1. Cave rentals in Granada Andalucia
Who would have thought old abandoned caves in Granada Province are now becoming popular alternative holiday accommodation for discerning travellers looking for a place to stay away from the norm?
Once inhabited by the Gypsy population who could not afford better homes to live in, many of these bijou cave dwellings have been lovingly restored and rented to adventurous holidaymakers.
These unusual cave dwellings are found mainly in the Sacromonte neighbourhood of Granada, just a stone's throw away from the Alhambra Palace, Guadix, and El Marquesado in Baza.
Cave owners have rebuilt and refurbished the interiors without destroying the traditional layout, walls, and typical Andalucian feel, making these properties unique.
There is now a good selection of refurbished caves to suit everyone from one to four bedrooms, lounges, and kitchen areas, and some even have their own swimming pool, sauna, gardens and barbeque area.
Due to the cave's position within the hillside and underground, you are guaranteed a peaceful stay, and the interior remains an ideal 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year, even when outside temperatures in July and August may reach 40C.
The location of the caves makes them an ideal base for nature lovers who can enjoy walks along many prepared trails through the local parks such as the Sierra Nevada, Sierra de Baza and the Sierra de Cazorla.
2. Converted Palaces, Castles and Convents
Spain boasts a range of historical sites of national interest that have been converted into high-end accommodation. Referred to as “ Paradors”, they are located throughout Spain and offer travellers the chance to stay in genuinely historic luxury hotels without paying a fortune.
The first luxury Parador hotel was built in 1926, the brainchild of King Alfonso X111 to use quality tourism as a guardian of the national and artistic heritage and to assist the poorer regions of Spain. They are still run and administered by a state-owned company.
Today, there are around 90 Paradors scattered around the world, which can be found in the most privileged locations such as castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries, and other historic buildings. There are also a few modern Paradors, built in traditional style, in outstanding and captivating beauty areas.
One such Parador is located in the picturesque town of Villanueva de Cangas de Onis within the stunning region of Asturias in Northern Spain.
There is an air of tranquillity at this beautiful Parador, surrounded by the lush green Asturian countryside, where the ambience and service are second to none.
For dining, you can indulge in the famous Asturian dishes cooked with a twist, which include seafood, game, and beef dishes.
3. Stunning Landscape Hotel Alicante
The award-winning Vivood Landscape Hotel is located in the heart of the spectacular Guadalest Valley in the province of Alicante, just a 20-minute drive from the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Vivood Landscape Hotel is stunning, offering guests luxury, eco-friendly, and sustainable accommodation in superb, peaceful surroundings.
This is the perfect destination for nature lovers to enjoy breathtaking views, long walks on nature trails, clean air, and a healthy living environment.
The Vivood Landscape Hotel is quickly earning eco and sustainable tourism awards from Fuera de Serie, Camara, GeoSaison, and Alicante University.
4. Amazing Tree Cabins in the Basque Country
Who hasn’t dreamt of staying in a cabin in the trees? Here is your chance: Cabanas en Los Arboles offers just that.
It is located in the picturesque region of Vizcaya in the Basque Country of northern Spain.
Cabana en los Arboles offers four enchanting log cabins, each in a slightly different location and size; some offer water and electricity, and others do not.
If you are happy staying close to nature, these amazing tree cabins are for you.
A hearty Basque country breakfast is included, and the owners also provide candles, lights, bottled water, heaters and even free wifi.
The Basque Country is well known for its hospitality, great food and superb countryside. Hence, this is a perfect family destination if you want to explore authentic Spain whilst living in raw natural surroundings.
The nearest airport is Bilbao, a two-hour flight from the UK. The drive from the airport to the cabins is fairly straightforward and takes around 45 minutes.
5. Luxury Yacht Living Tenerife
Staying on a luxury yacht on a paradise island is probably a holiday on most people’s bucket lists. Here is your chance to live like a millionaire and book an unforgettable holiday at the Lanzarote Yacht Hotel.
The luxury Yacht Hotel is moored at the picturesque Rubicon Marina in Playa Blanca and is rented out as a whole boat, which means that only you and your family will be residents during your stay.
There are two well-appointed rooms with double beds, a smaller cabin with two single beds, and two bathrooms with hot water. Bed linen and towels are also provided. A fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and hob top.
When you are not lounging around on the top deck sipping champagne and working on your tan, there are plenty of opportunities to dine and enjoy a night out. The marina offers a good selection of bars, restaurants, and a supermarket that sells all essentials.
Recommended attractions on the Island include the Timanfaya National Park, Puerto de Carmen, Caleton Blanco and the Casa Jose Saramago.
Lanzarote is famous for its superb beaches, and there are several white-sand beaches and charming coves within a 10-minute drive of Lanzarote Yacht Hotel. Lanzarote Airport is just 19 miles away.
6. Bio-Climatic Properties Tenerife
If you are looking for eco-friendly, sustainable accommodation, then Casas Bioclimáticas Iter is the place for you. They offer various properties near Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Canary Islands.
A beautiful rural retreat away from the madding crowds, located close to the Montana Pelada Natural Monument. The homes are set within a bioclimatic urbanisation that boasts zero CO2 emissions.
All the facilities and services have been developed with respect for the natural environment and local customs. The homes maximise comfort with minimal environmental impact.
7. Transparent Bubble Pods
These unique Bubble-Pods are located near the picturesque village of Banyoles in the heart of Catalonia.
Girona-Costa Brava International Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.
Mil Estrellas means a thousand stars in Spanish, the perfect name as your night sky view is simply stunning without even getting out of bed!
The Mil Estrella Bubble Pods are fitted out with all the amenities to ensure maximum comfort during your stay, including large comfy beds, free wifi, and a sauna and swimming pool on-site.
8. Glass Pavilions
Another unusual place to stay close to the town of Olot in the heart of Catalonia is the stunning Les Cols Pavellons - Glass-Walled Pavilions.
The inspiring use of glass places one with nature, offering guests a Japanese Riorcan stay experience.
There are five pavilions available to guests. Each room includes a heated onsen (hot natural bath), a private bathroom, and a comfortable futon mat.
Guests can even enjoy the amazing 2-Michelin-star Restaurant Les Cols located next door.
This is a perfect romantic getaway.
9. Bodegas Marqués de Riscal
If you're a big fan of wine, how about staying at the home of Marques de Riscal, one of Spain's most famous winemakers?
Located in the heart of the Rioja wine country, the hotel is nestled within the renowned vineyards of the Marqués de Riscal near the medieval village of El Ciego.
Renowned architect Frank O. Gehry designed the stunning twenty-first-century avant-garde Hotel Marques de Riscal.
