Few
countries know how to party and relax like Spain.
When you visit, you can stay out until the wee hours dancing,
roll out of bed and check out sites like Antonio Gaudí's
Dr. Seuss-esque Sagrada Familia church, rest up by taking
a siesta, and then liven up again with excellent wine
and the company of friends over a large helping of paella. |
TOP 10 HOTELS IN SPAIN
The Best Places to Stay
From the stately Hotel Ritz Madrid to the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal, these are the best hotels in this caliente country. Whether you plan on picking Valencia oranges or running with the bulls, be sure to experience Spain in one of these overnight spots.
|
|
 |
A
MAGICAL SHOW
Cavalia
Focused on the allure of horses, this show features magical
high-tech sets, acrobatics and live orchestra to involve
multiple senses. Not a traditional circus, Cavalia is
an unconventional performance capturing the partnership
between man and horse. |
| |
TAKE
THE WATERS
Top
Spas in Spain
The
spa tradition of Spain is more than 2,000 years
old. You'll find the impact of the Romans and
Moors reflected in the country's countless beautiful
thermal springs and balnearios. Find out where
to "take the waters," from the oldest
spa resort, The Balneario de Archena, to newcomers
like Caracala Spa. |
EDGY
IN BARCELONA
Gran
Hotel La Florida
Offering phenomenal views of Barcelona,
from your balcony, the terrace and pool, this 76-room
urban resort was done by the acclaimed designers
of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Plus: a sexy spa, great dining and edgy surprises. |
|
 |
72-HOUR
VACATION
Modernism,
Architecture
and Food
The
new
Spanish cuisine spearheaded by Ferran Adria, the
art and architecture of Gaudí and Picasso,
Basque tapas and the magic of the Fonts de Montjuïc:
Barcelona is a city full of delights. |
BILBAO
TOP 10 VALUE HOTELS WORLDWIDE
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
This modern hotel faces Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and is ideal for art and architecture aficionados. The stunning floor-to-ceiling atrium houses the Fossil Cypress, a two-ton sculpture by Mariscal. The selection of furniture represents some of the most emblematic designs from the 20th century. |
|
COSTA
BRAVA
 |
ADRIA'S
AUDACITY
Culinary
Genius
or Gastronomic Dead End?
Is Adrià a difficult
to understand genius or is he just blowing hot air
over the blue Mediterranean waters to generate waves
of celebrity? Here's our take on the controversial
Spanish chef of El Bulli. |
MOLECULAR
CUISINE
Texturas
In the mood for some liquid nitrogen ice cream,
sodium alginate pearls and goose liver whipped cream?
If you're not traveling to Spain anytime soon, worry
not. Ferran Adrià's las launched his Spherification
Kit for do-it-yourself molecular cuisine in the
comfort of your own kitchen. |
|
 |
VINOTHERAPY
Peralada
Wine Spa
Experiment with ampelotherapy,
the indulgent practice of using only wine and
grape-based body treatments, at this exquisite
golf resort's rustic spa. Your skin will thank
you for it.
|
RELAXING
RANCH
El
Rancho de Ferrer
Take
advantage of the solitude at this exclusive guest
ranch, once an abandoned village. Enjoy a trail
ride and sample local cuisine while your mount,
chosen specifically for you according to your
skill level, is watered. If you feel like spending
a quiet night in, guest cottages come equipped
with kitchens and living rooms. |
|
|
YOGA
RETREAT
Center
Yourself
Not
exactly what you'd expect from the notorious party
island, Benniras Beach is a quiet oasis where
visitors can practice yoga and enjoy vegetarian
cuisine while rubbing elbows with local beach
bums. |
BUSINESS
TRAVEL GUIDE
Madrid
It’s hard to think about work when you’re in one of Europe’s most vivacious capital cities. Located on the elevated Castilian plain, Madrid is one of the few places where mixing business and pleasure is not only encouraged, it’s compulsory. |
|
|
ARTISTIC
SURROUNDINGS
Hotel
Urban
Have
you ever wanted to sleep in an art gallery? You'll
feel like you are at this modern hotel, whose
rooms are each designed around a single work of
art, complete with curator's notes. You can also
enjoy the on-site ancient Egyptian art museum,
dine al fresco, or take a dip in the rooftop pool. |
EXPLORE
THE CAPITAL
Visiting
Madrid?
Centuries-old
tradition meets modern luxury in this grand
city. Take your time exploring the tascas (tapas
bars) before enjoying the nightlife in this
vibrant Spanish city. |
|
|
ROYAL
PURSUITS
Marbella
Club Hotel
Hit
the links and enjoy views of the Mediterranean,
Gibraltar and the African Coastline as you tread
in the steps of royalty at this super-exclusive
golf resort. Only hotel guests are allowed on
the immaculately-maintained course, and tee times
are staggered to ensure a leisurely game. If golf
isn't your sport of choice, you can also take
in the sights on horseback. |
WINE
COUNTRY
Hotel
El Peregrino
A
dream come true for vineyard connoisseurs, Hotel
El Peregrino is a cozy getaway nestled between
the French border and Spain's La Rioja wine
growing region. Sleep soundly in beautifully
designed guestrooms that feature just a touch
of kitschy style. |
|
|
CITY
OF WINE
Hotel
Marqués de Riscal
Located in the heart of the Rioja wine region,
the Hotel Marqués de Riscal is no ordinary
overnight destination—it's a "city."
The original Marqués de Riscal winery
was transformed by architect Frank Gehry into
the "City of Wine"after a $77 million,
eight-year renovation project. |
72-HOUR
VACATION
On
Tapas the World
How
do an afternoon tapas crawl,
spontaneous flamenco performances and an unforgettable
meal at the
El Bulli property La Alquería sound to
you? Here's
your prescription for three delectable days in
Seville. |
|
|
TRAVEL
FEATURE
Vibrant
Valencia
Valencia,
in Spain’s Levante region, is a testament
to great beauty, surprising modernity and a gentleness
of life palpable in its street festivals and nightlife.
Here are some of the highlights, from art and
artisans to the region's fine food and lively
festivals. |
LIVING IT UP IN VALENCIA
The Westin Valencia Hotel
Located just eight miles from Valencia airport, and within walking distance to the city’s main sites, The Westin Valencia is embracing the future while maintaining its Mediterranean charm. |
|
THE FOOD OF SPAIN
Spanish
Cooking
If you can't get to Spain anytime soon but want to cook
like a Spaniard, check out Spanish
Home Cooking - Cocina Casera.
See
also: Mediterranean
Vegetables
|
Visit
the official website of Spain
Guides
for other parts of the world
|
