Seville is a romantic city by nature. It has seen the birth of legendary literary characters, such as Don Juan, as well as key figures of the 19^th-century Romantic movement, like the great poet Bécquer. That’s why, we at CoolRooms want to share with you the best plans to celebrate a totally cool Valentine’s Day in Seville.

1. Enjoy a cruise along the Guadalquivir.

A different way to get to know Seville and take advantage of its navigable river. At sunset, under the moonlight or the midday sun, you choose the moment. Many cruise companies offer private trips with lunch or dinner aboard. Some of them are Civitatis, Guadaluxe or Esturión Tours. Imagine drinking a glass of champagne with the Torre del Oro or the Giralda in the background.

2. Say “I love you” with flowers and chocolates.

Both traditions are quite set, not only in the Spanish culture, but also on a worldwide scale. The language of flowers or floriography, developed during the Victorian era, allows us to express feelings without the need for words, simply through the different species of flowers and their colours. Curiously, the “best artisan florist in Spain” in 2021 was the Sevillian Julio Boza. His store, La Floristería, and others like Búcaro or Cártamo are a guaranteed success.
The ones with a sweet tooth, for their part, can buy chocolates and other sweets in patisseries as emblematic as La Despensa de Palacio, working since no les tan 1743, La Campana, sice 1885 y some more modern ones like the French cake shops owned by Manu Jara.

3. Discover Seville’s most romantic spots.

The streets of Seville have a special charm. Her colorful façades, her cobblestone alleyways, her historical gardens are her impressive monuments are witnesses to the passing of the centuries. The cohabitation of different cultures in the city and the high concentration of artists have conferred it an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Allow yourself to get lost in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, where the Callejón del Agua (Water Alley) was a mandatory stop for romantic travellers and writers, such as Washington Irving. At the María Luisa Park, you will find Bécquer’s roundabout, probably the most romantic sculptural ensemble in all of Seville. And as the climax to your stroll, don’t miss out on the popular sunset view over Triana.

4. Attend a candlelit concert.

Fever came up with this proposal with the idea to offer more intimate concerts, accompanied by the soft light of hundreds of candles. Candlelight is present in over 85 cities in the world and Seville is one of the lucky chosen. The atmosphere and the sensory experience are joined by the wonderful locations in emblematic spots around the city. In Seville’s case, these are the Salinas House and The Tres Culturas del Mediterráneo Foundation. The tickets sell out fast, so it’s advisable to get them ahead of time.

5. Spend a dreamy night in CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés.

This last proposal seems to us like the best way to end a day of pure romance in Seville. CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés has created two special Valentine’s Day stays inspired by the most romantic songs in history. Enjoying the most exclusive luxury as a couple in our 18^th-century palace is within your reach. Chocolate-covered strawberries, a romantic dinner, a holistic massage… Magic is guaranteed.

We hope you enjoyed our 5 top best Valentine’s Day plans to do in Seville this year. Which one is your favorite?

The French artist Guillaume Alby, more famous under the name REMED, has chosen Palacio de Villapanés to exhibit until mid-December a piece of his latest exhibition “Conversation with the void, Observation of the magic”.
A work that our guests will be able to enjoy in the wonderful courtyard of our palace.

The artist REMED inaugurating his work at Palacio de Villapanés with Martina Cam, General Director of the hotel

An intimate work

The French artist Remed returns to Seville at the DELIMBO gallery to show the work he has created during the last year and a half, including those made during lockdown in which he shows a more intimate work than he is used to.
“Conversation with the void, Observation of the magic” is the suggestive title of the new exhibition by the artist Guillaume Alby, better known by his artistic name Remed.
The exhibition gathers a total of 10 large-format paintings, 14 drawings and marble sculptures that the artist has produced together with artisans from the city of Seville, thus complying with his work ethic under which he seeks to involve local agents in his process, enriching both his work and his knowledge.
“The void, or the illusion of the void, is something like the egg of our reality. I understand it as the cradle of the possible, that is where they are extracted, where they can become reality. The furnace where ideas, or rather intentions, conscious or unconscious, can be turned into matter ”this is how the artist describes his latest work.
Remed develops a work with a great relationship between the spiritual, the mathematical and the aesthetic, creating a harmony both visual and sensorial. Where it invites us to converse with the void and observe the magic.

One of the work of the exhibition “Conversation with the void, Observation of the magic” at the Delimbo art gallery

Interview with Remed

Interview with the artist REMED in the Concha courtyard of our palace

It is in the intimacy of one of our courtyard that we have been able to enjoy an exclusive moment with Guillaume Alby. During this interview, the artist explained to us his special relationship with Seville and Spain, the secrets of his latest work and his main inspirations.
(Video available soon in our Instagram @palaciovillapanes)

Palacio de Villapanés nominated for the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence

Every year,  Condé Nast Johansens traditionally celebrates the Awards for Excellence. They reward and celebrate excellence across their recommended properties, their world-renowned Awards for Excellence are a trusted mark of quality recognised by consumers and travel professionals alike.
Palacio de Villapanés is included in the fine selection of Condé Nast Johansens; a selection that includes 26 hotels and resorts in Spain, Palacio de Villapanés is the only one selected in the city of Seville.

A place full of history

City of civilizations, the legend say it the city was founded by Hercules. Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region and is famous for its dance, its flamenco, which make visitors fall in love when traveling. An incredible combination of culture, art and gastronomy.
Sevilla is a charming city and so is the story of our palace. A special and unique history that started in 1729. 
The hotel Palacio de Villapanés – which belongs to the Small Luxury Hotels collection – is a refurbished palace from the 18th century which combines traditional nobility and modernity. Former home of the Admiral López-Pintado, Marqués de Torre Blanca de Aljarafe, this is one of the most authentic property in Seville, and its historical details meet pieces of international design by GCA Arquitectos and Patricia Urquiola.

A design hotel

From its monumental entrance, with marble columns and its charming patio, our five-star hotel invites you to experience the Andalusian hospitality, and this is the best starting point to discover Sevillian traditions and to enjoy the treasures of the city, with the Plaza Jesús de la Redención, the Real Alcázar of Seville or the Museum of Fine Arts a stone’s throw away.
Its 50 spacious rooms feature the elegance of a palace and the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Our guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the cosiness of our courtyards. Among these amazing facilities, the Suite named El Torreón is a treasure: an amazing 85m2 Suite, with stunning ceilings and authentic marble from the 19th century.

A unique gastronomic experience

Gastronomy forms part an integral part of our travels and of each region in Spain. Palacio de Villapanés’ gastronomy is designed by the Head Chef of our restaurant Los Rincones del Marqués, Jorge Cortés. A traditional Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine enjoyable from one of our patios or from the old cellars of the palace where our guests can enjoy live music sessions.

A service of excellence

But the most exclusive thing that our 18th century provides is an impeccable service and an incredible attention to details. The great team of professionals led by Martina Cam, its General Manager for 10 years, make every effort to make the guest feel at home.

Unforgettable experiences

Among the hotel experiences, Martina Cam highlights the incredible solarium rooftop: “I try to enjoy it every day”, she says. “It is a magical, dreamlike moment dream, contemplating in the distance the cathedral with the Giralda, the bell towers, the churches and the arabic roofs”.  But this hotel also offers other experiences, from treatments in its wellness area that allows its guests to relax in the sauna, enjoy the Turkish bath, receive a massage in the cabin or working out in its modern gym with 24-hour Kinesis equipment… to boat trips on the Guadalquivir river, guided bike routes through the city or dressing up session to look like an authentic flamenco dancer with a shooting photo session in a typical Andalusian patio.

Travelling Through History

Today, some of its treasures are still visible to the visitor: in its main staircase, you can observe the display of the Solano family (the admiral’s wife family, necessary for him to agree to form a part of the Sevillian nobility) with the motto “They went with sun and came those who defeated the Moors”.
After crossing the entrance, we receive a spectacular triple arch gate that gives way to a magnificent Andalusian patio. A square silver space surrounded by arches supported by marble columns, presided over by a hexagonal plant fountain adorned with palm trees and banana trees.
The exterior has a large two-story facade to Santiago Street, finished with the Sevillian technique of brick called “avitolado”.

Andalusian patios

Its Patio de los Naranjos is perfect to enjoy a cocktail or delicious gastronomic proposals with aromas of orange blossom. Las Conchas is famous for historical reasons, since it is said to be the original starting point of the Via de la Jacobea Route Silver, whose ritual requires the pilgrim to wet their hands in a cave-style fountain before leaving.

Palacio de Villapanés, Site of Cultural Interest

Since December 2009, the Villapanés Palace has been protected as an Asset of Interest of the city of Seville, as it is considered to be one of the main exhibitions of the 18th century and retains most of its original architectural elements. A miracle of hospitality and the perfect host to discover the city.
The hotel itself is history, but what stands out the most is a service geared towards customer excellence. The staff uniforms, made by the Galician designer Roberto Diz, adds a level of exclusivity to the experience.  The great work of our team has been awarded for more than 10 years, with several awards for excellence. This is why they deserve to be nominated in the short list of “Best Service” and “Best Value Experience” for the Conde Nast Johansens Excellence Awards.

Vote for our property!

To vote for us, click here.
You will then see an icon “Awards for Excellence, vote for this property” and you will be able to vote for the property in your favorite categories. If you want to know more about our wonderful hotel click here, you will not be disappointed.

How to turn your bath into a sacred ritual 
Quarantines times can involve stress and anxiety. And to fight this stress, our partner BellSire Seville gives you 3 ideas of spiritual baths to find peace in these hard days of confinement. Spiritual cleansing baths are used to reject the negative, open the paths, eliminate negative situations, attract positivity and above all … relax!
The time has come to make your daily bath a sacred ritual, a spiritual moment where you can find yourself and unwind your mind. With water at different temperatures we can obtain therapeutic results and rapidly feel calm and decontraction .If you add  some essential oils and plants you will increase the effect, making your bath a true moment of peace and relaxation.

1. Baths for Muscle Aches and Soreness

Photo courtesy: @mdsn.design

• Fill your bathtub with water at a temperature between 29 and 38 degrees (between 84,2 °F and 100,4 °F)
• Add rosemary, chamomiles, lavender, it can be in essential oils, in infusion bags or plants directly taken from your garden. Between 10 and 20 drops of essential oil will be enough.
• To obtain an homogeneous mix of essential oils in the water, you will need to add a little honey, a glass of wine, oat milk, rice, or salt from the dead sea.
• If you have a body and facial scrub, that is even better! You can have greater cleaning results, activation and purification of your skin

2. Rejuvenating bath

• Fill your bathtub with water at a temperature betwen 30 and 38 degrees (between 86 °F and 100,4 °F)
• Add sandalwood, myrrh, orange, rose or lemon. Between 10 and 20 drops of essential oil. If you want better results do not forget to add a glass of wine. The polyphenols found in the wine are rejuvenator and antioxidant. You can serve you another glass of wine to taste, there is no greater pleasure!
• You can add to your water products that you probably have at home: lemon or orange rind, cinnamon sticks, grapefruit, oregano, fresh rosemary or dried roses.
• A good exfoliation will help you get a perfect purification on your skin.
• Remember to gently dry your skin and nourish it after your bath

3. Baño circulatorio

• Fill your bathtub with water between 29 and 38 degrees (between 84,2 °F and 100,4 °F)
• Add essential oils like chamomile, lavender, juniper, lemon, or cypress. And do not forget to add a conductor such as neutral gel, sea salt dead or a little honey…
• Before the end of your bath, do a good exfoliation on your legs, feet or buttocks, it will help oxygenate the blood and improve
  your circulation.
• After your bath, apply on your body an oil for blood circulation

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Seville is a vibrant and seductive city. You will fell in love with its light, with its 3,000 years of history and 300 sunny days a year … and of course, its gastronomic heritage.
From the kitchen of Los Rincones Del Marqués restaurant, Jorge Cortés expresses his love for cooking, a passion inherited from his family.
Each year on October 20th we celebrate International Chefs Day. Since its creation by esteemed chef Dr. Bill Gallagher in 2004, Worldchefs has committed to using International Chefs Day to celebrate the nobility of the profession, always remembering that it is the chef’s duty to pass on his knowledge and culinary skills to the next generation of chefs with a sense of pride and commitment to the future.
This is the opportunity to learn more about the chef at the head of Palacio de Villapanes‘ kitchen.

What is your professional background?
Everything started in 2002 in the kitchen where my father was working. There, the traditional Spanish cuisine and of course, the Andalusian one, were playing an important role. And as far as I can remember, cooking has always been my passion. My grandmother has been one of the most influential person in my life in this aspect, an excellent cooker who learned everything at home in the 1930’s. She passed all of her knowledge to the 3 generations, my father, my brother and I.
My brother Adriano is a model for me, one of the best cooker in the family and my main inspiration in my cooking.
¿How would you define your style in the kitchen?
My cuisine is a fusion of culinary avant-garde techniques. I want to reach the best of Sevillan and Spanish cuisine, which is for me the cradle of the gastronomy I feel close to.

Author’s cuisine, inspired by the tradition, the culinary culture, using the finest produce.

 
¿What is your biggest daily challenges while cooking?
Cooking is a constant challenge, a demanding task, and a wonderful challenge! Cooking for people is a great responsibility. Palacio de Villapanés and Los Rincones del Marques’ guests are citizens from all over the world with a great experience and a rich culinary culture.
What are the must-try dishes that you recommend in Los Rincones Del Marqués?
Without any doubt, the Seville tomato soup with cod and sake, or the fried sea bass with Teriyaki. Dishes that combine my philosophy and my way of understanding the essence of Los Rincones del Marques. The first is a recipe that dates back to the Sevillan decade of the 40s, when resources were scarce, and among them the raw material, a dish where the product is the protagonist, and like sea bass, basics and stars of the kitchen Mediterranean

¿Could you give 5 or 6 words that describe your style?
– Traditional
– Techniques
– Sincere
– Direct
– Fun
Tell us about one product or dishes you love to eat.
I don’t have any preferences. I like diversity, multicultural cuisine and I like when there is a story behind a dish. I also like to understand the origin of the product.
One dish that you don’t like?
I have a huge respect for food in general.
What do you think about the zero kilometer trend?
I think this is really important. This is the origin of the gastronomy. That is a good compromise between agriculture and proximity, between seasonal and organic production.

In the restaurant, what are your practices in terms of sustainability and waste reduction?
We have a strict protocole. At a corporative level, we are committed in a sustainable program: plastic removal and shrinkage reduction. 
Jorge Cortés’s cuisine inspiration comes from the market and from the healthful Mediterranean cuisine. His cuisine is above all a healthy way of living life and reflects the way Andalusians are, their way of life, and the incredible personality of Andalusians in general.

Los Rincones del Marqués

Calle Santiago, 31, 41003 Seville
Online reservations for 8 or less
For groups reservations (more than 8) please call the 954 50 20 63
Opening hours: 19:30 to 22:30