Arima Hotel & Spa
Eco-forward Scandinavian minimalism meets Basque forest retreat. Think pale wood, neutral stone, plant-inspired artwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows onto the trees. Calm, design-conscious, and deliberately quiet.
Book direct on the hotel website for free parking and the best price guarantee — up to 20% off if booked 30+ days in advance
Why It Matters
Spain's first Passivhaus-certified hotel. The building reduces energy consumption by 70% versus a conventional hotel, powered by 28 geothermal wells and an aerothermal system. CO2 savings are equivalent to what 15,000 trees absorb annually. It's a working prototype of zero-energy hotel architecture, not just greenwashing.
Spain's first certified Passivhaus hotel, ARIMA opened in 2017 in the Miramón Forest on the edge of San Sebastián. The building's lattice of burnished iron and aluminium slats looks like it half-rusted into the hillside on purpose. Inside, the Scandinavian-influenced rooms are all warm wood, blackout blinds, and meticulous environmental controls — CO2 levels, humidity, and temperature are held constant, and the soundproofing is genuinely impressive. You're about 15 minutes from the old town and its pintxos bars, but the forest surroundings make it feel like a different world entirely.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Deluxe Suite Passiv
The top room in the house at 41 sqm. Several floor-to-ceiling windows give what the hotel describes as the best forest views of any room. The bathroom is a standout: a walk-in rainfall shower plus a freestanding bathtub positioned to look directly at the forest. The kind of bathroom you'll actually use.
Double · 41 sqm
Family Passiv
Two connected Standard rooms at 44 sqm total. High ceilings, hardwood floors, and street-facing windows in both sections. Practical for families — each has its own double bed and bathroom. Two cots can be added for under-2s.
Double (x2) · 44 sqm
Junior Suite Passiv
At 33 sqm, these junior suites add a proper living area with a reading nook — worth it if you're spending real time in the room. Forest-facing windows keep the green views front and center. The bathroom has both a bathtub and walk-in rainfall shower.
Double · 33 sqm
Junior Suite Passiv with Terrace
Slightly smaller than the standard Junior Suite at 30 sqm, but the private terrace overlooking the forest is a serious trade-off worth making. Bright neutral palette, pale-wood furniture, and a living area with a reading nook. Good for morning coffee in the trees.
Double · 30 sqm
Standard Passiv
Compact but well-executed. High ceilings and large windows overlooking the street give these 22 sqm rooms more breathing room than the footprint suggests. Hardwood floors, minimalist furniture, and a proper ensuite with a bathtub and walk-in rainfall shower. Not the forest view, but the soundproofing and climate control make up for it.
Double · 22 sqm
Standard Passiv with Spa Access
Functionally the same footprint as the Standard Passiv, but this rate includes 90 minutes of daily access to the Foresta Wellness hydrotherapy circuit per person. Good value if you plan to use the spa regularly — the €30 standalone entry fee adds up fast over a multi-night stay.
King · 22 sqm
Suite Passiv
A proper split-level suite at 36 sqm: the bedroom and living area are on separate sides, making it feel genuinely spacious. Tall windows give sweeping forest views, and the bathroom has both a freestanding bathtub and a walk-in rainfall shower.
Double · 36 sqm
Superior Passiv
The step up that actually matters — these 25 sqm rooms face the Miramón Forest. Large windows frame the trees, and plant-inspired artwork on the walls reinforces the nature theme. Same quality bathroom setup as the Standard but with a meaningfully better outlook.
Double · 25 sqmTriple Passiv
Sleeps three adults in 25 sqm — a single and double bed, forest-facing window, and the same wooden furniture and plant-inspired artwork as the Superior rooms. Practical for small groups who don't need a suite.
Double + Single · 25 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel recommends renting an electric bike to explore the Miramón Forest and surrounding area. Bike-friendly facilities are on site.
Direct access to the Miramón Forest from the hotel grounds. Hiking and walking trails through the surrounding nature.
A boutique gym with Technogym equipment, multiple dedicated spaces including an indoor cycling room, yoga room, and space for personal and group training. Consistently praised by guests as one of the better hotel gyms they've encountered. Complimentary for adult guests (18+).
Dedicated indoor cycling space within the Foresta Fitness gym.
A dedicated space within the hotel where local producers and artisans sell traditional Basque clothing and products, showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship.
Multiple multipurpose rooms with AV equipment, large forest-facing windows, terraces, and catering. Suitable for board meetings, seminars, private concerts, press conferences, and weddings.
Outdoor rooftop pool above the forest canopy, open seasonally June 15–September 14/15. With sun loungers and adjacent rooftop bar. Guests only.
Yoga space within the Foresta Fitness area.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Two accessible parking spaces, two lifts suitable for wheelchair users, one adapted ground-floor room, and adapted public toilets.
Working space and business center with multiple multipurpose meeting rooms.
Babysitting can be arranged for approximately €60/hour with one day's notice.
Pets are not allowed at the property.
Every room has dedicated recycling drawers in the bathroom for separating plastic, glass, paper, and organic waste.
Shuttle service to/from the airport available for a surcharge. Must be arranged in advance.
Electric vehicle charging stations on site. Reservation required in advance.
Complimentary parking for the entire stay when booking direct on the hotel website. Covered/underground parking is available. Without direct booking, parking is approximately €16/night.
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