Tourism in Spain is thriving and for good reason. Travellers are drawn to its diverse landscapes, thriving gastronomy, innovative arts scene and the Mediterranean way of life, and with an influx of new hotel openings, restaurants and distinct tourism offerings, the country has much to shout about.
Here are just a few of the numerous reasons to visit Spain this year:
A WAVE OF NEW HOTELS
Nobu Hotel San Sebastián – Opening July 2023
With a July 2023 launch on the cards, Nobu Hotel San Sebastián, will offer 20 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites with a picturesque setting at La Concha Bay. Nestled in the heart of Spain’s gastronomic, San Sebastián, the iconic Nobu restaurant is a hero feature of the hotel and offers unsurpassed views of La Concha beach.
Cavalata Boutique Hotel – Opened April 2023
As Seville’s first 5 star GL hotel ‘on the other side of the river’, in Triana, the Cavalta Boutique Hotel is housed in a carefully preserved historical building and features 12 carefully designed and curated rooms. The hotel also features an exclusive restaurant, cocktail bar and a rooftop Garden Club with outdoor pool.
Seda Club Hotel – Opened February 2023
Seda Club Hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, timelessly combines old-world glamour and contemporary luxury. Located in Granada’s historical Plaza de la Trinidad, the hotel’s historical and cultural roots run deep. From the moment guests enter, they’re surrounded by rich woods, marble and bronze, offset with opulent textiles inspired by the 15th century silk trade in Granada.
Maribel – Opened November 2022
At one of the most extensive ski areas in southern Europe with direct access to the Maribel and Auila slopes, this member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World located in Sierra Nevada, Granada is a sophisticated alpine chalet designed to provide a home away from home feeling. Duplex suites have warm, welcoming interiors, with Finnish wood, and leather furniture, and there is a Nordic-inspired spa where guests can unwind under the stars.
Casa Palacio Paredes Saavedra by Atrio – Opened March 2023
The hotel is an architectural jewel artfully placed in a magnificent historical setting. A new boutique hotel launched by Toño Pérez and José Polo, owners of Atrio Relais&Châteaux, a five-star hotel with three Michelin stars. Located in Caceres, just a few metres from the mother house, Casa Palacio Paredes-Saavedra has 11 suites filled with art, designer furniture and exclusive details.
FOODIE FINDS AND HOT NEW RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Quirat – Barcelona
Barcelona’s InterContinental Hotel has opened its doors and with it one of the Barcelona’s hottest newcomers to the dining scene, Quirat. Spain’s youngest Michelin star chef, Victor Torres, sits at the helm and serves up two seasonal tasting menus, with dishes ranging from delicate tartlets with heroes like caviar, to traditional offal stews with a twist.
Batea – Barcelona
This new restaurant comes backed with the creds of its sister restaurant, Besta which following its launch in 2021 quickly found a spot in the Michelin Guide. Batea, a marisquería (seafood bar) brings a more laid-back vibe but the food brings the same calibre expected from the team. The menu is dominated by fresh seafood from oysters, clams and cockles to squid omelettes.
Bandini’s – Barcelona
Sitting in the foodie hotspot of Barcelona’s, Sant Antoni, Bandini’s comes from duo Carmen and Povel, who met at the uber cool, Bar Brutal. The trendy restaurant serves up share plates with Scandi touches and features local, seasonal produce with natural wine hot on the menu.
Galería Canalejas – Madrid
The ornate and historic, Galeria Canalejas is a shopping and foodie destination situated in the heart of Madrid. The unique, upscale food hall is a hub of 13 speciality restaurants, including Michelin-star eateries and showcases international and fusion cuisine at its best. Spanning three floors, Galeria Canalejas, is also home to swanky boutiques and is a favourite for locals and visitors alike, drawn to the historic surroundings.
RavioXO – Madrid
Michelin star chef, Dabiz Muñoz, has opened his third restaurant, RavioXO in Madrid and it’s set to be as hot as three-Michelin star sister restaurant, DiverXO. The impressive menu features 14 dishes infused with innovative and impressive takes on dumplings or ‘dough’ as they describe it.
Cuenca named 2023 Spanish Capital of Gastronomy
For the third time, Cuenca has been named the 2023 Spanish Capital of Gastronomy. It previously held the coveted title in 2017 and 2018. The title will see the city unveil a series of new restaurant openings to complement its already thriving culinary scene. Some restaurants hot on the list include the Michelin-recommended Las Casas Colgadas and La Casa de la Sirena, (by chef Jesús Segura) and Raff.
ARTS & CULTURE TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
El Bulli becomes a gastronomic museum
Once renowned as one of the best restaurants in the world, Michelin’s three-star stalwart, El Bulli, shattered hearts when it closed its doors in 2011. In a highly anticipated move, the much-loved institution will reopen in June as El Bulli 1846 – a gastronomic museum and experimental lab celebrating chef Ferran Adrià’s legacy. The former restaurant will showcase the restaurant as it once stood and will educate visitors on how it paved the road to success.
The Royal Collection Gallery in Madrid to open on June 28th
As a world-renowned cultural epicentre, Madrid, has long been a mecca for art and culture enthusiasts and now it is set to unveil one of the most anticipated openings in the art world, The Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid. With a royal opening by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia slated for June 28th, the new museum is already filling bucket lists worldwide. It will showcase Spain’s Royal Collections accumulated over five centuries and will feature a vast and rotating collection of artworks, tapestries, ancient carriages and royal furniture.
Legends: The Home of Football Now Open in Madrid
An exciting experience awaits football fans with the recent opening of Legends in Madrid, just right next to the city´s iconic Puerta del Sol. Enjoy seven floors of football memorabilia on display and immersive experiences using the most advanced technology as it takes you on a journey through the history of the sport. The building also has a gastronomic area on its impressive rooftop and the LaLiga 29’s restaurant, where you can sample some amazing tapas and local gastronomy.
Luxury Cruise on Rails with RENFE
From the unique landscapes of northern Spain to the charm and colour of Andalusia, there is no better way to experience the rich culture and history of Spain than by taking a ride on one of the country´s luxury trains. These trains offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience with plush accommodations, first-class gastronomy, exclusive guided tours and world-class service.
One of the most popular luxury trains in Spain is the Tren Al Andalus. This train takes passengers on a 7-day journey through the heart of Andalusia, visiting some of the region´s most iconic destinations, such as Seville, Cordoba and Granada. Another popular luxury train is the Transcantabrico, which takes passengers on a 9-day journey along the northern coast of Spain, from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela.
For more information on travelling to Spain visit www.spain.info/en/ or for inspiration follow @spain on Instagram.
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