Bonus Miles - A Win-Win Retreat

San Sebastian, also called Donostia in Basque, is the graceful, sophisticated centre of the Basque Country, bringing a touch of glamour to Spain's northern coast. The elegant architecture of the city is simply beautiful, and its airy plazas make the perfect place to stop and watch the world go by with a delicious pintxo -the Basque version of tapas- in hand. And Arbaso is the perfect place to stay in, just in the heart of the city, next to Buen Pastor Cathedral. The impressive building from the XIX follows a neoclassic style influenced by eclectic shapes and a beautiful sandstone façade. FIARK ARQUITECTOS, led Iñigo Garate, were the responsables of the design of this new hotel sensation in San Sebastian, meeting point for the donostiarras. The reception, right at the main entrance of the building, resembles the essence of a living room; a large walnut wooden table where guests are welcomed and the sofás near the fireplace convey the warmth of a home. The boutique hotel is divided in 5 floors with a total of 50 rooms. Simplicity in decoration, natural products, cutting-edge technology, high-end design and services for a 'premium' client. Every room is styled with space-maximising minimalism, and has at least one window that floods the room with natural light.

Dark colours dominate the corridors and reception, in contrast to the oak wood floors. The rooms play with these tones and with green (for the brightest) and white for those with less natural light. The 3.30 meters hight of the ceilings helps to generate a feeling of spaciousness. As for decoration, the Arbaso concept revolves around fine materials, the wood being one of the main characters, together with the rock, the iron, and an environment of colours like white and greet, that symbolize the forest, the rural brought to the very heart of San Sebastián. A minimal simplicity dominates a decoration with noble materials: leather headboards, linen curtains, French walnut tables by Mosel / Arkaia, chairs by Carl Hansen, Seinberg taps and Duravit toilets, wall lights designed by Norman Foster from the firm Flos, lamps by Santa & Cole, Dyson hair dryers… key details for a premium experience. In fact, Arbaso aims above all to open the Basque culture among the world, to work as much as possible with local suppliers, encouraging the cultural, social and economical richness in the Basque Country. And luxury is all about experiences. The property, in collaboration with Basque Destination, has developed 23 experiences available for guests. Some of the experiences include bonito fishing or surf masterclass with the Surfing World Champion. Of course, not forgetting a walk through the old part of the city and eatin some pintxos.

BUT THE BEST IS YET TO COME

If Arbaso is a perfect getaway for the most epicurean traveler. You still don’t know the jewel in the Crown. BA-SA-LO-RE. Remember this: BASALORE. Basalore is a “baserri”, a estate house in Basque language, of more than 27 hectares. And it is also the Royal Suite of Arbaso. Yes. Believe me. This is probably the largest Royal Suite in the world. 27.000 metres of nature, wildlife, design, luxury and privacy. The estate is perfect for those looking for privacy in a pleasant environment. Hidden among the trees in the Jaizkibel hill, overlooking Bahía de Txingudito Biarritz with the Bidasoa River at its feet, Basalore is 20 minutes far from Arbaso, and just 5 minutes drive from San Sebastián Airport. It is the perfect location for an unforgettable holiday. Is this the epitomy of luxuy? Absolutly. Because luxury is not only fine materials, a team of butlers willing to satisfy any extravagant request or all that bling bling that some like so much. The true luxury is privacy, the pleasant sensation of waking up without haste, in a magical environment surrounded by nature where the bells of the wagyus that are around are heard. The luxury is being able to enjoy a simple and appetizing breakfast before going for a walk through those 27 hectares that await you. Describing Basalore is one of the most difficult tasks this travel writer has ever experienced. Because you have to feel it, you have to live it. It is one of those very few places that is difficult to explain. Arriving at Basalore is to enter a paradise in the mountains that you do not want to leave. Its 5 rooms are fully equipped, and the master room has two balconies from which neighboring France can be seen. Perfect to disconnect but also to enjoy a nice wagyu barbecue. In the lush green pastures of this Royal Suite, numerous wagyu pups are raised, which can also be tasted at the neighboring Asador Trinquete Borda where the incredible Iñaki will show you the stables, the Basque fronton and fill you with his overflowing energy. Guests will be able to enjoy genuine market cuisine with the best flavours of the acclaimed Narru Restaurant and its prestigious chef Iñigo Peña.