Spain has stepped into the spotlight as a global business destination. It offers a broad range of experiences and opportunities, from beaches to mountains, big city adventures to small town experiences. Three cities in particular offer fantastic destinations and luxury accommodations for business and incentive travel, for both large and small groups. A direct flight from New York to Madrid takes seven hours, and 40 airports, several high-speed trains and an extensive highway system allow for many quick and comfortable options for internal travel.
Barcelona: Famous for Mediterranean beaches, blended culture and inspiring cuisine, Barcelona is renowned for its architectural wonders. Famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi designed the Parc Güell (a public park), the Casa Batllo and his masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a church whose construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing. Groups have many luxury options for their stay, such as the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I. This stylish property has more than 37,000 square feet of meeting and event space within the hotel, including the 9,600-square-foot Marenostrum Hall and the on-site Congress Centre (Palau de Congressos de Catalunya), which is vehicle accessible.
Madrid: Europe’s third most populated city is a hub of arts, culture and business. Sights include Western Europe’s largest royal palace, the famous city squares (such as Plaza Mayor), and numerous museums and cultural sites. The InterContinental Madrid is one of several luxury meeting destinations, boasting 24,370 square feet of meeting space in 15 venues. The lobby and the terrace are vehicle accessible, along with some of the meeting spaces.
San Sebastian: Described by Forbes as “Spain’s dreamy coastal city,” San Sebastian is renowned for its beautiful beaches and incredible gastronomy. The city has more Michelin stars per capita than nearly any place on earth. Local tapas restaurants have plenty of indoor and outdoor dining options. Groups seeking luxury accommodations during their stay have a historic 136-room, five-star option in the Hotel Maria Cristina, which also boasts 6,800 square feet of meeting space in four meeting rooms.