3 Reasons I Fell in Love with Spain

by Monique Owen, Luxury Travel Advisor

Quite often, clients come to us for assistance in building a broader trip around a special event. This was the case for my family this summer, heading to Spain for a friend’s wedding in Costa Brava. After a magical few days celebrating love and life, we headed on to explore the riches of Spain and discovered three absolute gems.

Dali Museum
Whilst we are all familiar with Salvador Dali’s melting clocks and contorted figures, a visit to his hometown of Figueres promises to surprise you with other works by the surrealist Spanish artist, including his breathtaking collection of fantastical jewels.

Tip: Think about Figueres as a day trip from Barcelona. An easy 90 minute ride, well paired with Girona.

Food in San Sebastian
The crown jewel of the Basque country and home to more Michelin-star restaurants that any other destination in the world, San Sebastian is a perfect destination for foodies, families, and surfers alike. Don’t be afraid to take a surfing lesson: Two wonderful instructors from Pukas Surf Shop gave us one of the highlights of our trip. If your itinerary permits, be sure to include a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or Biarritz, France, just 40 minutes across the border. Fashionistas will also enjoy a pilgrimage to Getaria and the Balenciaga Museum.

Tip: Foodies and travelers flock from all around the globe to dine here so it pays to plan ahead. Adventurous foodies will be eager to experience innovative Mugaritz. Look to Akelarre for a more classical interpretation of haute Basque cuisine.

Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca
As an unapologetic hotel junkie, Belmond La Residencia has always been on my bucket list. There is a little secret sauce, a wonderful sense of place and hospitality that sets this one apart. Nestled between the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in the artists haven and village of Deia, this property embodies the elegant and sophisticated side of Mallorca, the largest Balearic island.

Tip: Don’t miss a chance to hike with the resident donkeys Luna and Pancho.