While the bulk of hotels on the Costa Brava were built to cater for the mid and low cost tourist markets the area still has a selection of 5-star luxury for travellers looking for something more exclusive.
Back in the 1950 Hostal de la Gavina in S’Agaró catered to the Hollywood set and everyone from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga has stayed there. It’s within a tasteful luxury estate with fantastic views out over the Mediterranean.
Across the bay of Platja Sant Pol is the ultra-modern Alàbriga Hotel. While Hostal de la Gavina exudes old world charm the Alàbriga is all glass and steel perched atop the rocks and popular with A-listers. All suites have a sea view and guests have around the clock butler service.
If a boutique hotel in a fortified country house dating from the 19th century sounds more of your thing then Hotel la Malcontenta could be just what you’re looking for. It has just 14 rooms and a great restaurant surrounded by nature and close to one of one of the best beaches in the area.
Towering above Girona with spectacular views from the hilltop is Hotel Sants Metges. The hotel is adults only and has just 15 modern rooms in a complex built above a 18th century fortress. The views from up here are truly incredible. And slightly inland, close to Pals, is the converted stone farmhouse Mas de Torrent. It is one of the hotels used by guests at the wedding of Elon Musk’s brother in 2018.
If you’re a wine lover or keen golfer then Hotel Peralada may be just your thing. The hotel has comfortable modern rooms with one of its two supurb restaurants in a mediaeval castle. The hotel also has one of Catalonia’s top golf courses and is located within the Perelada estate, one of the region’s best known wineries. It’s also close to one of Catalonia’s few casinos.
Another option for golfers is the modern Hotel Camiral, which has rooms overlooking the golf courses at PGA Catalunya resort near Caldes de Malavella. When you’re not golfing it is just 25 minutes to Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d’Aro.
If you prefer to breathe the sea air from your hotel then at the outskirts of Platja d’Aro you’ll find Hotel Cala del Pi. The hotel was once a country house since extended and named after a tiny beach surrounded by pines over which it looks.
Foodies will adore Hotel Vistabella, in the hills overlooking Roses. It has steps down to a small cove and a short distance to a larger sand beach. Dating from the 1960s, past guests include Barça’s Lionel Messi, local surrealist Salvador Dalí and actress Penelope Cruz.
It’s hard to be enthusiastic about staying in Lloret but the classically decorated Hotel Rigat Park and modern Alva Park Hotel are right next to Fenals beach. Gran Hotel Monterrey is another 5-star option.
On the other hand Hotel Santa Marta is just far enough away from bustling Lloret de Mar on the hills above a great beach. Just overlooking the sand you’ll find a restaurant, pool and tennis courts and there are a couple of restaurants on the beach too.
And in forest covered hills above Lloret you’ll finds Hotel Sant Pere del Bosc. It’s a former Benedictine monastery with rooms decorated in a modern style with traditional furnishings.
