Hotel Viura is a striking design hotel set in the wine village of Villabuena de Álava, in Spain’s renowned Rioja Alavesa region. With its bold architecture of cubist volumes whimsically stacked like a modern art sculpture, Viura stands out against the backdrop of centuries-old stone houses and rolling vineyards. It offers a refreshingly modern way to experience Spain’s “Land of Wine,” while staying deeply connected to local history, landscape, and culture.

Avant-Garde Architecture in a Historic Wine Village

The hotel’s exterior — a playful heap of concrete cubes — blends into the hillside yet makes a strong visual statement. One of its most intriguing features is an ancient escape tunnel from the neighboring church, ingeniously integrated into the hotel’s atmospheric wine cellar, literally rooting this avant-garde building in the village’s past.

Inside, the atmosphere is chic and contemporary yet warm. The 35 uniquely shaped rooms, created by the irregular geometry of the cubes, combine Brutalist concrete with hardwood floors and plush furnishings. Large picture windows flood the spaces with natural light and frame views of the quaint village or the Sierra de Cantabria mountains.

Waking up at Viura means drawing back the curtains to see medieval church towers, tiled rooftops, and perfectly aligned rows of vineyards — a daily reminder of the hotel’s seamless blend of tradition and modern design.

Wine & Gastronomy in the “Land of Wine”

At Hotel Viura, wine and gastronomy naturally take center stage. The village of Villabuena de Álava is surrounded by more than 40 wineries, including centuries-old cellars and acclaimed bodegas, making the hotel an ideal base for exploring Rioja’s iconic tempranillos, crianzas, and reservas.

Viura embraces this heritage wholeheartedly. Its on-site Bistro Restaurante offers a culinary journey through Rioja’s flavors, with menus rooted in regional tradition — think hearty stews, grilled lamb, and piquillo peppers — reinterpreted with contemporary flair. Many ingredients come from nearby farms and local markets, ensuring freshness while supporting the surrounding community.

The hotel’s wine bar and cellar house an extensive selection of Rioja wines, from prestigious vintages to innovative organic producers. Sommeliers on staff are on hand to:

• Organize guided tastings
• Tailor wine pairings
• Share their knowledge of the region

Guests are often welcomed with a complimentary glass of wine, and the hotel can arrange visits to exclusive wineries (some within walking distance) or private tours of the village’s atmospheric subterranean wine caves.

Sustainable Architecture & Low-Impact Design

Despite its bold, contemporary look, Hotel Viura is quietly respectful of its environment and cultural context. The architects designed the building with sustainability and low visual impact in mind: the structure is limited to one main level above ground, preserving views of the historic skyline and neighboring church. Its earth-tone exterior helps it blend harmoniously with the arid landscape.

The cube-based design is not only visually captivating but also practical. It creates natural terraces and overhangs that provide shade, reducing cooling needs during the hot summer months. Inside, energy-efficient systems help limit the hotel’s overall environmental footprint.

Details throughout the property reflect thoughtful reuse and local references. Recycled wood from old wine crates sourced in the area has been incorporated into decorative elements, subtly honoring the village’s agricultural and winemaking heritage.

Eco-Conscious Mobility & Responsible Practices

Viura encourages guests to explore Rioja in low-impact ways. The hotel offers free electric bicycle rentals, making it easy to ride through vineyard-lined lanes and nearby villages car-free. For those arriving with electric vehicles, an EV charging point is available on-site — a welcome amenity for sustainable travel.

More broadly, the hotel embraces responsible operational practices, from energy-efficient systems to mindful design choices that reduce resource consumption while preserving guest comfort.

Community, Culture & Basque Art

Hotel Viura is deeply integrated into its local community. Friendly staff, many of them from the surrounding area, share insider tips on village fiestas, traditional events, and nearby sights, such as the medieval walled town of Laguardia.

The hotel also serves as a small cultural hub, with art exhibits featuring works by Basque artists displayed in its public spaces. This curated art program adds another layer of regional identity to the guest experience and reflects the creative spirit of northern Spain.

Rooftop Views & Vineyard Experiences

For many guests, the rooftop terrace is one of Viura’s highlights. It’s a favorite spot to unwind with a glass of Rioja while the sun sets, turning the vineyards gold and the distant mountains a soft purple. On clear evenings, the monumental Cantabrian range and the illuminated medieval church next door create a magical contrast with the hotel’s contemporary silhouette.

Hotel Viura also curates memorable experiences that go beyond standard wine tasting. Guests can join:

• Guided bike tours through the vineyards
• Hot air balloon rides over Rioja’s patchwork of fields
• Architecture tours to visit other modern wineries, such as the nearby Marqués de Riscal

These activities deepen the connection to the landscape and show the region from different perspectives.

Modern Comfort & Warm Hospitality

After a day of tasting and touring, returning to Viura feels like coming home to a stylish, cozy retreat. Rooms are luxuriously appointed with high-end linens, rainfall showers, and deluxe amenities that balance modern design with comfort.

The hospitality is warm, professional, and attentive, with an evident eye for detail — from the welcome drink on arrival to the generous breakfast each morning. The breakfast spread typically includes local breads, cheeses, and made-to-order eggs, providing a relaxed and satisfying start to the day.

A Bold Way to Experience Rioja Wine Country

In essence, Hotel Viura offers a refreshingly modern gateway to Rioja’s rich wine heritage. It captures the region’s creative, forward-thinking energy while honoring its deep-rooted traditions of wine, food, and community.

Visitors don’t just leave with bottles of their new favorite wines; they depart with vivid memories of Viura’s striking design, the warmth of its people, and the sense of genuine connection to Rioja’s land and culture. It is this fusion of art, architecture, sustainability, and indulgence that makes Hotel Viura a standout destination for travelers venturing into Spain’s wine country.