Arima Hotel & Spa

For as long as there’s been such a thing as an architecturally adventurous boutique hotel, Spain has been one of the places that’s most enthusiastically adopted the trend. The Basque country, in particular, has a history of embracing forward-thinking design — the region’s substantial Frank Gehry presence is only the most conspicuous example. A couple of decades on, we’re happy to report that this tradition is still going strong: Arima Hotel, in San Sebastián, is a fine example of forward-looking boutique-hotel design, combined with an eco-friendly, nature-first approach that makes for a refreshingly tranquil experience.

The location, in the hills on the edge of San Sebastián proper, places it at a slight remove from the beaches and the town center, but what you gain is immersion in the verdant Marimon forest. The rooms feel warm and organic, and most of them look out at natural green landscapes, even as the interior environments are meticulously controlled — not just temperature but humidity and CO2 levels are held constant, and the soundproofing is first-rate. And the spa takes a more active approach to health, offering hydrotherapy, massage, and beauty treatments using products from Natura Bissé.

This part of the country also has high culinary standards; Misura, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, serves locally sourced dishes with views of the forest and of the glass-walled kitchen.