Who hasn’t heard of Andorra, the Pyrenees’ compact country—less than 500 km² in size, but vast in its mountain scenery. A discreetly chic principality perched between its capital, Andorra la Vella, a shopper’s paradise, and its villages tucked high in the mountains, a coveted destination for skiers and snowboarders. Andorra is a place with enough appeal for Karla Miller to go hunting for its finest hotels.
Serras Andorra
If your main aim is to hit the slopes, choosing this boutique hotel in the Soldeu resort in the Incles Valley is a natural instinct. This former Andorran shepherd’s barn—originally used for livestock—first turned into a restaurant with five rooms has, under the leadership of the Serras family, become a superb address, one of the best hotels in Andorra. At 1,800 meters above sea level, the stone building brushes the peaks and unfolds a graphic elegance imagined by Casanova Arq studio with the eye of Eva Martinez: behind its tall mineral façade punctuated by large windows lie 57 rooms and suites, each with a balcony or terrace, designed as spacious refuges where the quiet of wood, the scent of leather, the warmth of sand- or beige-toned hues, and the softness of plush textures reign. The atmosphere aims to be peaceful and comfortable, without excess, but with a genuine attention to detail.
For food lovers, three venues stand out: the Bruna restaurant features Catalan cuisine reimagined; the Fromagerie offers mountain specialties in a rustic, comforting setting; and the 42 Grados bar invites sharing authentically local plates—tomato bread or pata negra, your call. The spa offers vegan treatments and an infrared sauna, sensory pools and showers, a hammam, and holistic experiences. But what makes this address truly distinctive are its two private beginner slopes that guests can reach directly from the terraces!
Grau Roig Andorra Boutique Hotel & Spa
Nestled at 2,100 meters up, at the foot of the Grau Roig – Grandvalira resort, this five‑star property seems to melt into the whiteness of the peaks. The heavy stone-and-wood façade of this former mountain refuge, illuminated by wide windows, doesn’t reveal the interior décor at first glance. One expects the usual Alpine aesthetic, and instead discovers a notably modern, softly plush, wildly design-forward atmosphere: granite gray meets the pale honey of oak, faux fur on a cushion brushes against velvet on a chair.
The 42 rooms and suites, all unique, open onto the mountains, weaving together natural materials, contemporary lines, and splashes of light. The palette ranges from pearl to coffee brown, taupe to pine green in a precise geometric scheme that reads as austere, yet is awakened by a piece of art or a gold-toned lamp. Some rooms offer a hydro-massage tub, while others feature a wooden barrel-style bath perfect for two. Four restaurants: it’s hard to get bored. Marmita showcases chef-driven cooking that highlights local ingredients and reinvents Pyrenean dishes. El Teatro del Vino serves tasting menus and wine experiences in the setting of a contemporary yet elegant wine bar; a procession of fondues and raclette at Fromagerie, and convivial lunches at La Vaqueria: here you come to ski, enjoying the domain’s 210 kilometers. Just before unwinding in the spa’s soothing mineral atmosphere: a heated pool, an hydro-massage bath, a Turkish bath, and a sauna round out the day pleasantly.
Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa
At 1,850 meters above sea level, perched at the edge of Grandvalira—the principality’s largest ski area—this five‑star hotel holds a prime spot in the village of Soldeu. Owned by the Calbo brothers and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, its architecture pairs classic wood and stone. Guests are welcomed under a monumental timber framework. Large glass walls frame the slopes, while slate floors and wood, along with sofas and fireplaces, create a warm, elegant ambiance.
The 135 suites—each with extended balconies or terraces—are airy and bright, crafting a friendly yet polished ambiance with light woods, warm velvets, and high-tech amenities. The hallmark of absolute comfort comes in the deluxe suites with their hydro-massage tubs; ideal after a day of skiing, augmented by a nearly compulsory visit to the wellness space: 5,000 m² spread across five levels offering indoor and outdoor pools, hammams, saunas, and Valmont-branded treatments. The dining scene is equally regal, with eight restaurants scattered between the hotel and the village, letting guests travel from the Pyrenees to Japan (via Koy Hermitage of Chef Hideki Matsuhisa), while Italian influences emerge with dishes of aged meats and ham croquettes. Chefs Francis Paniego and Jordi Grau have notably elevated Ibaya to Michelin-star status, a Michelin nod that marks a journey through the region’s history while staying modern and fresh.
L’Ovella Negra
If you’re after a secret address, a cocoon of disconnection, away from the bustle and the bling, this Design Hotels member checks every box. Perched at 1,800 meters in the Incles valley, winter access is by snowmobile or snowcat. In this former farm transformed by designers and co-owners Prisca Llagostera and Aminda Saludes, space centers around a subtle scenography blending natural materials with contemporary artworks. A polished concrete floor sits with walls of old stone punctuated by dark wooden shutters. A suspended fireplace sits at the heart of the shared living space—a true hearth where conversations and reflections mingle. Leather armchairs, deep velvet sofas, wool, and brass combine to lend the place a distinctive soul.
Privately bookable, L’Ovella Negra offers only four rooms — two doubles and two quadruples — minimalist and imbued with refined sobriety. Each provides a private balcony facing the valley, a spacious bathroom with a clean design, and a understated palette blending linen, Merino wool, and light wood. A cozy common room houses the restaurant; it serves hearty, authentic mountain fare crafted with simplicity. No fuss: the table is communal, encouraging sociability and chance encounters. It’s not unusual for dinner to end with an impromptu musical evening. And who knows… you might leave having formed lasting friendships.
Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness Andorra
Just steps from the lively Meritxell Avenue, the beating heart of Andorra la Vella, don’t judge this five‑star property by its modern exterior; frankly, it isn’t the most charming building. Let the interior spaces surprise you, beginning with a lobby bathed in natural light where contemporary works converse.
Two glass elevators whisk you up to one of the 90 rooms: a palette of gentle tones, light woods, creating a hushed, intimate atmosphere that’s easy to slide into. The Penthouse rooms tucked under the eaves reveal a wooden ceiling that makes you feel like you’re staying in a chalet. The Instants restaurant pairs global cuisine with local dishes, always using fresh ingredients and sustainably sourced fish. Sotto Voce delivers Italian flavors: no pizza here, but expect risotto and pasta. What’s especially appreciated? The Grand Level service, pairing a warm welcome with thoughtful touches like one hour of access to the Diamond Spa hydrotherapy circuit. Stone-heated massage beds, a hammam and sauna, hot and cold showers, and a signature treatment complete the day. A classic offering with flawless service, making it a dependable luxury stay in the heart of Andorra la Vella.
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