Congratulations to Elche’s Hotel Huerto del Cura which has been shortlisted for the 2026 Best Hotel Breakfast Award in the Grand Hotel category.
The accolade is promoted by Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España and recognises the finest hotel breakfasts in Spain. High praise indeed… and even more impressive breakfasts.
Waking up among palm trees and enjoying a breakfast worthy of a fine restaurant isn’t just an exotic daydream, it is reality in Elche.
Elche hotel among the nine best in Spain
The iconic Elche hotel is not only among the nine best hotels in Spain but also one of just five finalists in its category. Its breakfast goes far beyond coffee and toast, turning the first meal of the day into a true gastronomic experience.
Every detail reflects the hotel’s dedication to quality, local produce, and culinary excellence. The menu changes with the seasons and currently features a special Winter Breakfast edition.
The setting is equally impressive. It is hidden within Elche’s Palm Grove, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The real magic, however, is at the table. Master pastry chef Fran Segura leads the breakfast experience. A celebrated figure in haute pâtisserie, he won Best Dessert in Spain in 2013 and earned a Silver Medal at the 2022 World Pastry Cup. In 2024, he created one of the three best chocolate cakes in the world.
À la Carte breakfast experience
Breakfast here is presented à la carte in a tiered tasting format, structured as a
three-act performance:
- Le Réveil – a gentle awakening for the senses
- Le Marché – where the finest ingredients shine
- Le Gourmand – the most indulgent moment
Between courses, guests can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury creations. Firstly, the spread features artisan breads and delicate puff pastries. Additionally, freshly prepared dishes highlight locally sourced ingredients. Moreover, the menu includes regional specialties such as dates, carob pods, cured meats, and traditional cheeses. To complement these offerings, seasonal juices and speciality coffee complete the experience.
For Ana Mayor, Vice President of Port Hotels, the nomination confirms a long-held belief. “Gastronomy plays an essential role in the guest experience,” she explains. Furthermore, she notes that the recognition strengthens a concept rooted in local products, regional identity, and excellence. All of this is set within the unique Elche Palm Grove.
Meanwhile, from his pastry workshop, Fran Segura regards the nomination as fresh motivation. “It encourages us to explore how haute pâtisserie and regional identity can coexist in a daily experience such as breakfast,” he says. In particular, he emphasises that their aim is to preserve warmth and authenticity. Most importantly, they seek to maintain a strong sense of place, ensuring every morning delight carries the essence of the region.
Looking ahead
The winners of the 2026 Best Hotel Breakfast Award will be announced at Madrid Fusión, which will take place from 26–28 January 2026, on the Madrid Fusión Pastry stage. In the meantime, guests at Huerto del Cura can continue to savour one of Spain’s most acclaimed hotel breakfasts, all while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Elche’s iconic palm trees.
