San Sebastián has long been considered a mecca for gourmets. But high up on Monte Igueldo, where the view stretches far across the Cantabrian Sea, there is a place that offers much more than just culinary excellence. The Akelarre Hotel is an architectural masterpiece that does not clash with the rugged nature of the Basque Country, but blends seamlessly with it. As a tranquil counterpoint to the bustling city in the valley, this hotel offers a retreat where modern design and the unobstructed expanse of the Atlantic Ocean form an impressive symbiosis. Here, luxury is defined by clarity, tranquility, and constant dialogue with the sea.

The Akelarre is not a loud hotel. It does not scream for attention; it whispers. Designed by Studio Mecanismo, the architecture pays homage to its surroundings. Five stone cubes rise from the hillside, clad in dark slate that almost blends into the mountain in the twilight. It is a “natural deconstruction” that does not separate the guest from nature, but gently embeds them in it. This philosophy continues inside. Nothing is random. Raw stone meets warm oak, patinated brass meets soft linen.

Of course, one cannot talk about Akelarre without mentioning the man who turned this place into a pilgrimage site: Pedro Subijana. His restaurant of the same name, which has been awarded three Michelin stars every year since 2007, is the heart of the estate.

But the hotel takes this culinary excellence to a whole new level. At breakfast in Espazio Oteiza, as the morning sun dispels the fog over the bay, guests can enjoy local products prepared with the same precision as the tasting menu in the evening. It is the Basque soul served on a plate: honest, profound, and without unnecessary frills.

The 22 rooms and suites share one thing in common: unobstructed views of the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows transform the ocean into a living painting that changes every hour. Guests who check in here are not looking for distraction, but focus.

The spa continues this theme. The stone hydrotherapy pool appears to flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a place to slow down, where you can soak up the salty air and silence after a drive along the picturesque Basque coastal roads—perhaps in a classic roadster.

Why you should choose Akelarre!

The Akelarre Hotel is more than just a place to stay for the night. It is an aesthetic statement. It reminds us that true elegance lies in simplicity and that the best things in life require time and dedication. For the connoisseur who understands that traveling is always a journey to oneself, the Akelarre in San Sebastián is just the right place.