Marqués de Riscal, El Ciego, La Rioja
From the architect of the well-famed Guggenheim, Bilbao, the Marqués de Riscal hotel doesn’t disappoint. When talking about the inspiration for the five star hotel’s design, Frank Gehry points to the region.. Set amongst vineyards, the innovative hotel presents a mishmash of Rioja wine-related elements. The titanium ribbon portrays the foil around the cork, and the tints on the metallic sheets reflect the burgundy hue of the local wines. Set against the modernist blocks, the undulating sheets form a shade for the hotel rooms.
The rooms of the hotel are decorated with vintage furniture, whilst the windows provide a mesmerising view through uniquely-shaped frames.Special features of the innovative hotel include a 1,400 square metre wellness complex with a spa using grapes to refresh the skin, a whirlpool, and a hammam.
Set in the region of vineyards, the Marqués de Riscal also give the opportunity to taste wine with a sommelier. A wine cellar, featuring 3000 plus bottles, can be reached via a glass elevator.
Hotel Viura, La Rioja
This innovative hotel situated in Villabuena de Álava, near to the famous wine region of La Rioja, is certainly an eye opener. First thoughts when you see this hotel of seemingly disjointed angles, is that the architect was having a laugh. However, its seemingly unorganised and chaotic structure is what makes this unique hotel so enchanting.
Created by Design Houses, the creatively designed Hotel Viura sits next to a 17th church in a quaint Spanish village. The haphazard design on the outside is matched with creativeness in the interior. From wine barrels elevated above those dining in the restaurant, to dome-shaped light shades and abstract art, the Hotel Viura makes for a comfortable and pleasantly juxtaposed stay.
On the open air terrace, you are able to lounge amongst pebbles and pine trees whilst taking in a marvellous rooftop view of the city.
The Viura comes with the norms of a four star hotel, but with added extras of wine tasting inBar Viura, aoptional sommelier experience and an exterior lounge with views over the Mountains of Cantabria. There’s also the possibility to try both Riojan and Basque cuisine in the Gastronomy restaurant. The modern and elegant hotel is also eco-friendly and supports sustainable living.
The Cotton House, Barcelona
This unique five star hotel combines exquisite luxury and modernism without forgetting its historical roots. Initially used as the headquarters of cotton manufacturers, this innovative hotel has been converted into an elegant refuge in the city of Barcelona.
Proud of its heritage, the neoclassical 19th century building of The Cotton House has maintained its majesty from the days when a bourgeoisie Catalan family commissioned the building. It was sold to the Cotton Producers Guild in the mid 20th century.
Today, the historical architecture has undergone a full refurbishment, under the guidance of interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán. Key features from the original architecture have been kept intact, including the ornate ceilings and marble staircase. The roots of the hotel are also reflected by the shades of the cotton plants throughout the interior.
Special features of this repurposed hotel are the Cosmopolitan Cocktail Bar and Batuar restaurant, serving anything from meat and fish dishes to unique Indian street food.
Pavilions Les Cols, Girona
Set in Olot,in the Garrotxa region of Girona, this zen hotel sits in a small oasis of its own. There is much more allure to this innovative hotel than just its location, however.. Designed as a place to sleep after visiting the Pavilions Les Cols Michelin-starred restaurant, this unique hotel is made of green-tinted glass cubes and lined with bamboo shoots.
To further enforce to feeling of being at one with nature, the corridors leading to the rooms are open air and the zen designs play with light, water and reflections, to make this an experience not to forget. It seems to be akin to sleeping in a luxury rainforest.
Luckily even though the walls are glass, other guests can’t see in!