Hostal de La Gavina is a legendary landmark in the heart of the Costa Brava, the sea shore north of Barcelona. This five-star Grand Luxe resort hotel offers 74 exclusive rooms and suites, in a group of architecturally beautiful buildings, surrounded by the sea, in the classic Mediterranean style.
The hotel is the ideal “base camp” to explore the beautiful sea shore of Costa Brava.
The hotel
It was in 1932 when the historic Hostal de La Gavina opened its doors for the first time. It was the personal project of Josep Ensesa a Barcelona citizen, who endowed the hotel with a valuable artistic heritage: Flemish tapestries, romanesque wood carvings, 17th century Bargueñó desks, Murano lamps and 18th century Sèvres vases.
In the hotel you feel at home, with a romantic, authentic and genuine air, whose uniqueness stems from its honest, delicate and delightful family approach. A classically Mediterranean place, fascinating and soothing, in harmony with nature. The tall pines, the fragrance of magnolias, cypress and lemon trees, the warm murmur of the sea are all part of this journey.
Hostal de La Gavina is on a small peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the exclusive resort of S’Agaró. Looking west is the bay of Sant Pol while towards the north-east is the Sa Conca beach.
Calella de Palafrugell
Built in keeping with the natural Costa Brava setting, Hostal de La Gavina occupies a large estate of well-kept gardens, with access to the historic Ronda pathway, the ideal route for a run or a relaxing walk through the numerous nooks and crannies that open onto the sea. And all of this facing the majestic La Gavina building, whose Mediterranean white is drawn out by the blue of the sea.
Ronda pathway
La Gavina’s open-air sea water swimming pool is undoubtedly the only one of its kind on the whole of the Costa Brava. Bathing in its waters is a delight, incomparable to traditional pools. Its lofty position offers exceptional views. Here guests can swim, sunbathe, enjoy an aperitif looking out to sea or take a light lunch, as well as use the private cabins for greater intimacy.
The gardens offer the chance to stroll, sunbathe or just relax, in their 2,200 square metres of natural land, reserved for its customers’ pleasure. In addition, the hotel is an easy walk away from the beach and the classic S’Agaró Baths.
The Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is the famous name of the Mediterranean coast in Girona, northern part of Barcelona. The ‘bravo’ (or wild) charm that has fascinated both artists and visitors and whose varied geomorphology proved an obstacle to developers. The coast that stretches through the regions of Alt and Baix Empordà has remained reasonably unspoilt, avoiding the excessive building that would spoil the original setting and the long miles of virgin coastline.
Common Costa Brava beach
It has the most varied coast. From long stretches of fine sandy beaches open to the sea, such as the Pals beach, to sheltered bays such as Sant Pol, or wild, isolated coves such as Sa Conca. And all with cool, crystalline, purifying waters.
Another of the Costa Brava’s most attractive peculiarities is the medieval settlements with their villas and villages, some of them still with their original walls; small villages such as Peratallada, Pals or Verges, whose ancient landscapes and hundred-year-old olive trees take one back to medieval times. With its fertile, arable land, the region’s reputation as the culinary capital of Catalonia is no exaggeration. This is where our great chefs, such as Ferran Adriá and others awarded with Michelin stars seem to have found their inspiration.
Peratallada, Monells, Pals
Festivals and all sorts of cultural events are held throughout the year on the Costa Brava and especially in summer. This is how the Costa Brava became an area frequented by the most famous artists, writers and film-makers of their era. The land has also produced its own geniuses and thinkers, such as the writer Josep Pla or the painter Salvador Dalí.
Another cultural marvel in the region is the magnificent Dalí Triangle route. A triangle consisting of Púbol Castle, the last residence of the Catalan painter, the fisherman’shouse, which Dalí shared with Gala in Portlligat, and the world famous Dalí Museum in the town of Figueres. And all of this without mentioning the provincial capital, Girona, with its shops, Arabic baths, historic cathedral and the call, the Jewish Quarter.
Dali’s house and his Theater-Museum
Opportunities to play less common sports are another of the Costa Brava’sattractions. From scuba diving to kite surfing, from sailing to horse-riding, or from quads and bikes on land to the spectacular experience of flying in a hot-air balloon. Visiting the Pyrenees to go skiing or walking is another attractive option for lovers of mountain sports. And for those who prefer more relaxing activities, the Costa Brava has extensive golfing facilities, with the Aro-Mas Nou Golf Club being the closest to La Gavina.
Various personalities from the world of politics, culture and the arts have stayed in La Gavina’s rooms and suites. Film stars such as Ava Gardner, Claudia Cardinale, Elizabeth Taylor, Orson Welles, Sean Connery and Robert de Niro; artists such as Josep Carreras, Shakira and Alejandro Sanz; the renowned orchestral conductor Zubin Mehta; writers such as Hemingway, Josep Pla, Octavio Paz and Camilo José Cela are just some of the famous figures from a long list of celebrities.
Ask Destination Spain for a stay at La Gavina and a tailored itinerary in Costa Brava sea shore ds@destination-spain.com
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