Fans of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim museum in Bilbao should head an hour south to Elciego in the heart of the Rioja wine region, where a similar mass of extraordinary titanium ribbons awaits. The Marqués de Riscal is Gehry's first and only hotel project. Commissioned by one of the region's oldest wineries, Gehry was originally asked to create a 'City of Wine' at its historic estate, but somewhere along the line it was decided that a 43-room hotel should be incorporated.

The result is a spectacular merging of deep-rooted wine-growing traditions with 21st-century avant-garde design. And very comfortable beds. You can choose between a room in the main building, which Gehry has described as 'a marvellous creature, with hair flying everywhere', or in the more utilitarian-looking spa wing next door, connected by an elevated glass walkway and home to the brilliant Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa and swimming-pool. Wine and gastronomy meet at the Marqués de Riscal Restaurant, while Bistro 1860 is a less formal option. Be sure to try the Baron de Chirel Reserva in the Wine Bar Vinoteca.