‘The Times’ uncovers Spain’s 26 most charming secret hotels, one of them in Ibiza

The prestigious British magazine ‘The Times’ has recently published a guide with some of the best kept tourist secrets in Spain: 26 very special hotels that stand out from the traditional. They are located in places that stand out for their exclusivity, elegance and peacefulness. This is the case of Menorca, where the new boutique hotel Vestige Son Vell awaits; or Casa Las Terrazas, a villa with views of the countryside located in the Cadiz municipality of Vejer de La Frontera.

‘The Times’ notes that “Spain is much more than package vacations, crowded coastlines and sweltering heat.”the country is also famous for its scenery dotted with rural houses and its quiet stretches of coastline.

An example of this is three of the hotels that stand out in the Balearic Islands, where Vestige Son Vell stands out, a new hotel with 34 suites surrounded by gardens and orchards, two restaurants serving island products and located very close to Son Xorigeur, in Menorca.

Also Cas Gasí, near the Ibizan village of Santa Gertrudis, in the heart of this island; or Can Ribera, in Mallorca, a rural hotel with views of the Tramontana mountain range.

The Canary Islands are also present with the Parador de Cruz de Tejedaa renovated 19th-century mansion that is now a four-star retreat in the center of the quiet village of Muro. Also Buenavista Lanzarote Country Suites, five suites that are immersed in the volcanic vineyards of Lanzarote’s spectacular lava fields.

Catalonia and Comunidad Valenciana are picked up by ‘The Times’ thanks to Cava & Hotel Mastinell, a wine-themed hotel near Barcelona located in the municipality of Vilafranca del Penedés; or also Casa Bonay, in Barcelona, a small complex with 67 rooms located in an artistic enclave: the Eixample district.

The Costa Blanca appears with the Hotel Ritual de Terra & Spa, one of the classiest stays in the area with 42 spacious rooms facing the sea or overlooking the Montgó mountain. Also in Valencia is the Palacio Vallier, with art deco-style rooms, black and white marble ties, elegant gold accents and geometric patterns. Among the mountains of Alicante stands out Vivood, in the municipality of Benimantell, perched on a hill overlooking the Guadalest reservoir.

Hotels in the North

The Cantabrian coast stands out as the perfect destination for lovers of nature and good food. ‘The Times’ highlights that, in summer, Spaniards heading to this area seek “the white sandy beaches of the north; Galicia is a favorite. Here the weather is more changeable, but with temperatures that can be ten degrees lower than on the southern coast”. Here, O Lar do Mar, in Carnota, a 200-year-old stone building consisting of two two-bedroom cottages connected by a one-bedroom barn, stands out.

Asturias is in the British guide with Casona de la Paca, a pink mansion located in Cudillero with mountain views; as well as El Moderne, in Gijón, just a few steps from the two beaches that border this small Asturian city.

Basque Country figures with the Hotel Nafarrola, in Bermeo, next to the wetlands of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, known for its incredible birdlife and beaches; and the Hotel María Cristina, in San Sebastián, designed by Charles Mewes, the man behind the Ritz hotels in Paris and Madrid.

Helguera Palacio Boutique Antique Boutique is the 17th-century ‘adults only’ hotel located in Las Presillas, in the Pasiegos Valleys, just a 30-minute drive from Santander.

Lodgings in the south

Only four Andalusian provinces are present in the guide prepared by ‘The Times’: Malaga, Cadiz, Seville and Huelva. Marbella is home to La Fonda Heritage Hotel, a retreat full of charm in the old town; but also La Zambra, one of the places chosen by celebrities who annually visit the city.

In Cádiz, Iris Zahara is recommended for “Zahara de los Atunes food lovers,” owned by Spanish chef José Pizarro and his partner Peter; as is Casa Las Terrazas, overlooking the countryside in Vejer de la Frontera.

Hotel Las Casas de la Judería is highlighted by the British newspaper as the “most charming hotel in Seville”; as well as Caballo de Hierro, in the Huelva municipality of Zufre, a private estate surrounded by 2,000 hectares of countryside in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche natural park.

‘The Times’ travels inland Spain through four locations: the Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm, a former monastery transformed into a hotel in Salamanca; and the Parador de Cuenca, built on a gorge.

Extremadura is listed with Hospes Palacio de Arenales & Spa, the former summer residence of the Golfin familyclosely linked to Queen Isabella, and located on the outskirts of Cáceres.

For its part, Madrid is also present with the Only You hotel, located in one of Madrid’s coolest neighborhoods, Chueca, an area with “beautiful buildings with balconies, vibrant plazas and a mix of boutiques and restaurants.”