Cala Galdana Bay, is the ultimate water lover's haven with a private beach, an outdoor pool and three opulent indoor pools in the rejuvenating spa. Delight your palate at Oliva restaurant, where Mediterranean delights like fresh fettucine and Greek salads with bursting tomatoes await, or relax by the pool at The View Pool Club and enjoy the VIP treatment and bay views.
Ibiza’s best hotels
Six Senses Ibiza: wellness haven
A ramble along Ibiza’s northern coast, Six Senses Ibiza brings the brand’s notoriously high standard of luxury to Xarraca Bay. Six Senses is famed for its wellness offering, and here you’re invited to rejuvenate to the highest degree at the wellness centre’s RoseBar longevity lounge or in the traditional hammam. Watch as the sun dips below the coastline while savouring the flavours and sounds of Latin America with live music, agave-distilled spirits and delicious farm-to-table fare at The Beach Caves. For ultimate indulgence, experience the resort’s wine cellar, curated by passionate sommeliers.
Montesol Experimental Ibiza: Hollywood glamour
Boasting more than a century’s worth of history, this dreamy pastel palace is one of Ibiza’s most sophisticated stays. Located at the feet of Ibiza’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Dalt Vila, it’s welcomed some of Hollywood’s biggest names, from 1950s stars to rockers Pink Floyd and director Orson Welles. Now, this reimagined icon welcomes stylish travellers with old-world-meets-cutting-edge style in vibrantly hued rooms. Relax with a chilled rose on the lush rooftop bar, play in the Balearic Sea at the pristine private beach or pay a visit to the hotel’s sister restaurant and beach club, Experimental Beach, where the sun sets over the salt flats.
Malaga’s best hotels
Gran Hotel Miramar Malaga: historic grandeur
Set in the former Hotel Príncipe de Asturias, this palatial city-centre hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, is perfectly positioned between the beach and the bullring of La Malagueta. In keeping with its history as Malaga’s premier hotel since 1926, you’re met with dripping chandeliers, a mosaic glass ceiling, polished tiled floors and brushed gold accents. Relax beside the resort pool just steps from the beachfront, relish afternoon tea in The Royal Lounge dappled with natural light and enter a world of relaxation in the Botanic Spa by Sisley – a paradise for all the senses.
Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio Hotel: rooftop pool views
Feel a part of Malaga’s rich tapestry of history and culture from the absolute luxury of this five-star hotel, situated in the centre of this storied city. Soak up incredible views of one of Spain’s most charming cities from the sparkling rooftop plunge pool, taste avant-garde dishes like fresh heirloom tomatoes with crispy sage at Entremuros, and curl up with a good book in the comfort of the welcoming library.
Madrid’s best hotels
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid: Michelin-starred dining
For the pinnacle of Madrid luxury, this Belle Époque palace located in the famous Golden Triangle of Art of Madrid ticks all the boxes. During your stay, eat incredibly well at five restaurants and bars overseen by genius Spanish Chef Quique Dacosta, including the Michelin-starred Deesa, 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 Orfila: arty opulence
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Madrid, this slice of Relais & Châteaux boutique luxury awaits. In this 1886-era palace, explore interiors bedecked with gold, baroque prints and oil paintings, and feel like royalty as you walk through the halls. French-style delicacies, from Osetra caviar to steak tartare with cucumber pearls, await at El Jardín de Orfila, headed by Mario Sandoval of Madrid's Michelin-starred Coque. For the ultimate treat, indulge in hand-crafted pastries and gourmet cakes buffet-style for brunch or afternoon tea in the opulent dining room.
Seeking more luxury? Check out the Ultra Lux A to Z: The World's Most Luxurious Hotel Brands.
