Luxury hotels in Spain: top 12 incredible places for a luxury vacation
A vacation in multifaceted Spain offers not only an opportunity to explore its unique culture and history but also to indulge in an unforgettable experience in luxury hotels. From bustling tourist destinations like Barcelona and Madrid to picturesque coastal towns and enchanting countryside, the country in southwestern Europe offers endless possibilities for relaxation. Accommodation is an important aspect of every trip, and Spain caters to every traveler, regardless of budget or preference. The top-rated properties are renowned for their upscale amenities, modern spas, gourmet restaurants, and breathtaking views. The following selection features the top 12 best hotels in Spain that promise to captivate travelers with their charm and provide unforgettable memories of a European vacation in a warm and welcoming country.
Marbella Club, Malaga
Since the 1950s, when the Marbella Club became a favored vacation spot by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe's circle of friends, this hotel on the Andalusian coast has epitomized understated luxury. Evolving from a series of California motel-style houses into a beautiful beachside village over the years, the complex has retained its intimate atmosphere akin to a membership club. It attracts not only travelers but also locals who frequent the elegant El Patio restaurant. The beach club, recently renovated and adorned with vibrant Art Deco umbrellas and hand-painted tiles, perfectly blends bohemian chic with high-class service. The Marbella Club appeals to both couples seeking relaxation under the sprawling trees and families enjoying hearty meals by the spacious pool.
One of the notable features of this luxury hotel in Spain is its kids' club, offering a variety of activities led by energetic and friendly staff, along with creative play areas. While the children are entertained, parents can indulge in Kundalini Yoga, Thalasso Spa treatments, surfing, or simply savor a signature Zoco cocktail by the pool.
The Madrid Edition
Despite its many advantages, the Spanish capital could not boast a large number of first-class hotels. However, in recent years, this situation has changed for the better beyond recognition. Even in the face of serious competition from world-famous brands, the new The Madrid EDITION is a real cherry on top. This cool hotel in Spain, located in the old town, has been cleverly repurposed from the former bank headquarters on the Plaza de Selenque. The first thing you see is an elegant 18th-century granite portal designed by Pedro de Rivera (one of the few authentic elements that has remained to this day). Next, guests walk up a huge spiral staircase made of mother-of-pearl stone. The common areas have mostly dim lighting, which creates the necessary contrast: a minimalist bench is draped with a traditional Spanish shawl, and a bright antique tapestry hangs behind an all-white billiard table.
On the ground floor, there is a restaurant Jerónimo, run by Enrique Olvera. The chef deliberately avoids overly sophisticated presentation for the sake of being able to interpret traditional Mexican cuisine in a modern way. To feel the hedonistic atmosphere of The Madrid EDITION, you can also spend time on the roof in the "wonderland".
Finca Cortesin, Malaga
Javier López, an entrepreneur and owner of a large collection of contemporary art, dreamed of opening not only a gallery but also a hotel that he could decorate with unique paintings. Eventually, the investor bought Finca Cortesin in Málaga and turned it into one of the top-rated hotels in Spain.
The complex on the Costa del Sol is designed for 67 apartments and also includes three villas. The interiors were designed by the prominent Portuguese designer Duarte Pinto Coelho. There are courtyards with a pleasant smell of jasmine, gardens with elegant paths, roses and arches, and authentic floors made of stones brought from monasteries in Portugal. Among the key amenities available to guests:
- Beach club
- Four swimming pools, including one for adults only
- Several restaurants
- A championship golf course
You should definitely visit the REI restaurant for dinner or lunch, where Mediterranean style meets Asian fusion, and all products are locally sourced.
El Palace Barcelona
One of the most luxurious hotels in Spain is El Palace, located in the bohemian Eixample neighborhood. The locals still call it El Ritz, as it was the last incredible project of César Ritz. Despite the fact that the former name was lost more than ten years ago, the institution retains its characteristic theatrical splendor; the basalt-black columns of the lobby alone transport visitors to the atmosphere of the theater and give the feeling that the performance is about to begin. Of course, El Palace can boast of the prominent and celebrity guests who have stayed here. It is widely known that Dalí lived in this hotel in Barcelona. In addition, there are rumors that Ramon Mercader, Trotsky's assassin, once worked here as a maitre d'.
Despite its grandiose history, El Palace has a lot to offer in the way of updates. In particular, the restaurant is now run by the famous Rafa Zafri, the former chef of El Bulli in Amará. Guests can also enjoy a luxurious rooftop pool terrace, where DJs perform in the summer and art workshops are held during the day, accompanied by signature cocktails. Guests can even learn how to dance the merengue with the help of experienced boulevardiers.
La Zambra Hotel - Zebra Collection by Hyatt, Malaga
Named after a type of flamenco that is danced barefoot, La Zambra Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt showcases a modern take on Andalusia, with the main idea being to allow guests to feel as free as possible. Guests are greeted by a lavender-decorated gate that opens onto a white courtyard with high Moorish walls and palm trees. Then you get to the spacious lobby and a series of fountains and picturesque patios. In the patio, guests have the opportunity to catch their breath on sun loungers and rocking chairs surrounded by succulents. Inside, you will find natural stone floors, handmade ceramics, and friendly staff dressed in light linen and cotton clothing.
Guests of the hotel have access to two Robert Trent Jones-designed courses, and there are 12 other golf locations within a 15-minute drive.
Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid
Located on the famous Paseo de la Castellana, an avenue lined with luxury boutiques, embassies, art galleries and banks, one of the best hotels in Spain is even more impressive after a 2020 renovation by architect Ramon de Aranaas. The Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid occupies a modernist building dating back to 1972, which remains a prestigious property. However, nowadays the exterior looks brighter with aluminum and stylish brass elements, as well as two luxurious swimming pools at the front of the complex. Inside, you will find the signature aesthetics of Rosewood Villa Magna with floor-to-ceiling doors and windows in deep black frames, multi-colored stained-glass windows in the style of Gaudi, with large pendant Art Deco lamps. All this is harmoniously balanced by muted natural tones and monochrome marble.
The general concept of Rosewood Villa Magna is to make everything feel individual and relaxed, as if you were visiting a Madrid resident. The hotel's rooms and common areas are decorated with expressive works of art. For example, a giant anthropomorphic sculpture in black by Spanish artist Juan Diaz-Faez is installed near the reception desk, and the paintings are a mixture of the classic and the unusual, such as Queen Victoria with a selfie stick or a marquis blowing gum.
Guests can stay either in the rooms or in one of the separate residences. Two of the suites boast some of the largest terraces in Europe, offering incredible panoramic views. To get the most space, we recommend booking the Anglada suite, with a dining room, office, living room, several bathrooms, two bedrooms, indoor and outdoor kitchens.
The hotel also boasts one of the most popular spas in the capital, Rosewood Spa, which specializes in ancient treatments that date back to the ninth century. Also worth a visit is the
three-Michelin-starred Amós restaurant, headed by Huesum Sánchez.
Can Tres, Formentera
On the way to the endless blue sea, you can come across three hidden gems of Formentera - Can Mar, Can Aire and Can Terra. These buildings, which seem to be awkward at first glance, make up this top hotel in Spain. They look like small smart apartments, each with several rooms, each with shaded private terraces where it is so nice to enjoy breakfast, including fragrant freshly baked bread and homemade jams.
Can Tres is a hotel owned by three owners from Mandrida who set out to find the perfect site on Formentera. After two years of searching, they finally succeeded. Numerous olive trees, lemons and oranges were planted to brighten up the surrounding shrubbery, and a swimming pool was built.
The design fell on the shoulders of Pati Pombo, who was able to bring vintage and modern notes to the typical island style. For example, rattan chairs stand next to wooden swings, and railroad ties were used for bed bases; cozy lamps made of woven straw can be seen in the corners. The rooms are also decorated with dried flowers, lavender, and huge ferns coming down from small pots.
A ten-minute walk from Can Tres is Bigyonr Beach with its white sands. If you want to take a walk and meet the most picturesque sunset, follow the path that leads directly to Kiosko 62, a small beach bar serving strong cold mojitos.
Soho House Barcelona
In 1995, Nick Jones founded Soho House, a membership club in London that was founded as a meeting place for ambitious and young media representatives. In recent years, the exclusive association has moved away from this concept, but is now returning to the beaten path, attracting more and more creative people. This also applies to Soho House Barcelona. The interiors of one of the best hotels in Spain, as always, are created by an in-house design team with the support of local architect Hector Restrepo Calvo. The hotel, although small by Barcelona standards, has already gained a reputation as a lively and fun place with upscale amenities.
Belmond La Residencia, Deia, Mallorca
This magnificent hotel in Spain falls in love at first sight, so it would be a mistake not to visit it at least once. The Belmond La Residencia in Mallorca is reached by a series of twists and turns through narrow gorges and steep drops, so you can enjoy the incredible views of the west coast. This is one of the most romantic hotels in the Mediterranean, which has become exactly what many travelers know it to be, thanks to Richard Branson, who purchased the property in 1987.
The hotel has 71 rooms, tennis courts, two outdoor pools and a kids' club, so it's an ideal choice for a family vacation. Rooms include terraces with breathtaking views of the city, some with private plunge pools. The apartments are decorated in pastel, unobtrusive colors, with soft beds and numerous pieces of art from Richard Branson's own collection.
Alkaoufar Vel, Menorca
This southeastern location successfully combines country charm, comfort, and style. This is where Alcaufar Vell is located. One of the best hotels in Spain, it has 21 rooms located in a large, beautiful building that exudes a heady aristocratic atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and flooded with light, and the gardens, shaded by almonds and palm trees, offer a refuge from the heat. In 2007, the complex was expanded with three rooms and five suites in a converted old bedroom. The new apartments are particularly attractive in terms of decor and also include small patio gardens. Don't miss a visit to the hotel restaurant Ses Cotxeries, one of the best establishments on the island of Menorca.
Ze Principe, Madrid
The capital's newest establishment on the corner of the Gran Via is still a hidden gem thanks to its discreet entrance on a side street. The Principal is among the top 12 hotels in Spain due to its uniqueness and its amazing design. The rooms are decorated in coral, charcoal, and green colors, with a marble fireplace and bookcases filled with old tomes with velvet curtains. The hotel has 76 rooms, each of which is decorated with works of art in the style of Jackson Pollock. In the evening, the most attractive place is the rooftop bar, where you can not only enjoy a quality gin and tonic but also watch the incredible views stretching from Chueca, filled with luxury boutiques as far south as the Prado.
Hostal Empuries, Costa Brava
This hotel in Spain is the only one in Europe to have Gold LEED status, awarded to leaders in environmental and energy design. The newly renovated Hostal Empuries is a restored seaside resort that offers guests high-quality service and the best amenities.
The hotel is located in one of the most beautiful bays of the Costa Brava, with views across the Bay of Roses, which stretches all the way to the easternmost point of Spain. Hostal Empuries was opened in 1919 as an extension of a simple beach restaurant. The recently completed renovation, designed by Pilar Libano, added luxury suites with terraces located a little further away from the rest of the property. In addition, the newly redesigned territory includes landscaping with grasses and wildflowers.
Key amenities, in addition to unrivaled views of the Mediterranean Sea, include indoor heated pools, as well as a spa specializing in Ayurvedic treatments. However, the main reason why so many people flock here is the food. The menu is created by a tandem of two outstanding Costa Brava chefs, Bill Gavalda, and Raf Peña. The dishes use local organic products, seafood, and fish from the Palamos market, and all this is harmoniously combined with the best Spanish wines.
