Etiqueta: travel designer

Travel AdvisorBy admin

San Sebastian Gastronomy: 5 Essential Restaurant Proposals in the Basque Country

Basque cuisine is defined by one core principle: respect for the product. Rather than complex techniques or heavy sauces, Basque chefs focus on enhancing the natural flavor of each ingredient. This philosophy, rooted in fishing villages and rural traditions, has evolved into one of the most sophisticated culinary cultures in the world.

Key Products of Basque Cuisine

Some of the most iconic ingredients include:

  • Fresh Atlantic seafood (turbot, hake, anchovies)

  • Premium beef and txuleta (Basque-style rib steak)

  • Seasonal vegetables such as peppers, beans, and artichokes

  • High-quality olive oil and local cheeses

  • Cider (sidra) and Txakoli wine

This strong connection to land and sea is what allows San Sebastian to host more Michelin stars per square mile than almost any other city on earth.

1. Arzak

A global icon of modern Basque cuisine, Arzak is a family-run restaurant that has shaped Spain’s culinary identity for decades. Holding three Michelin stars, it represents the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

The tasting menus reinterpret classic Basque flavors through contemporary techniques, always grounded in exceptional ingredients. Service is refined yet warm, making the experience both intellectual and emotional. For many travelers, dining at Arzak is a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic highlight.

2. Akelarre

Perched above the Bay of Biscay, Akelarre offers one of the most dramatic dining settings in Spain. Awarded three Michelin stars, the restaurant combines avant-garde cuisine with breathtaking ocean views.

Chef Pedro Subijana’s menus focus on creativity, texture, and balance, while maintaining a clear connection to Basque culinary roots. Akelarre is ideal for travelers seeking haute cuisine paired with a sense of place—a full sensory experience that goes beyond the plate.

3. Martín Berasategui

Located just outside San Sebastian, this legendary restaurant is widely regarded as one of the finest in Europe. With three Michelin stars, Martín Berasategui’s cuisine is precise, elegant, and technically flawless.

The tasting menus are long, immersive, and deeply expressive, showcasing both innovation and classical mastery. This is a destination restaurant, best suited for travelers who consider gastronomy a central pillar of their journey to Spain.

4. Mugaritz

Mugaritz is not a conventional restaurant—it is a culinary laboratory. Holding two Michelin stars, it challenges diners’ expectations with experimental dishes that blur the line between food, art, and philosophy.

Each season’s menu is entirely new, driven by curiosity and creativity rather than tradition alone. Mugaritz appeals to adventurous travelers who are open to surprise and intellectual engagement, making it one of the most talked-about dining experiences in the world.

5. Elkano

For a more product-driven and traditional experience, Elkano is unmatched. Famous for serving what many consider the best grilled turbot in the world, this restaurant exemplifies the Basque respect for seafood.

Located in the nearby fishing town of Getaria, Elkano focuses on simplicity, fire, and impeccable sourcing. The result is a deeply authentic experience that highlights the Atlantic soul of Basque cuisine.

Why San Sebastian Is a Must-Visit for Food Lovers

San Sebastian is not just about fine dining—it’s about culinary culture. From Michelin-starred temples to casual pintxos bars, the city lives and breathes food. For travelers from the United States seeking meaningful gastronomic experiences, San Sebastian offers an unparalleled combination of tradition, innovation, and authenticity.

Whether you are drawn to avant-garde tasting menus or perfect grilled fish by the sea, San Sebastian stands as one of the world’s greatest food destinations—and these five restaurants represent the very best of what the city and the Basque Country have to offer.

Travel AdvisorBy admin

Cuenca. A UNESCO Historic City and the Perfect Day Trip from Madrid

Cuenca offers one of the country’s most dramatic and rewarding cultural experiences. Perched between deep river gorges and crowned by medieval architecture, this small city delivers history, art, and landscape in a way few destinations can. Best of all, Cuenca is an easy and elegant day trip from Madrid, especially when explored privately with a dedicated vehicle and guide.

A Brief History of Cuenca

Cuenca’s strategic location—set high above the confluence of the Júcar and Huécar rivers—has attracted settlers for centuries. Originally a Celtiberian enclave, the city gained real importance under Muslim rule in the 9th century, when it became a fortified stronghold known as Kunka. In 1177, King Alfonso VIII conquered the city, integrating it into the Kingdom of Castile and beginning a period of Christian expansion.

During the Middle Ages, Cuenca prospered through the wool trade and textile production, leaving behind a dense urban fabric of churches, palaces, and noble houses. Its remarkably preserved historic center earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, recognizing Cuenca as one of Spain’s most exceptional medieval cities.

The Historic Old Town: A UNESCO Treasure

The heart of Cuenca lies in its Old Town, dramatically suspended between two river gorges. Narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and panoramic viewpoints create a timeless atmosphere that feels almost untouched by modern life. Walking here is not just sightseeing—it’s an immersion into centuries of Spanish history.

Highlights include medieval arches, Renaissance façades, and hidden corners that reveal breathtaking views at every turn. For visitors from the U.S., Cuenca offers something rare: a historic European city that still feels intimate, authentic, and uncrowded.

The Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas)

Cuenca’s most iconic symbol is the Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Houses. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, these wooden-balconied homes appear to cling impossibly to the cliff edge above the Huécar Gorge.

Today, the Hanging Houses host cultural spaces, including the renowned Museum of Abstract Art, a fascinating contrast between medieval architecture and contemporary creativity. Standing on their balconies is one of the most memorable experiences in central Spain—and a photographer’s dream.

Nature and Landscape: The Gorges of Cuenca

Cuenca’s setting is as important as its monuments. The Júcar and Huécar gorges carve deep natural canyons around the city, creating dramatic viewpoints and walking paths. Just outside the historic center, visitors can enjoy light hikes, scenic overlooks, and moments of quiet nature—ideal for balancing cultural exploration with fresh air and open landscapes.

This combination of history and nature makes Cuenca especially appealing to travelers seeking meaningful, well-rounded experiences.

A Private Day Trip from Madrid

Cuenca is perfectly suited for a private day trip from Madrid. Traveling by private vehicle allows you to leave the city comfortably in the morning, enjoy a scenic drive through Castile-La Mancha, and arrive directly at Cuenca’s historic center without logistical stress.

A private experience typically includes:

  • Door-to-door transportation from your hotel in Madrid

  • A guided visit to the Old Town and main monuments

  • Free time for lunch and exploration

  • A relaxed return to Madrid in the evening

This approach is ideal for American travelers who value comfort, efficiency, and deeper cultural insight without rushing.

Gourmet Dining in Cuenca

Despite its size, Cuenca offers excellent dining—perfect for a refined lunch during your visit.

Restaurante Raff San Pedro
Highly regarded for its modern interpretation of traditional Manchego cuisine, Raff San Pedro focuses on seasonal ingredients, elegant presentation, and bold flavors. It consistently receives outstanding reviews and is considered one of the city’s top gourmet addresses.

 

Travel AdvisorBy admin

Cherry Blossom Season in Spain: Discover the Beauty of Cerezo en Flor

For travelers from the United States seeking authentic nature, cultural depth, and unforgettable landscapes, Spain offers a hidden gem that rivals the famous cherry blossoms of Japan or Washington, D.C.: the Cherry Blossom Season, known as Cerezo en Flor. Each spring, thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom, transforming valleys and mountains into a sea of white petals and soft fragrance—an extraordinary natural spectacle still largely undiscovered by international visitors.

What Is Cerezo en Flor?

Cerezo en Flor refers to the brief but spectacular period when cherry trees bloom, usually between late March and early April, depending on weather conditions. During these few weeks, entire regions of Spain celebrate the arrival of spring through nature, local traditions, and rural life.

The most iconic place to experience this phenomenon is the Valle del Jerte, a fertile valley in western Spain home to more than one million cherry trees. When they bloom simultaneously, the landscape becomes a breathtaking natural canvas, attracting photographers, hikers, and travelers in search of slow, meaningful experiences.

cerezo en flor

Origins and Cultural Significance

Cherry cultivation in the Jerte Valley dates back centuries. Over generations, local communities shaped the land through terraced farming, adapting to the mountainous terrain and creating a unique agricultural and cultural landscape. The cherry blossom season is not only a natural event but also a symbol of renewal, harmony with nature, and rural heritage.

Today, Cerezo en Flor is celebrated with cultural activities, local gastronomy, walking routes, and small village festivals. Unlike large-scale tourist events, the atmosphere remains peaceful and authentic—perfect for travelers who value cultural immersion and sustainability.

Best Ways to Experience Cherry Blossom Season in Spain

The Jerte Valley is best explored slowly. Scenic drives, guided walks through blossom-covered hills, visits to traditional villages, and tastings of local products all enhance the experience. Spring is also a perfect time to enjoy Spain’s mild climate and countryside, far from the summer heat.

Traveling with expert planning allows visitors to reach the best viewpoints, understand the cultural context, and enjoy the season at its peak—since cherry blossoms last only a short time.

Travel with Style: Discover Cerezo en Flor with Spain Luxury Trips

Planning a trip around a natural event requires precision and local knowledge. Spin Luxury Trips specializes in designing tailor-made luxury journeys in Spain, helping travelers experience extraordinary moments like Cerezo en Flor in a seamless and exclusive way.

From private transportation and expert local guides to carefully selected accommodations and cultural experiences, Spin Luxury Trips ensures that your journey to discover Spain’s cherry blossoms is both comfortable and deeply enriching.

Cerezo en Flor is one of Spain’s most beautiful and underrated natural events. For travelers looking beyond the usual tourist routes, it offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and tranquility.

If you are planning a spring trip to Spain and want to experience the country at its most poetic moment, cherry blossom season in the Jerte Valley is a memory you will carry forever—petals, landscapes, and all. 🌸

Travel AdvisorBy admin

La Tomatina of Buñol: Spain’s Iconic Tomato Festival Explained

If you’re planning a trip to Spain and want to experience its culture in a unique, vibrant, and unforgettable way, La Tomatina of Buñol should be high on your list. Held every summer in the small town of Buñol, this world-famous festival is far more than a tomato fight—it’s a joyful expression of Spanish culture, community spirit, and Mediterranean lifestyle that fascinates travelers

The Origins of La Tomatina: A Festival Born by Chance

The origins of La Tomatina date back to the 1940s. According to the most popular story, everything began during a local parade when a group of young people started an improvised food fight using tomatoes from a nearby market stall. What began as a spontaneous moment of fun quickly became a yearly tradition, repeated again and again due to its popularity.

Although the celebration was temporarily banned in its early years, the determination of local residents kept it alive. By the 1950s, La Tomatina was officially recognized, laying the foundations for what would become one of the most iconic festivals in Spain.

History and Evolution: From Local Tradition to Global Phenomenon

For many years, La Tomatina was mainly known within the Valencia region. However, from the 1980s onward, television coverage and the growth of international tourism helped the festival reach a global audience. Visitors began arriving from all over the world, especially from North America, drawn by the originality and joy of the event.

Today, La Tomatina attracts tens of thousands of participants each year and has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, confirming its place as a must-see cultural event in Spain.

When and How La Tomatina Takes Place

La Tomatina is held on the last Wednesday of August. At around 11:00 a.m., the tomato battle begins. Trucks loaded with tons of ripe tomatoes enter the streets of Buñol, and for about one hour, participants throw tomatoes at each other in a festive, well-organized, and safe environment.

A few simple rules apply:

  • Tomatoes must be crushed before being thrown.

  • No hard objects are allowed.

  • A positive, fun-loving attitude is essential.

Once the battle ends, the town is completely cleaned, and celebrations continue with music, local food, and street parties.

Cultural Meaning: More Than a Tomato Fight

La Tomatina offers a genuine insight into the Spanish way of life—one that values shared experiences, spontaneity, and enjoyment of the present moment. There are no winners or losers, only thousands of people united in laughter, covered in red, and enjoying a truly collective celebration.

The festival is also deeply connected to Valencian traditions, reflecting the region’s open, welcoming character and its love for popular festivities.

 

La Tomatina is a perfect example of how a small local tradition can become a powerful symbol of singular culture in Spain. Travelers seeking authentic experiences, memorable festivals, and real connections with local culture will find in La Tomatina an event that goes far beyond sightseeing.

It represents the essence of Spain: history, celebration, hospitality, and a passion for living life to the fullest—one tomato at a time. 🍅

 

 

 

 

 

Text: Spain Luxury Trips

Photos: Amparo Pardo

Travel AdvisorBy admin

Paradores Hotels. Luxury in Historic Hotels

Spain’s iconic Paradores hotel network has its origins in the early 1900s, a time when the country faced a clear shortage of quality accommodation for travelers. Recognizing this challenge, the Spanish Government—acting on the initiative of King Alfonso XIII—created the Royal Tourism Commission to identify outstanding sites worthy of development. After extensive exploration, the project came to life in 1928 with the inauguration of the first Parador in the Sierra de Gredos mountains. Known today as Parador de Gredos, this refined mountain retreat remains a landmark of Spanish hospitality and continues to captivate guests from around the world.

The outstanding reception of the inaugural Parador encouraged the initiative to grow, establishing historic landmarks and areas of remarkable natural scenery as defining features of future properties. Backed by strong government support—particularly during the rapid development years of the 1960s—the Paradores network expanded in parallel with Spain’s improving national infrastructure.

Beyond hospitality, the Paradores concept played a crucial role in the preservation and restoration of emblematic castles and palatial residences, many of which carried centuries of history long before becoming hotels.

Today, Paradores hotels continue the proud legacy of exemplary service and total comfort in its diverse locations throughout Spain.

We present a carefully curated selection of 5 luxury Paradores in Spain. These exceptional properties offer a refined way to experience Spain’s heritage with elegance and comfort.

Parador de Carmona

Carmona

Overlooking the wide plains of Andalusia, Parador de Carmona offers a comfortable, upscale stay inside a historic Moorish fortress once known as the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro. The hotel features spacious, well-appointed rooms, many with far-reaching countryside views. Guests can savor authentic Andalusian cuisine, showcasing local olive oil, traditional recipes, and regional wines, served in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. With excellent road connections between Seville and Córdoba, this Parador is perfectly located for private travelers exploring Andalusia’s cultural heart, while enjoying heritage, gastronomy, and understated luxury.

Parador de Cardona

Dominating the landscape from a dramatic hilltop, Parador de Cardona offers an extraordinary luxury stay within a 10th-century medieval castle overlooking the Catalan countryside. This iconic fortress-hotel features spacious, elegantly appointed rooms, many showcasing original stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and panoramic views. Guests enjoy refined Catalan cuisine, attentive personalized service, and a tranquil, exclusive atmosphere ideal for private travelers. Its historic setting, combined with modern comfort and privacy, makes it a standout destination for discerning guests seeking heritage, authenticity, and understated luxury in Spain.

Parador de Santa Catalina

Parador de Santa Catalina (Jaén)

Set on the hill of Santa Catalina, Parador de Jaén offers a relaxed yet upscale stay inside a historic castle with incredible views over Jaén and its endless olive groves. The hotel has comfortable, spacious rooms, many with wide-open panoramas, mixing historic charm with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy local Andalusian cuisine, friendly, attentive service, and a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that feels private without being stiff. It’s a great choice for travelers who want history, scenery, and comfort, all wrapped in a luxury experience that feels natural and unpretentious in southern Spain.

Parador de Santiago

Located directly on Plaza del Obradoiro, beside the cathedral, Parador de Santiago de Compostela offers a comfortable, upscale stay inside what is considered one of the oldest hotels in the world. Originally built to welcome pilgrims at the end of the Camino de Santiago, this historic property still reflects that spirit of hospitality. Today, it features spacious, elegant rooms, peaceful stone cloisters, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Guests enjoy excellent Galician cuisine, attentive service, and an unbeatable location—perfect for travelers who want to experience history, tradition, and understated luxury at the final stop of the Camino.

Parador de Baiona

Perched on the Monterreal Peninsula and surrounded by the Atlantic, Parador de Baiona offers a relaxed yet refined stay inside a historic fortress overlooking the ocean. With sweeping views of the Cíes Islands and the Galician coastline, the hotel features spacious, comfortable rooms, many with sea-facing terraces. Guests can enjoy traditional Galician cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood, local fish, octopus, and regional wines, served in an elegant yet informal setting. Combined with friendly service, oceanfront walks, and a calm atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking coastal beauty, authentic flavors, and laid-back luxury in northern Spain.

 

 

 

 

 

Text: Spain Luxury Trips

Photos: Paradores

Travel AdvisorBy admin

Txakoli, the wine of Basque Country

Txakoli, also known as chacolí, is a low-alcohol wine (10.5%), slightly acidic, and with intense aromas of citrus, herbs, and flowers. Production is primarily of white wine, although rosé and red wines are also produced in smaller quantities.

This wine is produced in Cantabria, Burgos, and some parts of Chile, but the largest production is in the Basque Country, specifically in the wineries of the coastal Basque towns of Getaria, Zarautz, and Aya.

Today, the following designations of origin exist: Arabako Txakolina, the designation of origin for Álava, specifically in the Aya region, the Arrastaria Valley, and the Llodio Valley; Bizkaiko Txakolina, the designation of origin for Biscay, primarily in Bakio and Valmaseda; and Getariako Txakolina, the designation of origin for Getaria (Gipuzkoa).

Although its exact origin is unknown, the first documents mentioning this wine place it in the 14th century in the Basque town of Lekeitio, in Biscay. In the past, txakoli was produced in farmhouses or country homes using traditional methods; it was neither filtered nor clarified, so before drinking it was poured from a height, much like natural cider is today. In recent years, several wineries have begun to study and improve its production to achieve better taste and aromas.

txakoli

What grape varieties are used to make Txakoli?

The main grape variety used to make Txakoli is Hondarrabi Zuri (zuri means white in Basque), a white variety native to the Basque Country. Wines made with Hondarrabi Zuri are usually a pale greenish-yellow color and are characterized by being light, fresh, with high acidity and a fine effervescence.

For the production of red and rosé Txakoli, locally called «ojo de gallo» (rooster’s eye), the Hondarrabi Beltza variety is used (beltza means black in Basque). Wines made with Hondarrabi Beltza have good structure and are characterized by being very bold and robust on the palate. Currently, these wines are experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to their unique character and freshness.

Other varieties that are used, although to a lesser extent, to make txakoli in Getaria are Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie (Petit Corbú), Izkiriota (Gross Manseng), Riesling and Chardonnay. In Álava and Vizcaya you can also use Mune Mahatsa (Folle Blanche), Izkiriota Tippi (Petit Manseng) and Sauvignon Blanc.

How do you drink txakoli?

Txakoli is a versatile wine that has long since ceased to be a seasonal beverage and is no longer limited to a specific time of year.

It can be enjoyed on its own, although it’s perfect with traditional Basque pintxos or any appetizer. Its acidity increases saliva production and stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, preparing the body for better digestion.

It’s also an ideal accompaniment to seafood and fish, both oily and white. Txakoli facilitates the assimilation of proteins (chemical compounds that include amino acids and other structures that produce them) thanks to its ionic acidity and low osmotic pressure.

It’s also becoming increasingly popular to pair txakoli with modern dishes, such as sushi.

How is txakoli made?

Txakoli is produced in a unique growing environment. The Basque Country has an irregular, mountainous topography without extreme altitudes, creating valleys, riverbanks, and hillsides with varying heights and inclines. During the vine growing season (March to September), the temperature ranges between 8 and 22ºC, with variable annual rainfall. The soils have a neutral or slightly alkaline pH, with distinct layers of hard rocks, sediments, and sand.

The harvest begins towards the end of September or the beginning of October, when the grape bunches reach their optimal ripeness. The grapes are picked by hand and transported in plastic crates to the wineries. Many wineries carry out a low-temperature maceration process on the must and berries remaining after destemming to extract all the aromas and compounds present in the grape skins.

The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks at around 15ºC for two to three weeks. Although txakoli is ready by the end of autumn, most wineries wait a few more weeks for it to reach its full potential.

During the winter months, pruning is carried out in the vineyards, and the cleaning, stabilization, and filtering phase takes place in the wineries. It is also during this time that the majority of tastings and quality and typicity checks of the txakoli are performed.

Around the first half of April, the first leaves appear, and the flower buds begin to open towards the end of May. The weather conditions during these weeks will determine the final result of the txakoli, making this a crucial time in production.

In summer, the main tasks focus on clearing or controlling the vegetation between the rows of vines, as well as pruning to reduce and control the growth of the vine branches. Gradually, the grapes will grow, incorporating sugars and decreasing their acidity. At the end of summer, when the harvest date is anticipated, a light leaf removal will be carried out to facilitate proper aeration, preventing condensation and unwanted rot.

Text: SPL and Intelier

Image: SPL and Bizkaiko Txakolina

Travel AdvisorBy admin

How We Create Unique Travel Experiences

travel designer

At Spain Luxury Trips, every journey begins with a simple idea: your trip, your way. We specialize in creating bespoke private tours and luxury trips across Spain, designed to reflect your personal interests, timing, and lifestyle.

From the first moment, our mission is to understand you — your passions, preferences, and expectations — to design a private journey through Spain that’s completely yours.

A Journey That Starts With You

The first step in every project is understanding what inspires you as a traveler.
Some of our clients dream of a gastronomic escape, exploring Spain’s world-famous cuisine, vineyards, and olive oil estates. Others are captivated by art, architecture, and history, seeking to uncover Spain’s cultural treasures through private guided visits to its monuments and museums.

Many guests prefer a balanced experience, combining boutique hotels, authentic local encounters, and moments of pure relaxation.

Once we know your travel style, our specialists design an initial itinerary proposal—a creative draft built around your days, destinations, and goals.
From there, we work closely with you, refining each aspect until it perfectly matches your expectations.

Flexibility and Excellence, Without Intermediaries

What makes Spain Luxury Trips different is that we are not intermediaries.
We handle every detail directly, from your luxury accommodations and private transfers to guided tours and exclusive experiences.

This independence allows us to be flexible, competitive, and precise—ensuring that each element of your trip maintains the highest standard of quality.

Our direct relationships with boutique hotels, expert local guides, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury transportation services guarantee a seamless experience.
Whether it’s a flamenco evening in Seville, a private sailing experience in Mallorca, or a wine tasting in La Rioja, every experience is curated exclusively for you.

Because true luxury is not only about what you see — it’s about how you feel during your journey.

A Multidisciplinary Team at Your Service

Behind each tailor-made itinerary stands a team of specialists: historians, travel designers, cultural experts, and experienced guides.
They work together to ensure that every aspect of your trip is flawless, enriching, and deeply connected to Spain’s authentic essence.

From your arrival at the airport to your final farewell, our logistics team coordinates every step.
Professional drivers, personalized assistance, and 24/7 support guarantee your comfort and peace of mind.

And when your trip concludes, our relationship continues — we follow up personally to ensure your complete satisfaction and to keep improving every experience we create.

Your Story in Spain, Crafted to Perfection

At Spain Luxury Trips, we don’t offer pre-made packages or generic tours.
We create experiences from scratch, designed to express who you are and how you want to travel.

Whether you’re planning a five-day city escape, a two-week cultural journey, or a honeymoon in Spain, we craft every moment with precision, elegance, and authenticity.

Our goal is simple: to make your time in Spain unforgettable, personal, and exceptional.

Because at Spain Luxury Trips, your story in Spain deserves to be told beautifully — and lived exquisitely.

Travel AdvisorBy admin

The Glass House. Slepping under stars in the desert

The Glass House, located in the heart of the Gorafe Desert in Granada, Spain, is one of those rare experiences that feels like stepping onto another planet.
This extraordinary accommodation, fully integrated into its surroundings, offers a private and luxurious stay where sky, earth, and silence merge in perfect harmony.

Built with sustainable materials and featuring large panoramic windows, The Glass House invites you to admire the vast desert landscape from every angle.
Its minimalist architecture and sleek design make it the perfect hideaway for travelers seeking exclusivity, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature in southern Spain.

Gorafe

The Gorafe Desert, also known as the “Desert of the Coloraos,” is one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes. With its red-hued canyons, rugged terrain, and wild beauty, it resembles the American Southwest.
Visitors can enjoy private 4×4 tours, guided hikes, stargazing sessions, or explore the prehistoric Gorafe Megalithic Park, home to some of Spain’s most impressive dolmens.

Staying at The Glass House is not just about accommodation — it’s about living a full sensory experience. Watch the sunrise paint the desert in shades of gold, or enjoy a private dinner under a sky filled with stars.
Every moment becomes a memory to treasure.

Through Andalucía Experiencias, you can enjoy exclusive stays at The Glass House combined with tailor-made desert experiences: guided 4×4 excursions, gourmet dinners featuring local flavors, and private astronomical sessions led by expert guides.
Every detail is curated for travelers who value privacy, sophistication, and authenticity.

The Glass House in Gorafe is more than a luxury stay — it’s an emotional journey through the silence, stars, and vastness of one of Spain’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Gorafe
Gorafe
Gorafe

Text: Spain Luxury Trips 

Photography: Maria Gallardo

Travel AdvisorBy admin

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

TheArtistGrandHotel

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

Opposite the museum, in front of the Puppy mascot and the characteristic titanium, The Artist, as it is known in Bilbao, is the representation of the city’s luxury.

TheArtistGrandHotel

The Grand Hotel of Art is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in Bilbao, offering privileged views of the Guggenheim Museum. Its rooms are equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, heating, a pillow menu, a desk, a hairdryer, and luxury amenities. Some rooms also offer panoramic views of the city or a private terrace. Among the amenities at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao are a gym and a wellness center with health and beauty treatments.

It also offers function rooms, free Wi-Fi, and private parking. All rooms have a coffee and tea maker, and the hotel offers a buffet breakfast every morning. It also offers a comprehensive culinary offering at the Le Café and Beltz restaurants, as well as the Sixty-One and La Terraza bars, where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks. The hotel is approximately 400 meters from the Museum of Fine Arts and Plaza Euskadi, while Bilbao’s Old Town is just two kilometers away.

TheArtistGrandHotel
TheArtistGrandHotel
TheArtistGrandHotel

It is equipped with 120 rooms and suites, all of them climatised with telephone, television, sound system and Internet access. Each room has a detail that makes it different from the others. GHDB is not only a hotel to stay but also a colourful microcosmos that opens its doors to those who want to have a coffee in the coffee bar or have lunch in the restaurant. There are also meeting rooms, sauna, lecture room and several halls available. It is also equipped with a car park with access for the disabled.

TheArtistGrandHotel
Travel AdvisorBy Miguel Angel Gómez

What is a Luxury Travel really?

WINE TASTING

What is a Luxury Travel really?

WINE TASTING

Since we started back in 2009 to offer trips and private experiences in Andalusia, much has changed; both the profile of the traveler and trends, and of course the external circumstances of a globalized world that nothing makes us strangers and affects us.

In this journey, with its comings and goings, I have met clients who over the years have become friends. They chat via whatsapp, call me after hours to tell me why they have had problems with a client, the most improbable anecdotes that would be enough for a book, etc. One of these friends is Adriana Vilas. She is a professional in the tourism sector with a luxury travel agency located in Madrid. From the beginning, besides trusting in our way of working and how to see inbound tourism, she has become a friend over the years, where we exchange views on the industry and trends, which by circumstances are transforming the tourism landscape.

Adriana got it right, in my opinion, with what is the concept today of what is a Luxury Travel. This updated concept and under her experience (in addition to long phone and whatsapp chats) encouraged her to describe this concept.

rooftop tour

But what is luxury travel?

Defining what luxury is today is not at all simple, especially if we analyze how this concept has evolved throughout history.

Today, it is not so much about ostentation or high-end products, but rather luxury refers to experience, to something intangible.

Luxury is a concept that each person lives and feels, with a different meaning. What is or is not luxury, will depend on our experiences and our personal experience.

However, all luxury has something in common, it is perceived to be associated with an experience that has to be, above all, unique, distinctive, different, out of the ordinary, and, of course, exclusive.

There is something we can all agree on and that is that this concept of luxury is associated with other terms such as quality, excellence, differentiation and exclusivity.

Merida
Italica

Coco Chanel, stated that “luxury is a necessity that begins when necessity ends”.

With this premise, it can be said that more than changing the concept, what has occurred is a change in the perception of what luxury itself is. From being a global concept, it has become something very personal and subjective.

For us working on a concept with such personal implications and moving between such blurred definitions, organizing travel experiences based on luxury and distinction is always a challenge for us.

I know that it is not enough with what we know, with what our experience dictates, with intuition or with the story offered by the trends of the moment. We must always be one step ahead.

In the sector we find everything, since the term ostentation is still applied, but experience tells us that someone who seeks ostentation does not give value to the terms I mentioned before.

Another fundamental aspect that my friend was talking about is DISTINCTION:

“Luxury will be that feel like a local more instead of feeling like a tourist. It will be to travel without worrying about anything, feeling that your trip has been designed in a different way, out of the conventional and in an authentic way, with exclusivity, in private tours and experiencesthat are designed with care and attention to the smallest detail.

To turn a trip into a luxury experience, it is necessary to make an effort to touch the heartstrings, moving you to pleasurable experiences, intense, very pleasant sensations”.

 

And you? What is a travel luxury for you?