Deals of the day
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Excellence, innovation and avant-garde: These 3 terms might well define AKELARRE’s character, always inspired by an unrelenting commitment to excellence. A constant pursuit of improvement and perfection that makes us challenge everything and wonder why not to do things differently.
This approach encouraged us to enrich the Akelarre experience by complementing our culinary offerings with a unique 5-star luxury accommodation proposal. This is how AKELARRE Hotel, one of the few hotels in the world with its own 3 star Michelin restaurant, was born.
The project
Architecture studio Mecanismo , responsible for the construction and interior design of AKELARRE Hotel, has selected elements that coexist in harmony with the surrounding environment.
A privileged enclave
Only 10 minutes from the centre of San Sebastian, AKELARRE Hotel enjoys the tranquillity of the natural environment of the Basque coast.
Natural character
The excellent quality of the raw materials we use, one of our hallmarks, also features throughout the hotel. We have sourced top-quality natural materials that blend into our surroundings and create a warm welcome into our spacious interiors.
AKELARRE SUITE
On top of all the expected amenities, these magnificent over 100m2 (1076 sqft) suites feature a small heated indoor and outdoor plunge pool with fabulous sea views, to be enjoyed all year long.
The ultimate design in refined luxury, our most exclusive rooms offer a spacious living area with sofas, a double dressing room and a private indoor/outdoor heated plunge pool (5,5 m2).
Room amenities
Private heated pool, seating area with sofas, furnished terrace and double dressing room. Selection of pillows, air conditioning, free WiFi, 40-inch TV with Bang & Olufsen sound system, Apple TV, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar and safe.
En-suite bathroom with freestanding bathtub facing the bay window and separate rain shower, bathrobes and slippers, 100% natural toiletries and hair dryer. Turn-down service.
AKELARRE Restaurant
with Pedro Subijana at the front, is the result of a joint effort, of the work of an extraordinary team, some of whose members have been working side by side with the chef for a long time.
CHALLENGE EVERYTHING. WHY NOT TRY A DIFFERENT WAY?
After his first professional experiences in Tolosa, Hernani, Madrid and Estella, he arrived to Akelarre as chef and restaurant manager. From this enchanting corner of the Cantabrian seashore, his artistic ability at the head of the kitchen and his determined dedication have led his restaurant to the culinary top and made his cuisine world-renowned.
Akelaŕe Restaurant Team
The key to our success is our people. All members of the team have a role in making the customers experience memorable, because a good conductor performs at his best when surrounded by virtuoso musicians.
La Bodega – The wine cellar
Home to Akelarre’s exclusive wine collection, which features some of the most prestigious vintages. Hundreds of bottles from most of the world’s major grape-growing regions are stored at a steady 16 degrees temperature and displayed in a subdued lighting that sets the mood.
More than 700 references of all types and for all palates, from light, crisp whites to round, powerful reds, as well as celebratory sparkling wines and history-rich sherrys.
Akelarre also has a tasting room adjacent to the wine cellar, a welcoming space with a large table in the middle where our customers have the opportunity to learn from the award-winning sommeliers Juan Carlos Muro and Ciro Carro and feel their passion.
Menus
We propose two choices of thoughtfully curated tasting menus, designed to offer you an unforgettable dining experience you will thoroughly enjoy. Aranori and the Bekarki are two proposals that combine signature dishes and our latest creations.
Espazio Oteiza – Designed for all Five Senses
Located in Monte Igueldo, Espazio Oteiza is a meeting place where you can enjoy delicious dishes, fine wines, snacks… and 1,400m2 of fantastic terraces, perfect for taking in unforgettable sunsets over the Cantabrian sea.
An exceptional spot for lunch or dinner in the bright lounge, in the private dining room, or on the outdoor terrace. Booking is recommended to ensure availability.
A unique space to enjoy special moments in the best company and, weather permitting, from 16:00 until nightfall, you can sample the delicious signature cocktails designed by Patxi Troitiño. Subject to availability, no reservations.
Jorge Oteiza, sculptor, family friend and a regular at AKELARRE Restaurant, once presented Pedro Subijana with a small sculpture with a hand-carved dedication.
One day, during a refurbishment, Pedro found a way to display the sculpture. As a sign of gratitude, Pedro asked Jorge’s permission to name the place after him, to which Jorge gladly agreed, and Espazio Oteiza was born.
For wellness lovers
On the first floor of the hotel, in an outstanding setting overlooking the sea, AKELARRE Spa is an adults-only space for body and mind relaxation. 800 m2 of spa and wellness that include three treatment cabins – one of them double-, sauna, steam room and a heated hydrotherapy pool with hydromassage jets, waterfalls for the back and a hot tub.
The circuit ends in the relaxation area, where you can lay on one of the loungers, enjoy our choice of teas and infusions and soak up the sea views through the windows. We have 5 individual changing rooms with wc and shower.
Natural luxury for the skin
At the AKELARRE Spa we work with acclaimed French skincare expert Sisley, a brand that combines scientific expertise with essential oils and natural plant-based active ingredients to make sure you leave feeling pampered and relaxed.
Fitness Room
To stay fit during your stay at AKELARRE Hotel, visit our Fitness Room. Open 24/7, it features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment including barbells, treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical cross trainers and a Kinesis training device.
Basque roots
Combining the avant-garde technics and tradition has been part of Akelarre’s philosophy from the beginning. This experience offers you the possibility to become a witness to this legacy, discovering on the way spaces where modernity and Basque culture coexist in perfect harmony.
The Basque Roots experience consists of a minimum stay of 2 nights at Akelarre Hotel, with breakfast included. During your stay you can enjoy one of the following private visits, guided by specialized personnel:
- Balenciaga Museum
- The San Telmo Museum
Oteiza flavors
Immerse yourself at the Akelarre’s universe through gastronomy. The Oteiza flavours experience includes a minimum stay of 2 nights at Akelarre Hotel with breakfast included, and a menu specially designed to enjoy innovative cuisine from Espazio Oteiza restaurant.
All this in a setting where the ocean dominates the horizon. The menu consists of the following steps:
- A selection of snacks
- Starter
- Main dish (to choose between meat or fish option)
- Dessert
- Coffee and Petit Fours
- Oteiza Reserve wines and water
The Basque Country
Any season is great to enjoy and learn more about the Basque culture and gastronomy. From Akelarre, we suggest different plans to experience and discover the Basque Country.
Txakoli, a wine with appellation of origin Basque Country
Txakoli is a wine with a designation of origin from the Basque Country that has been made in local farmhouses since ancient times. Since its first mention in 1520, txakoli has marinated the meals and gatherings of families and groups of friends to nowadays, where tradition is still a custom and “txikitos” continue to be raised in both homes and bars.
Txakoli has three appellations of origin, one per region. To know first-hand the history and know-how of this wine, nothing better than visiting one of its many wineries, strolling among its vineyards and enjoying a wine tasting accompanied by some pintxos.
The influence of the Belle Époque in San Sebastian
During your next visit to San Sebastian get immersed in the architecture from the Belle Époque that surrounds the city. Its history began by the end of the 19th century when Queen María Cristina, decided that San Sebastian was to be the royal summer home.
The city gradually built majestic buildings in the French style, leaving a magnificent mark that has maintained its original charm over the years.
San Sebastian’s Beaches
On more than one occasion the Playa de la Concha in San Sebastián has been considered the best urban beach in the world for a number of factors that make it unique, like it’s intense blue waters, protecting mountainsides, the beauty of the city’s coastline and the views of Santa Clara Island.
However, the Playa de la Concha is just one example of our coast’s richness in nature and scenery. We are happy to present a selection of beautiful, not so well-known beaches to enjoy summer in the North.
Ondarreta
Ondarreta is a calm, family-friendly beach next to the legendary Peine del Viento sculpture by Chillida. It is defined by the stretch of beach between Monte Igueldo and the Palacio Miramar, offering a wide area of golden sand where one has plenty of room to play sports and games.
Zurriola
Also known as Gros Beach, after the name of the neighbourhood it belongs to, this beach is famous among surfers. It offers a long beach with rolling waves and fine sand, perfect for a day of sunbathing.
One can also rent water sports gear and have surf lessons adapted to all levels. At the nearby Monte Ulia, one can find the trailhead of a path that leads to fantastic views overlooking the entire beach and city.
Santa Clara
Santa Clara Island’s beach offers exceptional views of San Sebastián’s coastline and city. Boat services from the port take visitors to this tiny paradise, which offers a small, stunning cove and a natural pool formed by rocks and full of clear waters.
The Flysch Route, the geologic paradise of the Basque Country
Hidden between Zumaia and Mutriki, one can find a landscape of steep cliffs and layers of rock emerging from the Earth. The Flysch is one of the most important geological phenomenons in Spain due to its unique scenery provoked by an occurrence known as a wave-cut platform or coastal bench.
As a result, layers and layers of rock due to erosion are revealed, even more so at low-tide along the beach of Itzurun. This spectacle shows more than 60 years of geologic history, where each layer represents a different geologic era.
The Flysch has turned into the home of many different types of algae and seaweed, as well as molluscs, fish and crustaceans. This place has been recognized as a protected UNESCO site since 2015 and can be observed at low tide from a number of look-out points from nearby hiking trails.
Idiazabal Cheese Route
The Idiazabal Cheese Route, or GR 283, is a loop hike to get to know the Idiazabal cheese, which is very typical in the Basque Country. With an intense smell, this cheese has a slightly spicy taste, at the same time balanced and with character; its color ranging from ivory to beige yellow, in the case it’s smoked.
Some of the cheeses like the Artzai Gazta feature a distinctive “Basserikoa”, a classification that identifies this artisanal shepherd’s cheese, made with unpasteurized sheep cheese from the shepherd’s own flock.
Made up of 6 legs, this 95,7 kilometer long route intinces one to discover more about this product and the Basque culture.
The route runs across the Goierri, Urola Garaia an Deba Goiena valleys in Gipuzkoa, allowing for the discovery of the bakeries of Aizpea, the cottages of Jandoain, the reservoirs of Larea and the national parks of Aizkorri-Aratz and Aralar, among others.
This hike pays homage to this Basque product coming from sheep of the latxa breed, originating in the Basque country. A homage to a product so distinctive and unique that it has its own Certificate of Origin and Quality.
Three of the best surfing beaches in the Basque Country
The Basque Country is one of the most well-known places in Spain for both recreational and professional surfers around the world. A place that, since the 60s, has turned into a paradise for the lovers of this sport.
Zurriola Beach. Located in the Gros neighborhood of San Sebastian, this urban beach break has a strong, perfect left for the experts and various peaks along the beach for all levels.
Mundaka. This is an internationally famous break due to the fact that it boasts some of the best lefts in the world that can reach about 4 meters high and 400 meters long. It is, without doubt, the perfect beach for those experts looking for a long barrel.
Meñakoz Beach. Known for its picture-perfect waves, it is also known as one of the roughest breaks in the Basque Country, with waves up to 5-6 meters in height. It is only for the most experienced surfers.
