Whether sunbathing on one of Spain’s gorgeous islands or walking the hilly trails of Andalusia: 4 star hotels in Spain promise to be the perfect accompaniment to a dream vacation. Providing facilities for those interested in wellness, physical activity, or a pure beach vacation, with every second spent in the sun, settle into Madrid, Catalonia, the Canary or Balearic Islands, Andalusia, or the northern coast for a vacation you’ll never forget. Spend mornings under the shadow of the magical Modernista architecture and evenings, at a flamenco show with a table full of tapas.
Whether tucked into the volcanic landscape of Tenerife, up in the mountains of Tejeda, or seaside on Lanzarote, an escape to the Canary Islands promises to be an escape indeed. Under the perennial sunshine on the terrace of a luxurious 4 star hotel, settle under looming volcanos, between prehistoric landscapes, and at a table filled with delicious Spanish tapas. The Canary Islands are all about being outdoors amidst the variety of landscapes: Whether on the sandy coves and picturesque beaches of Fuerteventura, kayaking with the family on Lanzarote, or drinking cocktails at a beach bar in Tenerife. For the most authentic Canarian experience, try La Gomera, where you’ll find tranquility on the slopes of green mountains, in sleepy mountain villages, and elegant mansions that look out over miles of open sea. For unique natural landscapes and bustling nightlife, a 4 star hotel in Tenerife places you right in the action. For those inclined toward active holidays, Gran Canaria and La Palma offer plenty of chances for hiking, yoga, and snorkeling.
Green forests, rugged mountain landscapes with unique rock formations, and long sandy beaches for swimming, diving, & sunbathing is what you’ll find on the Balearic Islands. At a 4 star hotel on an exquisite beach, revel in the dreamlike surroundings of Mallorca, Palma, or Ibiza. Brimming with excellent gastronomy, lively nightlife scenes, and impressive natural and cultural attractions — like the stalactite caves or the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma — the Balearic Islands promise to enchant. To party with celebrities, try Ibiza. To relax in first-class spas surrounded by untouched beauty, try Mallorca. To stay among medieval villages, a 4 star hotel on Menorca is the way to go. In gorgeous interiors, always with a view of the sea, a 4 star hotel in the Balearic Islands sets you up for a comfortable and lavish vacation.
Andalusia, a large hilly region bordering Spain’s southern coast, evokes the royal memory of wealthy Moorish kings. In the south of the Iberian Peninsula, find cobbled streets filled with classic Spanish architecture, nights packed with tapas-tasting and traditional flamenco, and gorgeous beaches scattered with rocky cliffs. At a 4 star hotel in Granada, located just north inland from the southern coast, discover orange-tinted Moorish architecture against the backdrop of the impressive Sierra Nevada mountain range. In the birthplace of flamenco and now home to a myriad top Spanish sightseeing destinations, Seville boasts the world’s largest Gothic cathedral — a truly mighty sight in size and in grandeur. In the spring, the city blooms with orange blossom and jasmine, setting the mood for a refreshing and enriching holiday. From deep in the magical Sierra Nevada mountains, to the bustling port city of Cádiz, to the dreamlike Costa del Sol southern coast, a 4 star hotel in Andalusia promises an authentic and enriching stint into southern Spain.
For a unique Spanish experience, check out Catalonia, situated in the mountainous northeastern region and along the beachy eastern coast, Costa Brava. With a mix of Catalonian and Spanish languages, the rugged terrain of Pyrenean peaks and sparkling lakes, a trip to this region promises to be a special one. The capital of Catalonia and one of Spain’s most visited cities, Barcelona, is totally enchanting. Wandering through the tight cobbled alleyways or the expansive boulevards bustling with shops and lively locals, Barcelona constantly surrounds you with the dynamic spirit of a city enriched by years-old history and culture. Explore the Modernista architecture looming on every block, from Gaudi’s famous unfinished Sagrada Famïlia to Park Güell, looking out over the city from Carmel Hill. A 4 star hotel in Barceloneta, Eixample, or the Gothic Quarter promises to be the cherry on top of a perfect vacation. As for the rest of Catalonia, Girona flaunts medieval walls, culinary delicacies, and museums & culture for all. On the Costa Brava, Begur is a fairy-tale town, equipped with more Modernista buildings speckling stoned streets, winding roads leading to picturesque coves, and wonderful beaches.
The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a city for artists and art-lovers alike. Sprawling galleries and museums filled with Picasso, Dalí, and Miró, are enough to fill any day. Beyond that, the seriousness with which Madrid takes its dining and drinking is obvious on every corner — from locals-only tapas bars to bustling nightclubs, there’s plenty to take in this beautiful Spanish city. Situated directly in the center of Spain, wander down elegant boulevards, through lush city parks, into the gorgeous Plaza Mayor grand central square. Don’t miss the magnificent Royal Palace, built in the mid-1700s, and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, host to the European Cup on four occasions. A 4 star hotel in the city center sets you up with panoramic views from rooftop terraces, modern rooms, and luxurious spa treatments perfect for ending a long day traversing the winding streets of Spain’s capital.
Situated on the northern Atlantic coast, Basque Country and Galacia boast untouched nature in waterfalls, golden beaches, and bright blue ocean water. These wonderful seaside towns, like San Sebastián and Gijòn, are known worldwide for their culinary feats and surprisingly vast modern and contemporary art scenes – the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is considered among the world’s best museums. For pintxos on the beach, try a 4 star hotel in a beautiful fishing village like Portonovo or lavish port city like Bilbao. A true must-see of the region is the 9th-century religious site, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an amazing mountainside stairway between the towns of Bakio and Bermeo and the closest you can get a real “stairway to heaven”. Galicia is known for its suite of breathtaking waterfalls — the first-rate services and staff of a 4 star hotel near Silleda makes a hike to the tranquil Fervenza do Toxa a breeze.
Getting there: For Spain’s major cities, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, flights leave regularly from London and last around 2 hours. Do be wary that Barcelona’s Girona–Costa Brava Airport is located about 100 km from the city of Barcelona, so when flying there, expect a rather long commute to your hotel. All seven of the Canary Islands have airports, but Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Palma generally absorb flights from mainland Europe, while the others are used mostly for inter-island hopping. There are also ferry connections between all the islands and from mainland Spain (although that’s a really long ride). As for the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca Airport is the third-largest in Spain, and is thus reachable by plane quite easily. From there, there are quick and cheap ferries/water-buses that can get you between islands with ease. Alternatively, there are also options to fly non-stop from the UK for around 2.5 hours to Ibiza and Menorca. In general, on the islands, they’ll be a sometimes long commute from the airport to your hotel — renting a car from the airport is a good solution for this and allows you the freedom to explore the island without relying on buses/taxis during your trip.