Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf Review

Set with a pastoral setting, the Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf is where time moves at the unhurried pace of the surrounding vines. This extraordinary estate sits north of Barcelona, close to the border with France, in the heart of Empordà wine country. The property includes a 14th-century castle, home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, a monastery with museum, and cutting-edge winery designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, RCR Arquitectes. The 64-room contemporary hotel, built in a style that blends harmoniously with the countryside, has rooms and suites named after famous operas performed at the annual Peralada Festival.

Under the expert guidance of siblings Javier, Miguel and Isabel, the Suqué family have created a five-star boutique hotel with Michelin Key recognition, with a team led by General Manager Alberto Falsetta, writes Andrew Forbes, for The Luxury Editor.

My stay began with lunch at the Garden Bar, sitting at a terrace table under dappled sunlight, enjoying fresh seafood paired with crisp white wines from the Peralada estate. The wines embodied the distinctive character of Empordà’s terroir, with its unique position between the Pyrenees and Mediterranean coast creating ideal growing conditions. The afternoon brought a fascinating tour with my host, Leo Saavedra, who guided me through the museum with its remarkable collection of Cervantes’ first editions, the glass collection, wine-making heritage items, and the motorsport exhibits. Beyond the castle grounds is the remarkable new winery, where we enjoyed a wine tasting. Leo had created a truly meaningful experience.

Architecture and Innovation

The new Peralada Winery represents one of the most exciting developments in European wine tourism. Designed by RCR Arquitectes (winners of the 2017 Pritzker Prize), this architectural marvel seamlessly integrates into the landscape while achieving LEED Gold certification as Europe’s first sustainably certified winery. The building tells the story of winemaking through visual elements like short films for each vineyard, projected in high definition, with the subterranean area of the winery.

Walking through this extraordinary building, Leo shared her insights. With 150 hectares of vineyards, 188 separate tanks for production, and 4,000 French and American oak barrels, they produce around 1.8 million bottles annually while maintaining an artisanal approach. The investment of over €40 million in this project reflects the Suqué family’s belief in the region’s winemaking future.

Festival Inspiration

My room for the night was the La Bohème Garden Suite, evocative of the elegance iof ts operatic namesake. These suites take their names from the great operas performed at the annual Peralada Festival, each reflecting an individual character.

The 45m² contemporary space with high ceilings, was decorated with neutral, relaxing colours and plenty of wood, creating a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.  The bathroom had both shower and bathtub, separated from the bedroom by a glass screen. Bathroom products were by Natura Bissé. The spacious 30m² terrace opened directly onto the estate gardens through a private gate, providing access to the pool and grounds. Inside, thoughtful details included a welcome amenity of Peralada cava and handcrafted chocolates

Dining

Dinner at L’Olivera restaurant showcased chef Paco Pérez’s kitchen, with international dishes using local Empordà ingredients, such as the burrata salad with local apples, and the delicious dish of local Llaveneres peas with langoustine. As one of Spain’s most decorated chefs, with multiple Michelin stars at his other establishments (Miramar in Llançà and Enoteca in Barcelona), Pérez brings considerable expertise to this wine country setting.

The dining options extend beyond the immediate hotel grounds to the broader estate. The Castell Peralada Restaurant is, as its name implies, in the historic castle, serving contemporary Empordanese cuisine that has earned Michelin recognition. This restaurant provides a more formal dining experience, complementing the casual sophistication of L’Olivera.

The Celler 1923 Wine Bar, located adjacent to the new winery, offers yet another perspective on the estate’s gastronomic philosophy. Here, traditional Catalan specialities like Girona charcuterie and cheese selections curated by Toni Gerez provide perfect pairings for estate wines.

Wellness

The Wine Spa represents a sanctuary of wellbeing based on vinotherapy, incorporating the beneficial properties of wine into holistic treatments.

Beyond the estate

The 18-hole golf course is integral to the property experience. Ideally placed between the Pyrenees and Costa Brava, the course benefits from a Mediterranean climate while offering views across Empordà’s distinctive landscape. The Stay and Play experience combines accommodation with golf access.

For those interested in cultural experiences, the annual Peralada Festival (July 3-18, 2025) transforms the estate into a venue for world-class opera and dance performances. This cultural programming adds depth to the property’s appeal, creating opportunities for guests to engage with the arts in an intimate, historic setting.

The estate also offers various experiential packages that showcase different aspects of Peralada’s offerings. The ‘Treasures of Peralada’ experience combines visits to the new winery and impressive Finca Garbet with dinner at the Michelin-starred Castell Peralada Restaurant. ‘Wine Secrets of Peralada’ focuses specifically on the viticultural heritage through tastings and vineyard visits.

A lasting legacy

The Peralada brand’s approaching centenary provides context for understanding the family’s commitment to this place. Their investment in the new winery, continued support for the arts festival, and dedication to sustainable practices reflect their passion for the region,

Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf has been a fascinating discovery.

Information

To help plan you stay on the Costa Brava, visit the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees visitor website for a wealth of inspiration and practical information.