Kiwi Curated
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
by Darren DunneSpain draws swathes of sun worshippers, but as the homeland of Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudí and flamenco dancing, it’s also a cultural Mecca. The country has the world’s third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There’s also vibrant, cosmopolitan cities to explore, with Madrid’s matadors and Barcelona’s towering gothic cathedrals. We take a closer look at the destination and our stunning portfolio of hotels therein.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
On the blissful island of Mallorca, Hotel Cort offers a stylish take on Spanish luxury. Though understated on the outside (the building formerly housed a bank) the hotel, it boasts the colorful interior design of the self-styled “urban archeologist” Lázaro Rosa-Violán. Outside, an 800-year-old olive tree provides plentiful shade, while the ancient town hall is located directly across the square. Exploration on foot is easy from here, with a preserved Moorish hammam nearby and beautiful Balearic beaches just 30 minutes walk away.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
Across from Madrid’s iconic Puerta de Atocha railway station, Only You Hotel Atocha grants guests easy access to the city’s central tourist sights. A short stroll away, there’s the famous Retiro Park where visitors can rent rowboats to paddle around the lake and enjoy free concerts at the bandstand in summer. Though many fantastic restaurants are nearby, don’t skip on the hotel’s YOUniverse Terraza, a restaurant and terrace located on the seventh floor. It’s the perfect venue for weekend brunch served against the backdrop of Madrid’s classic cityscape.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
Hotel Fénix, a Gran Meliá Hotel-Madrid has been the hotel of choice for celebrities such as the Beckhams, Bill Clinton, and the Beatles since opening in 1953. The hotel sits centrally on the Plaza de Colón, an iconic square in central Madrid that’s home to a statue of Christopher Columbus as well as the world’s largest Spanish flag. Inside, the hotel’s interiors are as elegant as the city they inhabit, with the rooms and suites boasting terraces, soaking tubs and city views. The hotel’s Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas is often mentioned as Madrid’s leading cocktail bar and its outdoor terrace overlooks Plaza de Colón.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
Barcelona’s Golden Triangle is the convergence of the city’s cultural and commercial center. It’s also home to Hotel MidMost, a modern boutique hotel with a dedication to wellness. Barcelona is known for its resplendent gothic architecture, and the theme extends throughout the interiors of the hotel. Ribbed ceilings abound, while wrought-iron French balconies frame the 56 bright and modern bedrooms. On the roof, the serene relaxation area contains a pool and solarium, while the Terrace Bar is perfect for a casual sundowner.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
Known for its heady mix of nightlife and beautiful beaches, Ibiza remains one of Spain’s most enduring destinations. At Cas Gasí, guests are invited to explore the island’s more serene side from within a beautifully restored country home. The scene is set outside, where a picturesque countryside of pine forests, olive groves and orange trees foster an environment of total calm. The hotel is small, with just ten rooms and two suites, but this doesn’t stop the presence of an innovative holistic wellness program and advanced wellness center.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
The city of Granada was one of the old world’s first instances of a cultural melting pot, with evidence remaining of Roman, Greek, Castilian and Moorish influence across the city. One such example of the classic look is AC Palacio de Santa Paula, a historic hotel housed in the old part of the city. Considered a historic monument, it was converted from the remains of the 16th century Convent of Santa Paula, and the 14th century Casa Morisca. The El Claustro restaurant is housed within the old convent’s library, and serves imaginative dishes.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
It wouldn’t be a trip to Spain without squeezing in at least one beach retreat, and the charming village-style setup at Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience that far exceeds the norm. The resort sits on quiet sands between Marbella and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol. Within, there’s a stadium-style seaside tennis court, three spacious swimming pools, and nine restaurants, including an outlet from twice Michelin-starred chef Dani García. The icing on top? A Six Senses Spa.
Spotlight: Spain’s Cultural Cities and Towns
Dominated at its center by the snowy peak of Mount Teide, the paradise island of Tenerife offers a world of landscapes within a relatively small area. The island basks in eternal spring thanks to a subtle microclimate that keeps things pleasantly warm year-round. Bahia del Duque is nestled in the shadow of Mount Teide, close enough to provide easy beach access as well as a short journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the mountain’s volcanic peak. Within, colonial style rooms and suites spread across lush gardens, while golf and water sports keep active guests entertained throughout their stay.
On the blissful island of Mallorca, Hotel Cort offers a stylish take on Spanish luxury. Though understated on the outside (the building formerly housed a bank) the hotel, it boasts the colorful interior design of the self-styled “urban archeologist” Lázaro Rosa-Violán. Outside, an 800-year-old olive tree provides plentiful shade, while the ancient town hall is located directly across the square. Exploration on foot is easy from here, with a preserved Moorish hammam nearby and beautiful Balearic beaches just 30 minutes walk away.
Across from Madrid’s iconic Puerta de Atocha railway station, Only You Hotel Atocha grants guests easy access to the city’s central tourist sights. A short stroll away, there’s the famous Retiro Park where visitors can rent rowboats to paddle around the lake and enjoy free concerts at the bandstand in summer. Though many fantastic restaurants are nearby, don’t skip on the hotel’s YOUniverse Terraza, a restaurant and terrace located on the seventh floor. It’s the perfect venue for weekend brunch served against the backdrop of Madrid’s classic cityscape.
Hotel Fénix, a Gran Meliá Hotel-Madrid has been the hotel of choice for celebrities such as the Beckhams, Bill Clinton, and the Beatles since opening in 1953. The hotel sits centrally on the Plaza de Colón, an iconic square in central Madrid that’s home to a statue of Christopher Columbus as well as the world’s largest Spanish flag. Inside, the hotel’s interiors are as elegant as the city they inhabit, with the rooms and suites boasting terraces, soaking tubs and city views. The hotel’s Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas is often mentioned as Madrid’s leading cocktail bar and its outdoor terrace overlooks Plaza de Colón.
Barcelona’s Golden Triangle is the convergence of the city’s cultural and commercial center. It’s also home to Hotel MidMost, a modern boutique hotel with a dedication to wellness. Barcelona is known for its resplendent gothic architecture, and the theme extends throughout the interiors of the hotel. Ribbed ceilings abound, while wrought-iron French balconies frame the 56 bright and modern bedrooms. On the roof, the serene relaxation area contains a pool and solarium, while the Terrace Bar is perfect for a casual sundowner.
Known for its heady mix of nightlife and beautiful beaches, Ibiza remains one of Spain’s most enduring destinations. At Cas Gasí, guests are invited to explore the island’s more serene side from within a beautifully restored country home. The scene is set outside, where a picturesque countryside of pine forests, olive groves and orange trees foster an environment of total calm. The hotel is small, with just ten rooms and two suites, but this doesn’t stop the presence of an innovative holistic wellness program and advanced wellness center.
The city of Granada was one of the old world’s first instances of a cultural melting pot, with evidence remaining of Roman, Greek, Castilian and Moorish influence across the city. One such example of the classic look is AC Palacio de Santa Paula, a historic hotel housed in the old part of the city. Considered a historic monument, it was converted from the remains of the 16th century Convent of Santa Paula, and the 14th century Casa Morisca. The El Claustro restaurant is housed within the old convent’s library, and serves imaginative dishes.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Spain without squeezing in at least one beach retreat, and the charming village-style setup at Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience that far exceeds the norm. The resort sits on quiet sands between Marbella and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol. Within, there’s a stadium-style seaside tennis court, three spacious swimming pools, and nine restaurants, including an outlet from twice Michelin-starred chef Dani García. The icing on top? A Six Senses Spa.
Dominated at its center by the snowy peak of Mount Teide, the paradise island of Tenerife offers a world of landscapes within a relatively small area. The island basks in eternal spring thanks to a subtle microclimate that keeps things pleasantly warm year-round. Bahia del Duque is nestled in the shadow of Mount Teide, close enough to provide easy beach access as well as a short journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the mountain’s volcanic peak. Within, colonial style rooms and suites spread across lush gardens, while golf and water sports keep active guests entertained throughout their stay.