Have you every been to a hotel that exudes pure joy from every inch? This seaside retreat certainly does. Its name, translates as ‘Three Waves’, a nod to its setting amidst the stunning Santiago de Deba Beach, Basque Coast Geopark and Camino de Santiago route.
First opened as a spa hotel in 1936, the boutique gem was recently, loving restored by hotel couple Geaxi Uribarri and Rachid Benmansour, focusing on sustainability and responsible tourism. Upon entering the space, you can feel there’s been a lot of well thought out care and love poured in.
Warmly welcomed by Olatz, I continue to my studio room with sea view, where a fully-equipped kitchen, seating area, and balcony feel like I’ve stepped into a private apartment. There are flip flops (in case you forgot your beachfront location), pelota set (think Basque pickleball, excellent for passing time with friends), and stocked mini bar, perfect for a cool drink on the adjacent balcony.
Polished and refined choices like Villeroy & Boch sink, Italian-style shower and soothing dark blue, white and neutral colour palette evoke its maritime setting, without being ostentatious. Even staff members wear attire inspired by traditional Basque sailors.
Hiru bistro, led by chef Sara Teiamo, hones in on international offerings and Basque cuisine using fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients like Cantabrian seafood and flame-grilled aged meats. My duck breast with orange sauce and roasted pumpkin, and creamy leek crepes paired with chilled txakoli, are the perfect accompaniment as I watch the sky morph from sepia to shocking pink. Homemade desserts like the caramel filled alfajores are memorable touches that stand out from the crowd.
A superb buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of fresh juice, pastries, bread (still thinking about the crunchy orange chocolate pan), yogurt and fruit as well as the option for ordering eggs and other items off the menu. The true unique selling point is the beach, enjoying long walks along the soft sand, watching families play fetch with their pets, and kids tire as they splash amongst the shallow edge, or simply listening to the gently lapping waves.
Indulge in Club Lapari, the on-site wellness space boasting separate gym, yoga and pilates studio, as well as sea water pool, hamman, sauna and treatment areas. An unforgettable stay in a quiet corner of the Basque Country, combining comfort, wellness and genuine soul, with nature at its doorstep.
This original article first appeared in the SPRING 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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