San Sebastian, SpainMiramon-Zorroaga
Arima Hotel & Spa
Passivhaus forest lodge
Passivhaus forest lodge
Operating under strict Passivhaus standards, the lodge balances clean-tech climate engineering with quiet immersion in the Miramón woods.
“Aluminum slats shift with the sun and bathe interiors in ever-changing golden light.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Sweet chestnut timber and glass create Scandinavian-inspired interiors beside the Miramón canopy.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Arima Hotel, in San Sebastián, is a fine example of forward-looking boutique-hotel design, combined with an eco-friendly, nature-first approach.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Walking trails cut through the surrounding Miramón Forest, and central San Sebastián is ten minutes away by car.
The rooms
Pale oak warms the minimalist rooms, where automated blinds track the sun and most windows face the green canopy.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor pool sits beneath slatted timber, and a rooftop pool looks straight across the forest canopy.
The spa
Treatment rooms look directly into the Miramón woods, where therapists use Natura Bissé botanical oils.
The fitness studio
The timber-floored studio looks out to the trees, with yoga mats arranged in natural light.
At the table
Misura prepares seasonal Basque produce over open embers. Out on the terrace, Tilia Deli serves organic breakfasts beside the trees.
How it began
The name translates to soul in Basque. Built directly into the forest hillside, it became Spain's first Passivhaus hotel.
San Sebastian
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.