Fuenterrabia, Spain
Villa Magalean Hotel & Spa
Restored neo-Basque villa
Restored neo-Basque villa
The restored villa runs like an intimate private home. Attentive hosts look after just eight rooms and an evening wine bar.
What it’s good at
Notable
Neo-Basque architecture with restored carved timber beams and modern herringbone parquet floors.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
the rooms stay true to the historical style of the house, but the color palette is focused, the furnishings are modern, and the fixtures… are right up to date.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The villa stands at the foot of Hondarribia's medieval walls, a short walk from the old town and the marina.
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The rooms
Modern furnishings sit beneath carved timber ceilings. Bathrooms are fitted with roomy walk-in showers.
The sauna and hammam
A dark mosaic hammam sits next to a Finnish sauna fitted with tiered wooden benches.
The spa
Massages draw on Cinq Mondes rituals, and a heated marble table is reserved for body scrubs.
Restaurant
Mahasti Gastronomic Wine Bar
Tables sit out on the garden terrace. The kitchen serves Basque dishes with Bordeaux bottles from the owner's cellar.
How it began
A Bordeaux winemaker and his wife restored the 1950s villa, returning to the port where her grandmother summered.
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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.