Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona

Unlike the majority of Barcelona’s luxury hotels, Hotel Mirlo Barcelona isn’t in the city center. “Mirlo” means “blackbird” in Spanish, the concept being that guests explore the city by day — about a 20-minute drive or metro ride away — and return to the nest when they please. In addition to greenery and tranquility, this stately villa-turned-hotel offers romantic but modern suites, each with private spa features (some combination of hammam, Jacuzzi, rainfall shower, hydromassage tub, and sauna, or in the case of the swish Suite Mirlo, all of the above). There are lots of places to relax, from gorgeous gardens and a quiet courtyard swimming pool to a cozy library and a sun-filled indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar. The only problem might be working up the energy to leave the place and head into the city. Luckily, Parc Güell, also outside the city proper, is just ten minutes’ drive away.