In brief
- Spain confirms its move upmarket compared to France, with a total of 79 million visitors.
- The Palladium group inaugurates BLESS Barcelone in the Eixample with 119 rooms and suites.
- In Valencia, the former data centre of the Banco de Valencia becomes The Bank Hotel 5* GL.
- The Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra is reinventing the high-end offering in Mallorca.
Faced with European competition, the luxury hotel sector in Spain is undergoing a historic transformation. Spain is now establishing itself as the main challenger to France, with a rapidly changing high-end hotel offering driven by the opening of establishments with a strong local character. From Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, this new wave of five-star and Grand Luxe establishments is redefining exceptional travel by combining restored heritage, haute gastronomie, and immersive experiences.
Barcelona and the avant-garde of luxury hotels in Spain
Barcelona and the hotel avant-garde
In the iconic Eixample district, the Catalan capital welcomes a prestigious new signature. The Palladium hotel group has established BLESS Barcelone there, marking the arrival of its exclusive collection in Catalonia. Designed for a discerning clientele in search of modernity, this 119-room and suite establishment stands out for its avant-garde aesthetic, bespoke services, and a subtle integration of the latest technologies.
The experience extends far beyond the privacy of the rooms, thanks to spaces designed for socialising, gastronomy, and well-being, including a wine bar, a fine pastry shop, and a fitness area. The highlight of the show is on the rooftop terrace, where a suspended swimming pool offers a magnificent panorama of the Plaça de Catalunya. Some suites also feature a private jacuzzi on the terrace, offering absolute disconnection in the very heart of the metropolis.
Valencia and the metamorphosis of a brutalist monument
The rebirth of historical heritage in Valencia
The metamorphosis of historical heritage also comes to Valencia with a project of rare architectural audacity. The MYR Hotels group has taken over the former data centre of the Banco de Valencia to create The Bank Hotel 5* GL. This technical feat has converted a brutalist structure into a contemporary luxury showcase, while preserving highly symbolic original elements such as the old armoured vault doors.
The interior architecture is structured around a spectacular central atrium, a true green lung housing a natural vertical garden over 20 metres high. The hotel offers 102 rooms, including the majestic 88-square-metre Grand Heritage suite, designed as a prestigious residential apartment. Guests can discover two distinct dining venues, one dedicated to wood-fired cooking and the other exploring the subtle flavours of Asian cuisine.
Haro and wine tourism excellence in the heart of La Rioja
An exclusive retreat in the heart of the La Rioja vineyards
In the famous wine-growing region of La Rioja, luxury takes the form of a return to roots and a celebration of the terroir. In Haro, the Hôtel Palacio de los Ángeles has opened its doors within a magnificent 18th-century baroque palace. This five-star boutique hotel, operated by the Majestic group, combines the preservation of a unique architectural heritage with the discovery of the region’s finest vintages.
The establishment comprises 38 rooms and 10 independent residences that guarantee total privacy for travellers. Among the architectural curiosities, the El Calado space, carved directly into the rock, recalls the historic function of wine preservation within the estate. The gastronomic offering, supervised by Carlos and Ignacio Echapresto, enhances this cultural immersion by marrying local flavours with an exceptionally rich wine list.
Mallorca between coastal sanctuaries and mountain secrets
The Balearics or the Mediterranean art of living
The Balearic Islands confirm their status as the epicentre of Mediterranean luxury with projects of international scale. In Calvià, near Puerto Portals, the Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra has unveiled its new look following the complete refurbishment of a historic address. This five-star Grand Luxe resort benefits from a privileged geographical location with direct access to two fine sand coves, offering rooms and private villas integrated into landscaped grounds that host world-renowned dining venues such as Matsuhisa and Leña de Dani García.
To the west of the island, in Banyalbufar, the Gran Hotel Margalida offers a more intimate alternative in the heart of the Sierra de Tramontana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This high-end project led by Annua Signature has just 29 rooms opening onto the sea, with an emphasis on well-being, hydrotherapy, and reconnecting with nature. Chef Joan Escalas Rosselló signs a remarkable dining experience here called Oyster & Raw, a perfect illustration of a luxury that makes the local territory its main ingredient.
Ibiza and retro elegance at Mongibello
To close this overview of the new Spanish hotel scene, the island of Ibiza welcomes Mongibello, the first five-star property from the Concept Hotel group. With its 168 rooms and 32 suites, the establishment boasts a unique identity inspired by the sweet life of the Amalfi Coast in the 1960s, while remaining deeply rooted in the bohemian spirit and art of living of the Balearics.
In addition to private access to a quiet beach, the establishment offers a wealth of original narrative concepts, such as Lola’s secret room or its signature restaurant. Guests can also hire a llaüt, a traditional local boat, to sail along the coastline in absolute exclusivity. This opening confirms Ibiza’s desire to diversify its offering towards experiential luxury, where meticulous aesthetics meet cultural authenticity.
Find out more
- BLESS Barcelone
- The Bank Hotel 5 GL
- Hôtel Palacio de los Ángeles
- Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra
- Gran Hotel Margalida
