"Step through the massive wooden doors of this property and up the marble steps to the sound of water trickling from a fountain surrounded by gardenias, magnolias, and palms. From its restaurant to its orange tree courtyard out back, captivating vistas await you at each step around this splendid Baroque palace named after the marquis of Villapanés, whose descendants lived in it until just 15 years ago. Originally, however, it was built by the marquis of Torreblanca de Aljarafe, whose immense coat of arms can be found on the grand staircase that ascends from the romantic central patio. It’s a step into history, although contemporary designers from Philippe Starck to Patricia Urquiola have helped to create the spaces you see today. Address: C. Santiago, 31, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla, Spain" - Agnish Ray