Palacio Arriluce: we visited the five-star luxury hotel of Getxo with international model Nieves Álvarez
Palacio Arriluce: we visited the five-star luxury hotel of Getxo with international model Nieves Álvarez
We visited Palacio Arriluce (“Arriluce Palace”) in Getxo, the first five-star luxury hotel in the Basque Country that is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World Collection, with the help of international model Nieves Álvarez. This impressive building was built by architects José Luis Oriol and Manuel de María Smith on behalf of the Marquis of Arriluce in 1912. Built entirely in stone and situated on an escarpment, it was designed in the Neo-Gothic Medieval Revivalism style. This grand building stands out for its use of stone from the nearby Berango quarry and red marble inspired by Queen Anne style and Victorian Gothic castles – details that have been preserved after its renovation to convert it into a hotel.
When designing the interior of the hotel, special attention was paid to how art would be displayed. Among the extensive collection of pieces by local and international creators, we find etchings and prints by Sonia Delaunay, lithographs by František Kupka, sculptures by José Alberdi, etchings by Eduardo Chillida, pop art pieces by Victor Vasarely, and even a piece by Diego Canogar curated specifically for the hotel. For those who wish to round off the cultural experience, Palacio Arriluce offers its guests a boat that travels down the Bilbao Estuary to the Guggenheim Museum.
The hotel has 49 contemporary, residential-style rooms, each with its own identity. Light, color, and art play an important role, and together they create a serene and elegant atmosphere. Bedrooms are located over two areas: there are those inside the palace and those in the pergola gallery (with a private terrace and garden).
Chef Beñat Ormaetxea, who has worked in the kitchens of the Guggenheim Museum’s restaurants, in Martín Berasategui’s Lasarte, and in Jauregibarria, is in charge of the culinary offerings at the palace’s four gastronomic spaces: the Delaunay Restaurant, the Kupka Cocktail Bar, the La Ría Pool Bar, and the Wine Bar. Delaunay offers the best local cuisine, recovering Biscayan tradition –combined with sophisticated touches– in its dishes. Located in the former chapel, Kupka is a modern British-style cocktail bar reminiscent of the gentlemen’s clubs of old. At the La Ría Bar, located in the outdoor gardens next to the infinity pool, guests are treated to snacks and drinks while enjoying the sunset. Likewise noteworthy is the Wine Bar, home to some of the most exclusive local and international labels and a place where private wine tastings can be held.
One of Nieves Álvarez’s favorite places is Neguri Spa & Wellness, a center dedicated to wellbeing and inspired by classic European spas. It has a thermal water circuit, hammam, sauna, indoor pool, two massage and beauty treatment rooms, a gym with the latest range of Technogym equipment, and an outdoor pool with sea views.
The icing on the hotel’s cake is its croquet lawn which is surrounded by gardens and can serve as an introduction for guests to this entertaining and highly social sport which dates back to the sixteenth century. After a game of croquet with Nieves Álvarez, we said goodbye to Palacio Arriluce, where we had a true five-star experience.
Palacio Arriluce
Atxekolandeta 15, Getxo.
