The only Relais & Châteaux in San Sebastián is a temple of design, relaxation and gastronomy.

There's a building that's hard to miss. It's hidden among the dense vegetation that covers the slopes of Mount Igeldo in San Sebastián . But if you look closely, there it is: the city's only Relais & Châteaux, awarded the A+ by Daikin in 2021. Its name is Akelarre; it's a unique building in an unbeatable location, designed to create a complete experience, one that will be remembered long after it's finished.

But let's go back to the beginning. It all began on July 31, 1970, when the Akelarre restaurant opened its doors, right next to the legendary KU nightclub. In those years, the area was home to the best of the era. It wasn't until 1975 that chef Pedro Subijana joined the project, took over the kitchen, and, over time, the accolades began to arrive.

Akelarre The only Relais & Châteaux in San Sebastián

In 1978, they were awarded their first Michelin star. And just two years later, Pedro and his wife bought the restaurant. They followed a dream. They continued to grow, and in 1982, they received their second star. Little by little, they expanded the restaurant, incorporating nearby buildings and land. They also opened a dining room for events, the Oteiza, in homage to the sculptor Jorge Oteiza.

Twenty-five years passed, and the third Michelin star arrived. It was then that a long-rumored idea emerged: to build a hotel. A place that would complete the Akelarre experience. The project took a while to materialize, but finally saw the light of day in 2017.

From the very beginning, they were clear about their plans: they wanted a building that blended into the landscape. They used stone, wood, and metal—noble, durable materials—to build a structure that emerges from the hillside in the form of four cubicles. Inside, the rooms feature large windows facing the sea, letting in plenty of sunlight. In total, there are 22 rooms spread over two levels, all with terraces from which to view the cliffs of Bizkaia in the distance. The interior is a tribute to tranquility: fine woods, soft fabrics, and details that invite relaxation, available in three categories: Double Horizon (45 m²); Deluxe Panoramic (65 m²); and Akelarre Ocean Suite (100 m²).

Above these cubes, there is a set of terraces, with gardens of aromatic plants that lead to the Espazio Oteiza restaurant, which offers an unbeatable gastronomic offering.

Although Akelarre is undoubtedly a temple of haute cuisine, it's also a place to pause, a refuge of well-being and absolute calm (also for non-resident guests). They've dedicated 800 m² to a wellness space designed to restore physical and mental balance. Just stepping inside, you'll sense that enveloping atmosphere of calm. The indoor pool features a hydromassage circuit to release tension; a dry sauna and hammam for deep cleansing; and a relaxation area, with spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea, to help you forget about stress.

Its treatment rooms offer everything from relaxing and therapeutic massages to Ayurvedic treatments. Your skin also receives its share of pampering: facials with exquisite Sisley Paris and Valmont cosmetics, sensory wraps, and peels designed to renew, purify, and deeply hydrate the skin.

Some experiences have a special touch, such as The Sea on Your Skin, a revitalizing exfoliation with coastal mud and Dead Sea salts that awakens dormant energy. Or the Sagardoa Experience, which pays homage to the Basque cider tradition with a massage based on native apples, leaving the body feeling fresh and invigorated. And Deep Wellness, a multisensory journey that stimulates smell, hearing, and touch, combining light feathers and aromatic herb scents.