Nowadays, tourists are increasingly looking for new and unusual ideas for weekend (or longer) getaways. Instead of standard excursions, many people are looking for unique experiences to discover lesser-known corners of Spain.
National Geographic magazine has presented a list of the best hotels in Spain to visit and spend a dream holiday in. Unsurprisingly, the list includes hotels on the Costa del Sol, including some that promote a new dimension of tourism combining a luxurious stay with proximity to nature and exceptional natural surroundings.
Tourists choose Spain
Popular tourist regions – such as the Costa del Sol – have become luxury resorts, tailored to the needs of the most discerning travellers. The Iberian Peninsula has no shortage of historic buildings – palaces or castles – that have been transformed into stylish hotels. The Paradores chain, for example, offers luxury accommodation in historic interiors, combining cultural heritage with a high standard of service.
Tourists visiting Spain can enjoy a variety of services tailored to their requirements. On the one hand, seaside resorts are hugely popular, on the other, mountain resorts or wellness in Andalusia. The rich offerings attract different customer groups, from spa and golf enthusiasts to fans of culture and history.
Andalusia stands for oil
Leisure close to nature is gaining new dimensions by combining with the regions’ local riches. Andalusia is famous throughout Europe and the world as the largest producer of ‘liquid gold’, or olive oil. From there, it is only a step to the growing popularity of oleotourism. This is a form of discovering unknown places, centred around olive oil production. It develops mainly in Mediterranean regions where olive cultivation and oil production are an important part of the local culture, tradition and economy.
As part of oleotourism, tourists visit olive groves, take part in the olive harvest, learn about traditional oil production methods and taste different types of oil. Often such trips are combined with visits to local farms and cooking workshops, as well as learning about the health and taste qualities of oil. Oleotourism attracts people interested in culture, culinary traditions and ecology, and is becoming increasingly popular in Spain, among others.
One Spanish example of a building in keeping with this popular trend is the Cortijo LA Organic. It is a luxury building with typical Andalusian architecture, full of exceptional details, with all the comforts and spaces restored by Stefano Robotti, a long-time collaborator of Philippe Starck. The LA Organic Experience comprises more than 26 hectares of olive groves, located in the mountains with views of the Sierra de Grazalema. It offers tourists the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of olive oil production – through guided tours and oil tastings, which are organised on the estate.
Rest close to nature
Another property worth recommending is Finca La Donaira, located close to Ronda, which is popular with tourists. It is a restored nine-room cortijo, or country house. Today, it is a luxurious, eco-friendly holiday destination and is also a farm and equestrian centre for Lusitano horses.
At the hotel you can not only regenerate physically, but also mentally and spiritually. Every visitor has the opportunity to enjoy relaxing in the gardens or to be active on the farm among the meadows, cork oaks and ancient ruins. The hotel offers a whole range of activities for guests – such as paragliding, rock climbing or horse riding.
Also worth a visit is a boutique hotel in the Sierra de Loja mountains – ideal for a quiet holiday. La Bobadilla is a five-star property located in the mountainous region of Sierra de Loja, in the province of Granada. Inspired by Andalusian palaces, it forms an extraordinary complex set among fields – dotted with olive trees. In 2020, it was awarded the title of best boutique hotel in Spain at the World Travel Awards.
Guests can enjoy delicacies served in the three restaurants, where you can enjoy great Andalusian cuisine. In addition to a lavish spa area, the hotel offers a range of outdoor activities such as Nordic walking, forest bathing and the opportunity to explore the area by bicycle. Inside, through the materials and interior finishes, the hotel aims to evoke the history of Andalusia. Of particular note is the monumental 1595 pipe organ in the local chapel, which is the most important non-church organ in Spain.
Such a wide range of holiday proposals makes tourism a key sector of Spain’s economy. Ever-increasing demand is driving the development of luxury hotels to meet the needs of international tourists. They are attracted by Spanish cuisine, including famous Michelin-starred restaurants, and a rich cultural life (flamenco, festivals, museums). Spain is successfully home to renowned hotel brands that ensure the highest standard of service. Chains such as the Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons have facilities in the most prestigious locations, offering guests world-class luxury.
