The Vibe: Cutting-edge modernity in a 17th-century village.

The Area: Hotel Viura (named after a white grape variety is located in the village of Villabuena de Álava (Eskuernaga in Basque) in the La Rioja Alavesa wine region. The village (of 300 inhabitants) has 48 wineries ranging from small family-owned businesses to larger bulk-production wineries. Other than the wine making, the village is notable for its many renaissance houses, patrician houses, and small palaces adorned with coats of arms, built between 17th and 19th centuries. The cities of Logroño and Haro are both 20 minutes’ drive.

The DNA: The architect eschewed all thoughts of vertical and horizontal, creating an ultra-modern fantasy that sits remarkably easily alongside an ultra-traditional church. The tumbling pile of superimposed blocks is liberally sprinkled with balconies, terraces and huge windows that all make the most of the views of the village and the surrounding scenery. Inside, the hotel is just slightly more conventional, with stylish contemporary furnishings and materials giving an atmosphere of unadulterated luxury. The hotel offers an à la carte restaurant serving regional meals, a full wine cellar and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra de la Cantabria Mountains and the San Andrés Church ad. 1538. There is also a fitness centre and free bicycles are available to explore the surroundings.

Suite-Me-Up: The rooms at the Viura have a minibar with free sparkling and still water, heating, and air conditioning. The Suite offers more space plus a wonderful roof terrace.

Your host: Elena Muras

Seen: WeHeart

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 33 rooms & suites (25-32m2) (269-344 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2010 • architecture: MUP ✅ free parking on-site • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk