Hotel Iturregi

This eight-room hotel is a winning cross between an urban boutique hotel and a rural auberge.

• The tranquil country setting
• The impeccable but witty taste of the décor in both public spaces and bedrooms
• The gorgeous outdoor pool protected by a ruined farm wall
• The bike paths that lead to Getaria, the charming beach town where the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum is located

Some hotels give themselves away at a first glance, while others take time to discover. This beautiful eight-room hotel, a winning cross between an urban boutique hotel and a rural auberge, falls into the latter category. When the iron gates at the entrance swing open, you’re not quite sure what to expect, until this exquisitely renovated Basque farmhouse with a sloping roof and stone gray half-timbering comes into view. This is just the type of small, unique hotel that makes traveling in Europe such a pleasure. Filled with overstuffed furniture in pewter, taupe and oyster tones, the public rooms are inviting lounges in which it’s a pleasure to take it easy with a book and cup of tea after a day out. Especially popular is the summer lounge, which is set under the eaves and has picture windows.

Each of the eight rooms is individually decorated, but all of them are sublimely comfortable and romantic. The rooms have their own names, and Orio, Askizu, Jaizkibel and Zarautz come with open-plan bathrooms. Favorites include the Getaria suite under the eves, which has gorgeous views of the Bay of Biscay from its small private balcony, a beamed ceiling and a four-poster bed. Zarautz also has sea views, a sitting area and a charming bath that includes a sink created from an old mantelpiece and an oversized soaking tub.

There’s no restaurant or gym, but massages are available in your room, and light meals are served in high season during the day on the pretty porch and by the pool. Throughout the year, the hotel offers room service for dinner. Located a half-hour drive from San Sebastián and an hour from Bilbao, this property makes a great home base, but many are more inclined to build a stay here into a Basque Country tour as a two-day, put-your-feet-up break that might include some hiking or biking, a visit to the Balenciaga museum and a good dose of rusticating in a beautiful setting.

This hotel is ideal for couples, and singles might feel a little bit isolated. That said, the intimate nature of the property means that it tends to attract a cultural cosmopolitan clientele, and the atmosphere is inclusive and friendly. It is not recommended for families.