How time flies when you’re having fun! Seems like only yesterday, we were boarding the Pride of Bilbao for our trip to Spain and now our spa visits and holiday are behind us.

Watch out for my reviews of the Marqués de Riscal Hotel in Elciego and the Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona – they’ll be on the website soon. Suffice to say, both properties and their spas exceeded my expectations.

Exterior of Marqués de Riscal Hotel

The Marqués de Riscal Hotel and Spa, situated in the heart of the Spain’s Rioja Alavesa wine region, must be the most unusual hotel we’ve ever stayed in. Designed by renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry, its breathtaking shape represents the flowing movement of the locally produced wines and the colour of the wine barrels. The Caudalie Vinotherapy Spa is the perfect addition to the hotel’s amenities and offers top notch therapists, products and treatments.

By contrast, the Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona is an older and more traditional property, although the lovely in/outdoor pool and spa amenities are modern. Situated in the hills behind the city, the views of Barcelona from the rooms and terraces are stunning at any time. Treatments in the refurbished Zen Zone Spa are first class.

Night View of Barcelona from Gran Hotel La Florida pool