The best villas in Spain
Think of Spanish villa holidays and it’s likely that the Balearic Islands spring to mind first. But while Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca each have plenty to offer, so too does the mainland. From white-sand beaches and buzzy resort towns to traditional whitewashed villages and tranquil countryside, there is a destination – and rental property – for everyone. Here are the finest villas in Spain to book now.
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The best villas in Spain
www.gabrielemerolli.com1/7Palacio de Figueras, Castropol
High on a hill above the Eo estuary in Asturias, a less-visited region in northern Spain, this 16th-century palace has been meticulously restored to its former glory by the local family behind the new Vestige Collection of intimate Spanish hotels and villas (and declared an Asset of Cultural Interest for its architectural significance). Split across a central tower and pair of crenelated wings are three open-plan living spaces and 11 gorgeous bedrooms where flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and limewashed walls are the backdrop for linen sofas, twinkling chandeliers, oak furniture and antiques. Outside, a landscaped garden slopes down to an outdoor pool, ideal for lazy summer days. The rental comes with a chef, housekeeper and a concierge who can arrange anything from restaurant reservations in charming fishing ports to surf lessons.
Sleeps up to 22 guests, from €5,775 per night (five night minimum stay in high season, three night minimum stay the rest of the year), including breakfast
2/7Villa Punta Paloma, Tarifa
Owned by the Marbella Club hotel but an hour’s drive south along the coast, Villa Punta Paloma sits on a bluff in the protected natural reserve of El Estrecho, just outside Tarifa – a mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet. Although rooms are spread throughout three traditional, low-slung stone buildings, days revolve around the breezy, open-plan social space in the main house (sea green cupboards, wicker lights over the kitchen island, straw hats hung on the wall) where sliding glass doors open onto the terrace for al fresco feasting. There’s also an ocean-facing infinity pool, yoga deck, vegetable garden, playhouse for little ones and a private path that leads down to white-sand Punta Paloma beach.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from €7,000 per night including breakfast and housekeeping (minimum four-night stay)
Salva Lopez3/7Casa Baix Empordà, near Girona
Sitting low among pine and olive trees, this striking concrete-and-stone new-build combines traditional construction techniques with contemporary, sustainable design. One length of the L-shaped layout houses the bedrooms – including the master, on an upper level, in a curving Catalan vault once typical of farmhouses in the area – the other, a series of living spaces. Of these, the dining room has the wow-factor for its folding windows that open to the elements on both sides, allowing a warm breeze to flow through. From here, there are steps down to a small pool with rural views beyond. Ideal for those who want to be surrounded by the countryside but have buzzy coastal towns such as L'Estartit, a sort hop away.
Sleeps up to nine guests, from €1,000 per night (seven-night minimum stay)
4/7The June, Benissa
The beauty of The June, other than its prime position a five-minute walk from La Fustera beach at the north end of the Costa Blanca, is that it is a trio of apartments in one, all with their own entrance – making it ideal for friends and family who want to holiday together but still have their own space. All have been decorated in earthy neutral tones, with handcrafted Moroccan rugs and a few pieces of Faye Toogood furniture: the largest is three-bedroom Fustera; the smallest, the Baladrar suite with a private terrace. Everyone gathers outside by the shady outdoor kitchen and dining area or on the stepped whitewashed terrace by the heated saltwater pool. Guests feeling more active can borrow stand-up paddle boards or hike the idyllic coastal path to Calpe.
Sleeps up to 11 guests, from €660 per night (minimum four-night stay)
5/7When Summer Comes, Benahavis
Only a 30-minute drive from Marbella’s glitzy Golden Mile yet seemingly a world away, this Scandi-inspired property lies in the charming mountain village of Benahavis (the nearest town is San Pedro de Alcantara). It sits on three levels – parking at the top, living spaces and master suite in the middle, more bedrooms below – each with a green roof that seamlessly blends into the surrounding hillside. To one end is a terrace with a covered outdoor kitchen behind an inviting infinity pool. Crisp interiors layer off-white hues, blonde wood furniture and jute rugs, while floor-to-ceiling windows bring the forestscape in. A serene, sophisticated retreat for kicking back.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from £1,740 per night (minimum seven-night stay)
6/7Villa Montserrat, near Llinars del Vallès
Built during the 16th-century, this rustic villa on the edge of the Montnegre and Corredor nature reserve has been recently refurbished by a pair of Spanish architects. Inside, exposed stone walls and solid wood furniture set the tone for the understated interiors. The upper living room doubles as a library with sofas for curling up with a book and, in the winter, guests can sit down for cosy kitchen suppers by the fire. In the warmer months, barbecue lunches on the sunny terrace by the outdoor pool are a must – as is exploring. Villa Montserrat is mid-way between Barcelona and Girona, and 20-minutes from the string of often-overlooked sandy beaches of the Costa Maresme.
Sleeps up to 12 guests, from €6,685 per week
Gary Edwards7/7Casa Gabriella, near Ronda
Set within five acres of grounds, with orchards, rambling gardens and a river running along the edge of its border, this renovated farmhouse is decorated in a laid-back, country-casual style. Flashes of soft sage – in the shutters, kitchen cupboards and painted outdoor table –add colour to the mostly neutral palette, alongside rugs and textile wall hangings above the beds. There are two kitchens, living and dining areas, making this an excellent option for a pair of families travelling together (housekeeping is included). Table tennis, a pool table and badminton net encourage friendly sports tournaments, and there’s a wisteria covered pergola and pool a stroll away from the villa. Venturing out, Ronda, one of the oldest towns in Spain, is a 10-minute drive away.
Sleeps up to 12 guests, from £6,731 per week
