A city weekend escape should transport you to the buzz of new culture, romance, and cuisine. Seville, I have been to once for a few hours stop over between Algarve and Marbella. The welcoming heat, fragrant smell of orange peels, tapas and gorgeous Moorish architecture makes it a must-see destination. A 2-hour, 40-minute journey from London, Seville is an excellent place for that much-needed city break.
Where to Stay: Palacio de Villapanés by CoolRooms Manor Hotels
To really make the stay we had the fortune of booking into the Palacio De Villapanes- The secluded gated entrance of this renovated 18th century palace is on the cobblestone Santiago Street in the heart of the city. The original architectural design of the Villapanés Palace has been protected as a Cultural Interest Asset of the city of Seville since 2009.
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SubscribeWith fifty boutique rooms, the historic Palacio de Villapanés showcases gorgeous marble columns, colourful tiled floors, an orange tree courtyard, and wood panelled ceiling within the rooms.
Our room was distinct with a high ceiling, luxurious wood panelling, gorgeous lighting, sumptuous individual duvets, a stand-alone Philippe Starck designed bathtub, and a huge rainfall shower with 3 different types of jet.
The hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with small pool overlooking the city and a spa where we enjoyed a couples massage. Other amenities include a Hamman, sauna, and gym.
This gorgeous hotel is a gem, offering that feel of intimacy and privacy whilst giving guests access to the best modern facilities.
Where to Relax: AIRE Ancient Baths
AIRE was incredible. Inspired by the tradition of baths from ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations, AIRE Seville is an underground haven with multiple pools (temperatures varying from Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). You can soak in the beautiful baths under candlelight then are summoned to a massage room where a therapist gives you a complete body massage in silence. T
he aura and magic of AIRE is the peaceful calm and mandatory silence within. We had the opportunity to go the rooftop where a smaller marbled pool with sunken marble chaise lounges overlooks the city. Great news is that AIRE is also in New York, Chicago, London, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Almería, and Vallromanes.
Where to Eat and Drink: Petit Comité
A gorgeous French-Spanish fusion menu with delicious tapas in a quaint romantic setting. From delightful bites of duck, octopus, pork loin, anchovies on toast, truffled potatoes, and an incredible crème caramel.
*For coffee lovers, I would recommend Parceria Culto al Café and Delatribu
Where to Take a Day Trip: Ronda
Rent a car and take a day trip to Ronda. There are stunning cliffside views on the Puente Nuevo bridge over the valley and you can take a gorgeous walk-through Alameda del Tajo. It feels a lot crisper and fresh due to the altitude and it’s a completely different look and feel to Seville.
What to See: Flamenco at Casa de la Guitarra
When in Andalusian Spain, you must see flamenco. Casa de la Guitarra is a lovely little 18th century house in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, right next to the Cathedral. The performance is an hour show of traditional flamenco dancers, singers, and guitarists. I would recommend booking ahead as seats are limited.
Written by Jessica Patterson
