Hotel Arbaso in San Sebastián blends bespoke design with nods to Basque heritage
Hotel Arbaso, which sits next to San Sebastián’s storied Buen Pastor Cathedral, boasts interiors by Spanish architecture studio Fiark
Hotel Arbaso is the latest opening in San Sebastián's growing hospitality scene. It is a lively addition along the fabled central street of Hondarribia Kale in this enchanting, cultural-filled getaway in Northern Spain that is often unknown to many, beyond the resort town's hosting of the cinema industry’s most intimate A-list festival.
Hotel Arbaso flaunts interiors by Fiark Architecture Studio
The name Arbaso stands for ‘ancestor’ in Basque and seeks to pay homage to the area’s rich heritage. Housed within an 18th-century building adjacent to the neo-Gothic El Buen Pastor Cathedral – and constructed just two decades prior – the hotel stands out with its neoclassical-style façade, crafted from ashlar stone and adorned with balustrades.
It combines grey woodwork with warm orange sandstone tones, all hallmark features of early-century architecture.
The interiors at Arbaso are as peaceful and calm as San Sebastián’s picturesque shell-shaped Concha Bay. Fiark Architecture Studio, who are local to the area, forged the rooms and suites around feng shui principles. The offerings span cosy duplexes featuring fireplaces and spacious suites boasting high ceilings and neighbourhood views.
Elements such as linen curtains, oak floors, leather headboards and palm fibre carpets evoke the simplicity and refined taste synonymous with Basque culture.
A definite highlight of the Hotel Arbaso is its exquisite collection of furniture by esteemed designers, including a Boho sofa by Maison de Vacances, a Remos chair by Cuerum, a Cesta floor lamp by Miguel Milá, and two table lamps by Matteo Nunziati.
The spaces also showcase fixtures that pay homage to the Basque heritage, such as nightstands inspired by the cylindrical stones traditionally lifted by the region’s stone lifters, as well as wardrobes crafted from marble, wood, and leather by the artisans of Arkaia.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Adjacent to the hotel lies the Narru Restaurant, a culinary celebration of fine dining with a philosophy rooted in sustainability and a commitment to sourcing high-quality seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.
An open reception area welcomes everyone in, featuring a central fireplace and showcasing artworks by the Bilbao artist Aitor Ortiz.
Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. She was born in Madrid, Spain but moved to London when she was 14 years old. Being exposed to the city’s creative pulse at such a young age shaped her into the inquisitive professional she is today. Before joining the Wallpaper* team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.
-
The Emory, RSHP’s first luxury hotel in London, is a rising star
New London hotel The Emory presents the perfect showcase of RSHP’s signature functionalist style and hospitality group Maybourne’s elevated luxury
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
‘Born in Oasi Zegna: The Book’ looks back to the house’s Alpine roots
Published by Rizzoli, ‘Born in Oasi Zegna’ looks towards the Oasi Zegna natural territory in the Italian Alps, where ZEGNA opened its first wool mill in 1910 and has since fostered a thriving natural ecosystem of more than 500,000 trees
By Jack Moss Published
-
The New York art exhibitions to see now
From MoMA to the smaller spaces, here are the best New York art exhibitions to catch before they close
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Portella is a noble hotel in Palma de Mallorca’s old town
Portella occupies a 17th-century house renovated by interior designers at Festen and architecture studio Gras Reyné
By Nicola Leigh Stewart Published
-
Spa experiences in superlative surroundings, to revitalise mind and body
These spa experiences offer the ultimate in wellness and relaxation in serene settings around the world
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Newly opened Nobis Hotel Palma is filled with 1,000 years of history
Nobis Hotel Palma brings together the best of both Scandinavian and Spanish designs in a former 12th-century medieval Muslim palace
By Nicola Leigh Stewart Published
-
Mallorca hotel Can Auli is full of laidback allure
A haven of relaxation in the heart of Pollença, Mallorca hotel Can Auli embraces its locality
By Claudia Donaldson Published
-
‘Where To Now’: Zara and Wallpaper* launch offbeat travel guides
Zara and Wallpaper’s ‘Where To Now’ travel guides launch with five off-the-beaten-track adventures, from California to Naoshima, for armchair and actual explorers, available to buy now
By Simon Mills Published
-
Nobu Hotel — Barcelona, Spain
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Finca Sonrisa — Mallorca, Spain
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Menorca Experimental — Menorca, Spain
By Daven Wu Published