WHERE TO NEXT? SPAIN
Considering which country to visit on your next trip to Europe? For a unique blend of vibrant cultures, rich history, diverse landscapes, and a warm Mediterranean climate, Spain must be at the top of your list! Explore Andalucia’s classic white villages, sun-drenched beaches, rugged mountains, and Moorish history. Or focus on the lush green landscapes, dramatic Atlantic coastline, and Celtic traditions in Galicia and the northwest. Art enthusiasts will love the museums in Madrid and lovers of architecture will be happy everywhere especially when visiting the Gaudi masterpieces in Barcelona. No matter which region you visit, the food, wine, and heartwarming people are sure to win you over. Isn’t it time to treat yourself to Spain?
Luxury Train El Transcantabrico in Northern Spain
ON THE RAILS
There are very few places in the world with notable luxury train trips but Spain counts as one of them. Clients are raving about their one-week rail journey through the verdant landscapes of Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia in the north. The elegant, historical train offers 14 luxurious suites with comfortable bedding, private bathrooms (including steam showers), AC, and ever-changing views of the countryside. All meals and beverages are included as are guided excursions. The crew is at your service around the clock and the train stands still overnight to ensure a peaceful sleep. They enjoyed visits to charming medieval villages, historic cities like Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Santiago de Compostela, and UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Guggenheim Museum and the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. And they unpacked only once!
Itineraries range from 3-7 nights which leaves time to explore other regions before and after. These clients spent two days at the start exploring the fishing villages of Galicia and enjoying the spa at their wonderful Relais & Chateau hotel, A Quinta da Auga. At the end of the train trip, they spent several days in Barcelona soaking in the history, architecture, music, and cuisine of one of the world’s most lively, cosmopolitan cities.
Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia is still in progress after 140 years
UNIQUE BARCELONA
It was my good fortune to spend a week in Barcelona on Spain’s Mediterranean coast at the end of May. A vibrant city in Catalonia with a distinct language and culture, exceptional architecture, a wonderful old town with pedestrian alleyways that twist and turn through the shops and cafes, and a stunning sandy coastline for beach lovers. I explored the best hotels and tapas, enjoyed the dance and music of flamenco, learned about Gaudi and his most famous works that defined the Modernist movement, and followed in the footsteps of Picasso who had a studio here as a young man. The museum of his work is not to be missed!
Wonderful hotels are plentiful and include elegant palaces, beautiful contemporary spaces in historic buildings, and small boutiques scattered throughout the city. A rooftop pool was featured at each one although I never slowed down long enough to lounge. I parked myself at El Palace Barcelona, the favorite of visiting dignitaries and glitterati, and loved the old world style, 2-star Michelin chef, and speakeasy bar for live music. Boutique lovers will be delighted at the 27-room Serras Barcelona overlooking the marina and 22-room Hotel Neri, the only Relais & Chateaux hotel in the city housed in a 12th century medieval palace on a charming square in the middle of the Gothic quarter.
The historic royal palace in the heart of Sevilla dates back to Moorish rule in the 10th century
SEVILLA: QUINTESSENTIALLY SPANISH
At some point, all travelers should visit Andalucía for its irresistible blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere. This southern region of Spain is a mosaic of diverse landscapes, from the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol to the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Andalucía is steeped in history, with remnants of its Moorish past evident in architectural marvels like the Alhambra in Granada and the Alcazar in Sevilla. I just returned from one week in Sevilla where I strolled through the winding alleys of the Old Town and Jewish Quarter, enjoyed tapas and flamenco each evening, and was wowed by the ancient architectural treasures.
Sevilla is a small city, easy to walk, with mornings and evenings offering more pleasant temperatures when the sun is not at its peak. Accessing the UNESCO World Heritage Sites outside normal hours is well worth the additional effort and expense; they are absolutely stunning and often very crowded. The best pool in the city is at the historic Alfonso XIII, an elegant hotel commissioned by the King of Spain to host dignitaries during the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Centrally located, the gardens are an oasis in the heart of the city and the distinguished architecture reflects Moorish detailing and Andalusian heritage. If a large pool is not essential, boutique enthusiasts will love Palacio Villapanes, an 18th century palace on a quiet street with a lovely courtyard and cozy restaurant.
One of the quaint “white villages” in Andalucia
SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE PAELLA
The most difficult decision for travelers to Spain is where to focus their days. Each region is worthy of exploring but there is too much territory to do it justice in one journey. We recommend choosing one or two regions so you have enough time to gain a true sense of place. Speed Travel is so last century!
The train network is extensive and reliable and the roads are manageable for those who prefer to self-drive. However you choose to explore, consider treating yourself to a professional advisor to help you make the most of your investment. Kirsten Morrison Travel Co. specializes in custom trips for travelers interested in upmarket accommodations and experiences. Our network of local insiders and special properties is 135 years in the making and refined in real time. Leave the research and logistics to us and take back your leisure time!
Planning Made Simple, Travel Made Perfect!