Spend a bit more to upgrade your Spanish escape this summer and you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of high-end hotels, writes Cathy Toogood
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With everything from sunny island escapes and cultural city breaks to secluded beach getaways with fine food, Spain is Britain’s favourite holiday destination. And, even with the cost-of-living crisis, Brits seem comfortable paying for premium Spanish holidays.
The latest figures show Britons are staying longer and spending more – 8.2 days and €1,260 per person on average – making a total of €2.2 billion in January and February 2024, a 32% rise on the same months last year, according to the National Institute of Statistics in Spain.
A big selling point for Spain is the wide range of upscale accommodation. If your clients are looking to treat themselves, here are some of the best four and five‑star properties to have on your radar.
Menorca Experimental
1. For art lovers: Menorca Experimental
French company Experimental has reimagined this 19th -century finca (farmhouse) in Menorca and turned it into an arty retreat with 43 rooms and villas. Set in 30 hectares and offering art deco touches, this is a place to relax with dreamy views of rocky coves and quiet pebble beaches.
There’s a hotel spa with treatments by French skincare brand Biologique Recherche, as well as a hammam, sauna and yoga classes. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes using fresh and local ingredients – many from the hotel’s garden.
Book it: Mr & Mrs Smith offers seven nights’ B&B from £2,553 for a couple sharing a Son Bou double room for arrivals on July 21. Flights are not included.
mrandmrssmith.com
2. For families: Fergus Club Mallorca Waterpark, Magaluf
Following a transformation of the BH Mallorca Resort Hotel and a wider regeneration of Calvia Beach, this four-star hotel boasts 656 rooms and a large water park.
Families can enjoy its splash pool, freshwater pool and two buffet restaurants. If clients want more space, Magnus suites also offer a PlayStation 5 and Nespresso machine, and access to the Magnus bar and restaurant.
Book it: Jet2holidays sells seven -nights’ all‑inclusive in a suite from £1,400 per person, based on two adults and two kids travelling. The price includes flights from Stansted departing on July 22, baggage, transfers and a free child’s place.
jet2holidays.com
Mett Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella-Estepona
3. For fun-filled holidays: Mett Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella-Estepona
Guests lounging around the pool in this Marbella resort will be treated to a holiday soundtrack by resident DJs. With three restaurants (Greek, Spanish and Italian), a spa, 249 marine‑inspired rooms and suites, plus expertly mixed cocktails, there’s plenty to do at this five-star property.
But clients will also want to spend some time on the beach it’s set on, or explore nearby Estepona and Puerto Banus.
Book it: Kuoni offers seven nights’ B&B in a Deluxe room for £1,749 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes flights from Gatwick on June 5, baggage and transfers.
kuoni.co.uk
4. For couples: Royal River Luxury Hotel, Tenerife
Clients looking for a relaxing break with space to spread out will love this all-villa hotel, where every room has its own pool. The adult-only retreat in Costa Adeje is next to a golf course with sea views.
Days can be spent swimming or indulging in a spa treatment, while the hotel’s restaurants include a rooftop brasserie and French bistro. The property even has its own boat for days at sea fishing or spotting marine life.
Book it: Elegant Resorts offers seven nights’ B&B in a one-bedroom River Villa from £2,615 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes flights on September 26, lounge passes, baggage and transfers.
elegantresorts.co.uk
Torre Melina Gran Meliá
5. For a city break: Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Barcelona
After a busy day exploring Barcelona, clients can escape to this luxurious hotel set in historic gardens five miles from the city centre.
The 391-room property, which opened in January, has been designed to have a resort feel and offers three swimming pools (one with fantastic views over the city), a rooftop terrace, spa, high-end restaurants and an artificial beach.
There’s even a three‑storey suite for the ultimate indulgence.
Book it: Meliá Hotels and Resorts offers five nights’ B&B in a Premier Room from £869 per person, based on two adults sharing, arriving on June 3.
melia.com
6. For party vibes: W Ibiza, Santa Eulalia
On the beach in laid-back Santa Eulalia, clients can relax by day, taking in the sea views from the W Ibiza’s rooftop infinity pool, listening to DJ sets on a lounger next to the wet-deck pool or having a treatment in the spa.
By night, it’s just a 20-minute taxi ride from pulsing Ibiza Town. Come summer, the hotel will open its own beach club, Yellow Fish, where guests will enjoy exclusive use of the cabanas and sun loungers.
Book it: Classic Collection offers four nights in a Mega Balcony & City View room on a B&B basis from £1,469, including flights from Gatwick on June 10, luggage and private transfers.
classic-collection.co.uk
W Ibiza
7. For a beach break with a cultural twist: Parador De Benicarló
Spain’s state-owned parador hotels are set within historic buildings or in beautiful settings – but that doesn’t have to mean giving up on creature comforts.
The modern four-star Parador de Benicarló in the fishing port of Benicarló (on the Costa del Azahar, a 90-minute drive from Valencia) has recently undergone a €2.8 million renovation, refreshing its rooms and adding solar technology.
The hotel’s large gardens lead to a sandy beach, plus there’s a pool and tennis courts. Advise clients to try the Benicarló artichoke and delectable seafood dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Book it: Hogan Holidays sells five nights’ B&B in a standard double room for £701 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes flights from Gatwick on June 16 or 30, cabin bags and priority boarding.
hoganholidays.co.uk
Ask the expert
Sophie Jones, product manager, Elegant Resorts
“Spain is a multi-faceted destination boasting some of Europe’s finest hotels, restaurants and experiences across the mainland and islands. Knowledge is key to selling high-end Spain.
When you know the accommodation well, you can advise where would be most suitable in terms of space, privacy and facilities, plus offer personal recommendations on the best places to dine, shop, relax or create amazing memories.”
PICTURES: Roger Mendez Photography; Lutz Vorderwuelbecke; Karel Balas
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