The Best Boutique Stays In Rural Spain

Looking to veer away from Tuscany's well-trodden hills and the lavender fields of Provence? While Spain's lush countryside is often overlooked in favour of its neighbours' verdant landscapes, we've scoured idyllic enclaves such as Andalucia, Pamplona and Vejer de la Frontera and found Spain's finest rural hotels.

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La Bobadilla

Granada, Spain

In an 800-acre estate amid Andalucia’s rolling hills, La Bobadilla offers a secluded countryside retreat. Set inside a palatial whitewashed finca, this is the place to spend days wandering through boundless olive groves, doing laps in the lengthy swimming pool or dozing off on sunbeds shaded by palm trees. Take a trip into the nearby Loja, a village located in the valley below the limestone massif of the Sierra de Loja, or instead head straight for La Bobadilla’s spa, where hydrotherapy, massages, a solarium, sauna and steam room provide ample relaxation amid exposed-brick columns and arched white ceilings.

Address

18300 Loja Granada Andalucia

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Casa La Siesta

Vejer de la Frontera, Spain

On the Spanish hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera, Casa La Siesta offers Spanish rusticity at its most alluring. Awake to views of endless green countryside from wood-framed windows before heading downstairs, where fresh produce from the hotel gardens and local markets is laid out in a mouthwatering spread. While there is no spa here, relaxation is easily attainable from the comfort of your own room, where freestanding bathtubs offer picture-perfect vistas across verdant fields and distant wind turbines. Afternoons should be spent wandering around the medieval quarter of Vejer, dipping in and out of charming restaurants and bars, and watching evening sunsets with a bottle of Spain’s best, sourced from the hotel’s well-stocked wine cellar.

Address

Camino de Los Parralejos s/n 11150 Vejer de la Frontera

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Terra Dominicata

Tarragona, Spain

In the shadow of the Serra de Montsant mountains, Terra Dominicata’s terracotta-hued walls melt naturally into the earthy tones of the surrounding environment. Encircled by lofty cypress trees and winding vineyards of Spain’s Priorat region, this hotel is an idyllic Spanish retreat. Float about in the mountain-flanked swimming pool, and explore the working winery. Be sure to attend a wine tasting, hosted in the terracotta kitchen amid colourful crockery and ceramics. Follow with an indulgent meal at the hotel’s restaurant, where ingredients are sourced from local markets or the kitchen garden and recipes are specifically curated to match the area’s natural wines.

Address

Carretera T-702 Km 13 Morera de Montsant 43361 Escaladei Tarragona

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Castell d'Empordà

Girona, Spain

Originally a medieval Catalan ruin, Castell d’Empordà has had a seriously impressive makeover. Nestled between the cliffs of Costa Brava and the peaks of the Pyrenees, the resort is now a luxury boutique hotel with a perfectly retained fairy-tale castle aesthetic. Rooms with exposed-stone walls and dramatic views are decorated with exotic curios and luxurious amenities, although we doubt you’ll be spending much time inside. Start your day with a dip in the turquoise-tiled swimming pool before trekking to nearby medieval villages such as Begur, Esclanyà, and Peratallada for 17th-century castles, beaches and charming cobbled streets.

Address

3 Castell d'Empordà s/n 17115 La Bisbal Girona Empordà

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Casona de Quintana

Quintana, Cantabria, Spain

The epitome of Spanish rural life, Casona de Quintana lies deep in a sleepy Cantabrian valley, in which it plays home to charming antiques, thoughtful design and rustic views. Hike up the side of the surrounding mountains for breathtaking views of the Spanish countryside, trek around the Collados del Asón Natural Park, or explore the prehistoric paintings at nearby local caves. In the evening, dine on hearty meals made with local produce in a dining room brimming with antique Provençal furniture and elegant decor. If all the exercise and hearty food isn’t enough to help you drift off come nightfall, be sure to choose wisely from the hotel’s pillow menu for the perfect night’s sleep.

Address

Sitio del Castillo 1 39806 Quintana de Soba

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Alma Pamplona

Pamplona, Spain

A minimalist’s dream come true, this gastronomic hotel has a wood and grey-stoned exterior that gives way to spacious, pared-back rooms with terraces. Start off with a trip to the spa for the sauna and hammam before heading out to explore the verdant forests and fields. Return to the library lounge to order a cocktail while you kick back in sumptuous sofas, thumbing through various books and magazines before pootling down to either Alma Restaurant or La Biblioteca for an evening of fine dining.

Address

Calle Cuesta de Beloso Bajo 11 Pamplona 31006 Navarra