Nobu Hotel San Sebastian

The Basque Country's mysterious connection to Japan is once again underlined by the harmonious marriage of the Nobu brand and the beauty and culture of San Sebastián in this 17-room haven of a hotel, opened in late August 2023.

• The terrace rooms, which take full advantage of the gorgeous views over Playa de la Concha and invite guests to lounge for an hour or several, to enjoy a coffee, a book or a glass of wine—or simply the sound of the waves and the wind
• The Japanese design influence, which—combined with the fact that there are only 17 guest rooms and suites—creates a cool, peaceful haven to escape to after hours under the beating Spanish sun and among boisterous pintxo-hoppers. (And instead of feeling out of place, the Japanese elements of the property manage to throw San Sebastián's beauty into better relief; plus, the location within a restored 1912 mansion by acclaimed Spanish architect Francisco Urcola gives a sense of local history.)
• The signature Nobu restaurant and terrace bar, which provide a worth-it moment of variety to an itinerary focused on Basque cuisine

San Sebastián has long been limited in its luxury hotel offerings, and the arrival in late August of a new Nobu property on the beachfront, just west of the heart of the city, is a major development. I wondered whether the brand—the brainchild of Japanese-born chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Manhattan native Robert De Niro and Hollywood's Meir Teper—would feel out of place in this seaside sanctuary. But the synthesis was surprisingly seamless—and once again underlined the Basque Country's strange connection to Japan (for instance, certain linguists have traced connections between euskera's mysterious origins and Japanese). In fact, the outside perspective throws San Sebastián's beauty into better relief.

Located within a restored 1912 mansion by renowned Spanish architect Francisco Urcola, the property is a 17-room haven that blends Belle Époque Basque heritage and Japanese aesthetics, designed by Tomás Alía. Each of the rooms and suites is slightly different in layout, as the hotel occupies a heritage listed building, but all are airy and light-filled, and it's tempting to linger within them—despite all that awaits outside—thanks to pillowy beds, spacious closets (designed to look like a bento box) and bathrooms with big mirrors, rainfall showers and Eight & Bob products. The terrace rooms take full advantage of gorgeous views over Playa de la Concha—inviting guests to lounge for an hour or several, with a coffee, a book or a glass of wine—while the specialty suites welcome families with connecting options and large living rooms. The signature Nobu restaurant and terrace bar, both of which can also be booked by non-guests, are a highlight, and they provide a worth-it moment of variety to an itinerary heavy in Basque cuisine. A 24-hour fitness center and access to a rooftop pool round out the amenities; outside of the restaurants, the public spaces here are limited—the property is better designed for peace, intimacy and privacy. The service was excellent, and the team was incredibly warm and helpful.

Each of the rooms and suites is slightly different in layout, as the hotel occupies a heritage listed building. Consult with your Trip Designer or email bookings@indagare.com to ensure you reserve the best option for your preferences. Connecting rooms are available.

Couples, solo travelers and families with mature children (the property has a peaceful atmosphere and more limited common spaces) who appreciate Japanese-inspired and minimalist contemporary design, pampering amenities, and a private, calm space to retreat to.

Travelers who prefer a traditional, grande-dame-style hotel or a busy, sprawling lobby will be happier at the Hotel Maria Cristina.