Akelarre - Relais & Châteaux

Exceptional service from helpful staff, outstanding food, and beautiful location overlooking the ocean. Guests love the well-designed rooms with spacious seating areas and large balconies offering breathtaking ocean views.

While every review of Akelarre already highlights the breathtaking beauty of the resort—the striking architecture, stunning views of the Bay of Biscay, and the intimate luxury of a small number of suites—I want to echo that this property is truly exceptional in every way. But what really sets Akelarre apart is the level of personalized, world-class service that goes far beyond even five-star expectations. From the moment we arrived, the concierge team was always available, incredibly responsive, and genuinely warm. Every staff member seemed to know us by name and made us feel completely at home. It's rare to find service this intuitive and consistent. A standout moment came on the first day of our stay, during what turned out to be one of the worst power outages in Spain and Portugal's history. Remarkably, we didn't even notice—the hotel’s private backup generator kept everything running smoothly. But when the staff tried to confirm our lunch reservation and taxi, they couldn’t get through to any vendors due to the blackout. Without missing a beat, Lucie graciously offered to drive us to the restaurant in her own car. She walked us in, explained the situation to the staff, and didn't leave until we were seated with wine and appetizers. That level of care and thoughtfulness is rare and deeply appreciated. It turned an unexpected hiccup into a memory we'll treasure. We came here for a special occasion—our 40th birthdays and our anniversary—and left feeling like we’d been guests in someone’s home. Akelarre is more than just a luxury hotel; it’s a place where every detail is intentional, and every guest is treated like family. Could not recommend more highly. We can’t wait to return.