Mas de Torrent, Girona

Location

Set around five kilometres back from the coast, Mas de Torrent is found in an idyllic slice of Catalonia. Its manicured gardens look out over rolling greenery that’s host to pretty medieval villages while the beaches of Begur and Pals are just a 10-minute drive away. It’s all found within the charming Empordà region that brushes up against the French border, north of Barcelona. It’s a world of Mediterranean woodlands and secluded beaches fronted by pine-clad cliffs.

Accommodation

An eighteenth-century Catalan farmhouse, Mas de Torrent is resplendent in rural charm with careful restoration staying faithful to the original design. Its 38 rooms are split between the traditional elegance of the main building – here antiques sit alongside original features – and accommodation strewn carefully among the gardens. These more contemporary offerings feature a more modern styling, complemented by artwork inspired by Spain’s great surrealists. Many even feature private pools and terraces.

Dining

Overseen by Fina Puigdevall – the woman behind multiple Michelin stars – dining at Mas de Torrent is nothing short of superb. Her philosophy centres on using only the freshest, local products to create simple but powerfully flavourful dishes. In the signature Mas de Torrent restaurant, traditional Catalan cuisine ranks among the region’s finest. It’s all complemented by an extensive cellar and superb sommelier service. We recommend taking your dinner on the moonlit terrace for a spot of stargazing. Over summer, you’ll also have the choice of Mediterranean flavours at the Restaurant Piscina whose open kitchen specialises in seafood and paellas.

Facilities

To give this getaway its full title, it’s the Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa. As such, you can expect a wide range of massages and treatments along with amenities that range from a sauna and steam room to an indoor pool and gym. For further exertion, make use of the tennis courts, paddle courts and bicycles, while hiking and horseback rides bring you further into the pretty greenery. Alternatively, take a boat trip along the Costa Brava for a unique appreciation of its shimmering beauty.