Pine forests that almost reach the water, pebble and coarse sand beaches and the Mediterranean, temperate and calm as an oil pond. “Oh, our Costa Brava without a partner in the world! [...] It is everything: it is brave and smiling, fantastically and sweetly worked by the storms at the blow of the waves like a high relief, and embroidered by the kisses of the bonanza like a delicacy of a patient nun for whom the hours, the days and years have no time value” wrote Ferran Agulló in 1908, in the article that gave the coast its name. Despite tourism, this exquisite coast has coves and idyllic corners to escape the city and reconnect with the sea and with oneself.
For the most demanding in terms of facilities and surroundings, the compass indicates staying at Mas Generós, a rural and sustainable boutique hotel located in a unique place in the Baix Empordà, Fonteta. An ideal place to enjoy nature and that sweet calm that renews us. Its rooms have been perfectly designed with contrasts between noble materials such as hemp, wood, marble and porcelain.
This idyllic hotel, close enough to the town to feel the peace of slow time marked by the church bell tower, but far enough away to also perceive the freedom of the open countryside to the Gavarres natural park, has a music room, yoga, a swimming pool purified by magnesium salts and a field of fruit trees and orchard from which the delicacies served in the restaurant come.
For those who wish to relax closer to the coast, the Santa Marta hotel is an oasis in, paradoxically, Lloret de Mar. Its facilities, the brightest and most welcoming, are located on the slopes of the beautiful Santa Cristina cove, with views of both the sea and the mountains. In addition to its long tradition as an idyllic setting for weddings and ceremonies, this 5-star hotel oozes luxury and tranquility, while offering sublime dishes from centuries-old recipes that intertwine the best of local produce.
Lloret has another ace up its sleeve: the exquisite gardens of Santa Clotilde, where architecture blends with the landscape. The architect and urban planner Nicolau Maria Rubió Tudurí, the greatest exponent of Catalan landscaping, was chosen by the Marquis de Roviralta for its design in 1919. These gardens, with a surface area of 26,830 m², were built following the Italian Renaissance model: stepped terraced gardens , wide views to the outside and native vegetation ordered in harmony.
Together with sculptures and fountains, they constitute an authentic example of the Noucentista spirit in Catalonia. Such is its splendor that they not only captivated the writer and journalist Josep Pla, but even Federico Fellini wanted to shoot a film in one of the main estates that are at the entrance, but the owner did not accept his offer to maintain the total privacy of your home.
A few kilometers from these gardens we find the Gamarús restaurant, recently opened, with exquisite interior design in terracotta tones and Moroccan ceramics. Its rice dishes and seafood platters have already earned a great reputation among lovers of seafood gastronomy and they also have a Beach Club with a heated pool on the roof that is perfect for enjoying the sunset with a good cocktail. Other exquisite rice dishes are those served by the restaurant of the Es Portal hotel, in Pals.
For sports lovers or for those who want to experience state-of-the-art wellness technology, such as cryotherapy, oxygen chamber therapy, photobiomodulation and intravenous infusions, there is nothing like a day or two at Camiral Golf.
Located in Caldes de Malavella and designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, its elegant and contemporary exterior, with swimming pool and golf course, contrasts with highly textured interiors that combine the most modern aesthetics with natural furniture and fabrics. In its wellness center, specific equipment is used to reach areas that the hands cannot reach and that are normally only available in medical clinics or facilities for elite athletes. Treatments are supported and supervised by a professional team and medical partners.
In addition, this hotel offers a variety of outdoor experiences designed to enjoy a unique environment full of life. Guided by in-house biologist Oriol Dalmau, who in recent years has dedicated himself entirely to creating a nature reserve at the resort, guests can visit the prolific hives that are home to more than a million bees and follow the trail of birds, reptiles and endemic mammals, something that the little ones love. And there is even more, the forest that surrounds it is ideal for activities that involve contact with nature, from a zip line park to hiking, cycling and trekking routes.
