THE BAY LIST

Overlooking the Bay of Biscay, follow in the flip flops of the aristocracy

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En route to the Palacio Arriluce Hotel - a 20-minute taxi ride from Bilbao Airport our driver told us we were passing through the most expensive neighbourhood in Spain.

And it certainly looked like it, with lines of glorious mansions and pristine roads dotted with palm trees.

When we arrived at the hotel - a grand former palace with a croquet lawn - it was easy to understand why it was constructed to offer a social hub for the Biscayan aristocracy back at the turn of the 20th Century.

But its beautiful, English castle-like appearance from the roadside did not hint at the tranquillity that hits you as you walk on to the terrace to be greeted by sprawling views of the Getxo marina and surrounding hills.

A short walk from the terrace is the hotel's outdoor pool offering yet more glorious vistas of the Bay of Biscay.

Take a seat on a sunbed here and enjoy the pool bar's gentle, soft music with a glass of wine and life feels like it can't get much better.

STYLE

This is Basque Country, which is filled with foreign architecture that speaks to its industrial heritage and there is no mistaking the British footprint.

The Palacio Arriluce's Neo-Gothic appearance was influenced by the English Queen Anne style, reflecting a passion for English culture in early 20th-century Basque society.

It was originally built as a palace in 1912 by the Ybarra family and served as a quiet spot away from the bustle of Bilbao city for the bourgeoisie.

The hotel is still owned by the same family and underwent a renovation to transform it into a five-star, luxury hotel in 2018, which now offers 49 rooms and suites.

It has managed to maintain its historical and architectural charm while offering modern comforts and gastronomic excellence.

The Arriluce' glorious stained glass windows, furniture and artwork manage to perfectly complement its more modern offerings.