For Julien's birthday last September, I booked a weekend on the Costa Brava in northeastern Spain to make the most of the last of summer, staying at the incredible five star hotel Hostal de la Gavina for an indulgent, sunny couple of days' R&R.
Built in 1932 by the renowned Catalan architect Rafael Masó i Valentí, the hotel is perched on the edge of the upmarket resort town S’Agaró and overlooks the rocky coastline and sandy beaches of Sant Pol bay. Hostal de La Gavina is Catalunya’s only five-star resort, was the first Spanish hotel to join the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World association, and has welcomed Hollywood A-listers, world leaders and royalty over the years from Frank Sinatra to Elizabeth Taylor and the King of Spain. In good company, indeed.
It's utterly charming with an abundance of old school grandeur: antiques, tapestries and mahogany furniture, with a chic swimming pool and manicured gardens filled with fragrant pine trees and pretty bougainvillea. There are 74 bedrooms and suites, elegantly furnished with fine silk upholstery, Egyptian linen, Italian marble bathrooms and private terraces with sea views.
One evening, we had sundowners in the garden before heading for a wonderful dinner at the hotel's charming restaurant, Candlelight by Romain Fornell. Accompanied by a pianist, we started with an amuse-bouche and a glass of cava, before choosing the Michelin-starred French chef's summer festival tasting menu and a bottle of the fruity Castell de Raimat 2016 chardonnay.
We started with a very creative take on green olives and an outstanding red tuna salad with avocado, radish and soy ginger vinaigrette. Next, we were served oysters with a velvety foie gras soup, and a perfectly poached egg sat on a crunchy nest, served with truffle cream and sprinked with truffle shavings. Oh my goodness. A very light bouillabaisse followed with rockfish, tarragon and a rouille emulsion, then crispy beef fillet smoked with vine ashes, a red wine reduction and sour potato. Desserts were refreshingly light: fresh pineapple slices served in kirsch with rose flowers granité, and slivers of meringue with basil sorbet, lime cream and vanilla mousse. Followed by a tray of macarons, chocolates and jellies. And coffees. What a feast.
Breakfast was served in the sunshine on the terrace, and one afternoon we shared a big paella and the tastiest padron peppers in the relaxed lunch place by the pool, before dozing in the sun. We spent time at the beach, snorkelling and spotting urchins in the glittering turquoise water, explored the town and walked along the Camino de Ronda coastal path, stopping off for a plate of jamon and glass of cava as we walked back towards the hotel at sunset.
Hostal de la Gavina perfectly blends the old with the new: it's polished whilst retaining its historical heritage, the vibe is traditional but not staid, the service is attentive but not fussy. It's one of the best hotels I've stayed at in Europe: great weather, food, decor, staff, and on a quiet, beautiful stretch of beach near two international airports. We will definitely be back.
Hostal de la Gavina, Pza. Rosaleda, s/n, 17248 S'Agaró, Girona
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