A complete wellness package combining accommodation in Frank Gehry's hotel, Caudalie spa treatments, winery tours, and Michelin dining. The ultimate Basque luxury wellness escape.
The Marqués de Riscal Wellness Weekend is a multi-day package experience anchored at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Laguardia, Álava, in the Rioja Alavesa wine country of the Basque Country. The package combines accommodation in Frank Gehry's celebrated titanium-draped hotel with access to the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa, guided tours of the Marqués de Riscal winery estate, and dining at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, creating one of the Basque Country's most comprehensive luxury wellness propositions.
The hotel itself is the starting point of the experience. Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 2006, it is consistently listed among the most architecturally remarkable hotels in Europe. The structure's flowing titanium ribbons in gold, silver, and pink reflect the colours of the Marqués de Riscal wine label and the surrounding vineyard landscape. Rooms and suites are designed to the same visual standard, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the medieval walled town of Laguardia and the Sierra de Cantabria mountains beyond.
The Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa—the only Caudalie spa in the Basque Country—provides the wellness core of the package. Treatments draw on Caudalie's proprietary range of grape-derived products, including the signature Crushed Cabernet Scrub, the Barrel Bath, and the Pulpe Vitaminée facial. Package guests typically receive a credit towards a selected treatment menu, which can be supplemented with additional bookings.
A guided tour of the Marqués de Riscal winery estate covers the historic cellars dating to 1858, the barrel ageing rooms, and a structured tasting of the estate's flagship Rioja Alavesa Tempranillo wines. The Michelin-starred restaurant, led by local chef Francis Paniego, interprets Basque and Riojan cuisine at the highest level. The combination of spa, architecture, wine culture, and gastronomy places the Wellness Weekend among the most distinctive multi-day experiences in northern Spain.
Packages are available year-round but are most popular during the harvest period of September and October, when the vineyard landscape is at its most photogenic and the winery is in active production. Advance booking of at least one month is recommended for peak periods; direct booking with the hotel ensures the most complete package options.
| Price | €800–2,000 |
|---|---|
| Session length | 2–3 days |
Treatments
- Crushed Cabernet Scrub
- Barrel Bath
- Pulpe Vitaminée facial
- Winery estate tour and Tempranillo tasting
- Michelin-starred dining experience
Highlights
- Stay in Frank Gehry's titanium-clad architectural landmark hotel overlooking Rioja Alavesa vineyards in Laguardia, Álava
- Full Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa access with signature grape-therapy treatments included in the package
- Guided tour of the Marqués de Riscal winery, including cellars dating to 1858 and Tempranillo wine tastings
- Michelin-starred dining at Francis Paniego's restaurant within the hotel estate
- Combines Frank Gehry architecture, wine culture, Caudalie spa, and Basque gastronomy in a single 2–3 day package
Tips for visiting
- The harvest period in September and October is the most atmospheric time to visit—the estate is in active production and the vines are at their peak colour.
- Book the Caudalie spa treatment credit as early as possible; preferred time slots for the Barrel Bath and Crushed Cabernet Scrub fill quickly for package guests.
- The Marqués de Riscal wine tasting at the estate cellar includes library vintages not available in shops—request the extended tasting option when booking the winery tour.
- Laguardia's medieval village walls and underground wine caves are worth two hours of independent exploration on arrival day.
- The package works best as a Thursday-to-Sunday stay, allowing a relaxed arrival, a full spa and winery day, and an unhurried departure.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Marqués de Riscal Wellness Weekend package include?
Standard packages include accommodation at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a treatment credit at the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa, a guided winery tour with tasting, and breakfast. Michelin restaurant dinners and additional spa treatments are typically priced separately unless a full-board upgrade is selected.
Is the Caudalie spa exclusively for hotel guests during the Wellness Weekend?
Day visitors may book individual treatments, but package guests take priority for time slots. During busy periods such as the September–October harvest season, spa access for non-resident visitors can be limited, making the package a practical advantage.
How far is Laguardia from Bilbao and San Sebastián?
Laguardia is approximately 100 km southwest of Bilbao (about 90 minutes by car) and 130 km from San Sebastián. The hotel can arrange private transfers from either city for an additional fee.
Is the Michelin restaurant at the hotel open to non-hotel guests?
Yes, the restaurant is open to external diners, but advance reservation is required and tables are limited. Hotel guests booking the wellness package receive priority reservation access.
What makes the Marqués de Riscal experience different from other luxury spa hotels?
The combination of Frank Gehry's architecture, a working historic winery dating to 1858, Caudalie's internationally recognised spa brand, and a Michelin-starred chef creates a layered experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in Spain. The Rioja Alavesa wine country setting means guests engage with living agricultural heritage rather than a standalone resort.