Best Luxury Hotels in Catalonia

Built in a crescent shape, Eurostar Sitges is an unusual landmark hotel, perched on a hill — the sea on one side, a sweeping golf course on the other. The hotel’s pool area looks out onto the latter, providing an especially sheltered spot to enjoy a swim and sunbathe, on parasol topped loungers, surrounded by palm trees. The design has been inspired by the bordering coast, with 263 rooms in soft colours, custom furnishings, statement lighting and huge windows. There are seven places to eat and drink, four outdoor pools and a spa (incorporating a piscine climatisée, Finnish sauna, steam bath, ice fountain and solarium).

Take a heritage vacation by staying in this magical castle dating back to the turn of the 14th century. This Catalan ruin – said to have been inhabited by Christopher Columbus at one point – has been completely refurbished to create boutique hotel accommodation comprising 57 bedrooms. Here guests will find exposed stonework, global artefacts, patchwork rugs, stained glass windows, Tibetan textiles and Victorian bathtubs, all contributing to an antique, yet exotic feel. There are two pools, one proffering stunning views and a bar, the other tiled and nestled in the castle’s gardens. Hotel Castell d’Empordà’s restaurants serve Spanish and Asian dishes and a cellar bar provides an atmospheric spot for a drink. 

Lloret de Mar is one of Costa Brava’s premier destinations and it’s here that Hotel Santa Marta is found. Yet this property is hidden away, in an exclusive forested location beside Santa Cristina beach (this is accessed via a woodland path). The 76 room hotel is within reach of the town, yet provides plenty of activities on-site, such as tennis courts, beachside yoga, a waterfront pool with jacuzzi, supervised kids activities and an Ayurvedic spa. Guests can also bring their pets along when holidaying here. Fine dining is available at Hotel Santa Marta and there are two bars – one indoor, one alfresco.

Don’t be fooled by the name, this is no ‘hostel’. This retreat, dating back to the 1920s, has hosted a plethora of Hollywood’s icons as well as real-life royalty. Hostal de la Gavina sits on an area of land jutting out toward the sea. This provides panoramic views from most of its sides, with an excellent beach just five minutes on foot via a coastal path. The interiors here follow a palatial traditional style with gleaming parquet flooring, silk wallpaper, Grecian pillars, flamboyant flower arrangements, marble surfaces and antique furniture. Three restaurants (the main dining room offers piano accompaniment at dinner) a spa and a ship-themed bar are available for guests’ enjoyment. Outside there’s a large, glamorous pool terrace, a kids’ play area and tennis courts. 

New to Sitges is the Sabàtic Sitges, Autograph Collection hotel. This chic hotel features 90 stylish and comfortable suites, each with a balcony or sea view terrace and interiors of neutral interiors designed by Barcelona-based interior designer, Sandra Tarruella. The hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant, Pasatempo, led by renowned Catalonian chef Rafa Peña and features an idyllic outdoor terrace. Guests can also enjoy an adults-only outdoor pool, daily wellness activities like yoga and Pilates, and stunning views of the Balearic Sea.

Another of Melia’s seafront properties, ME Sitges is found on Paseo Marítimo, beside a quiet stretch of beach, close to the town’s attractions. A kidney-shaped pool is surrounded by loungers and four-poster daybeds, swathed in muslin drapes. The decor is minimalist, with an emphasis on light, bright and flowing spaces, complemented by state of the art technology and funky black and white photographic art. Its main restaurant, Beso (meaning ‘kiss’), explores creative Spanish cooking, while three bars serve drinks and lighter meals — its Radio Rooftop Bar is on the eighth floor and specialises in multicultural street food with regular live music.

Located in the very heart of Barcelona on Passeig de Gràcia, the Mandarin Oriental is just seconds away from the city’s luxury boutiques and only a 2-minute walk from the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló. Fusing modern interiors and timeless style from Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, the 120 rooms are bright and airy. Book a suite for a freestanding whirlpool tub, terrace and even kitchen. Gourmet Michelin-star dining is available in three restaurants – one of which is al fresco. The addition of a  relaxing spa, first-floor terrace, indoor pool for year-round dips and a rooftop pool with views out over the city makes the hotel one not to be missed.

Also part of the slick H10 brand, The One is found in the sought-after modernist district of L’Eixample. With sophisticated styling from award-winning interior designer Jamie Beriestain, the decor soothes in greys and white hues. This posh 89-room hotel boasts cathedral view suites with private hot tub and terraces. Winter travellers can still enjoy a swim in the indoor pool (or rooftop one if feeling brave), while the divine wellness centre attracts many seeking a relaxing Spanish spa break. There are two restaurants and a bar, a well as a host of fantastic eateries and trendy boutiques to be discovered on its refined doorstep.

This modern meets mid-century five-star hotel lies ten minutes from Girona, within the PGA Catalunya Resort – making it extremely popular with golf enthusiasts. On the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Camiral is the epitome of elegance and chic. The Mediterranean restaurant, chilled out brasserie and bars (including a pool bar) provide ample opportunity for socialising. While a fitness centre, on-site activities, an infinity pool surrounded by luxe loungers, and a spa ensure there’s plenty to keep guests occupied – be it relaxing, or getting active. It accommodates 149 rooms with Elemis toiletries and pillow menus.

Elke Spa Hotel is found in Sant Feliu de Guixols, just over 10 minutes walk from the Cala del Vigatà Beach. It has 66 forms of accommodation each with minibars and huge flat-screen TVs. The rooftop wellness area offers a hammam, a sauna and a hot tub, as well as a large range of treatments. Guests can swim and sun themselves outside on the sleek terrace and dine in one of the two sophisticated restaurants. An indoor soft play area, mini club, games and babysitting services makes it ideal for those travelling with very young children.

Esperit Roca occupies a 19th-century fortress just outside Girona, where minimalist brutalist architecture is softened by the natural surroundings. This gastronomic destination includes a hotel with fifteen rooms featuring earthy, neutral palettes with linen, wood, and concrete finishes. There are two destination restaurants, an extensive wine cellar, exhibition spaces, and landscaped gardens creating an immersive culinary  citadel with outstanding views.

Mas de Torrent captivates as an elegant, timeless sanctuary in the Empordà countryside of Costa Brava. This distinguished Relais & Châteaux property centres around an 18th-century Catalan masía (farmhouse) that has been restored while preserving its authentic character and soul. The estate encompasses sophisticated suites distributed between the historic main building, garden bungalows and two signature suites, some featuring private pools and secluded terraces with sweeping views across the golden landscape. There’s the signature Mas de Torrent restaurant showcasing Catalan culinary heritage, to rejuvenating treatments at the spectacular 600m² standalone Mas Spa with its heated indoor pool.