Hotel Iturregi, Getaria, Spain

Situated on an edenic hilltop in Getaria with commanding views of the entire Basque coastline, Hotel Iturregi was our little paradise for seven days earlier this summer. Surrounded by verdant hills covered in txakoli vineyards, this eight-room country estate offered luxury and exclusivity, but in a relaxed and easy atmosphere with an incredibly helpful and friendly staff (that spoke a multitude of languages).

Upon first arriving, we couldn’t get over the views…the hills, the sea, the sky. We had never seen anything like it! The grounds of the property were impeccably manicured and well cared for, with fragrant flowering shrubbery, hardy perennial herbs, and hedges upon hedges of hydrangea. There was a lovely pool on a terrace behind the house, surrounded by more beautiful flora. And thanks to the long summer days of northern Europe, the pool stayed sunlit until the early evening hours.

The estate’s interiors were equally impressive, with modern furnishings and locally produced art and objets. There were numerous sitting areas inside and out to tuck into a book or just gaze at the incredible views. We stayed in the Askizu room, which was more than perfect for us. It was a very large room with soaring vaulted ceilings, and comfortably accommodated a king-size bed, loveseat, and full closet with built-ins. A double high window overlooked the pool and gardens. The black marble bathroom was equally as large, featuring two separate sinks with vanities, a large tub and walk-in shower, and a separate water closet for the toilet and the bidet (it is Europe, after all).

We took our breakfast each morning on the side terrace overlooking the vineyards and ocean. We were offered coffee and juice, yogurt, fresh fruit, pastries, meats and cheeses, jams, and flawlessly prepared eggs…cooked anyway we liked. It was the perfect way to start the day.

Hotel Iturregi was conveniently located to everything we wanted to see and do along the Basque coast. Very near the speedy autopista AP-8, Bilbao was only an hour west and Bayonne and Biarritz an hour east. San Sebastián was only 20 minutes away, and the scenic coastal towns of Zumaia, Getaria, and Zarautz were literally just around the corner.

I probably say this after every amazing vacation, but I’m dying to go back to Hotel Iturregi and the Basque coast. I’ve already started looking at airfare for next year. Anyone interested in joining?

(Last visited in August, 2016)

#Spain