Torremirona Relais Hotel Golf & Spa ★★★★

If, like me, you’re desperately in need of an indulgent getaway, the area of Empordà is an excellent destination in which to unwind. Nestled among the rolling verdant hills of its exclusive golf course, the Torremirona Relais Hotel Golf & Spa is the ideal choice for a restorative break, combining sun, sport, and a stunning setting.

Upon arrival, the charming, professional staff will show you to your bright and airy room, whilst showcasing an infectious enthusiasm for the area. Though a little dated, the rooms are elegant, clean, and include important amenities: Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and complimentary toiletries. Outside the comfort of your room, the eighteen-hole golf course located on the hotel’s doorstep is the resort’s principal attraction, yet, for non-golfers, this course still has much to offer: the splendid panoramic views and the peaceful natural setting of the course, dotted with ponds and wooded copses, offer a spot of respite in the dappled shade.

There is plenty to explore beyond the hotel’s verdant fairways, in the bountiful Mediterranean hinterland. With the rugged coves and charming beaches of the Costa Brava close by, you can explore quaint seaside towns and dine on exquisite freshly caught fish. Between the coast and the towering Pyrenees, there are also numerous splendid natural parks, such as Cap Creus, Aiguamolls and Cadaqués, where plenty of hiking trails will keep any active holidaymaker content. For the more culturally inclined, Catalonia was also home to Salvador Dalí, and in nearby Figueres you can discover the aspects of the surrealist artist’s native region that inspired his creative vision.

To end your day at the Torremirona Relais Hotel Golf & Spa, you can indulge in a massage, or soak in the pools. The fitness area is also well equipped, with weights and cardio machines, and it boasts a hydrotherapy pool and hot tub too. The ambience is more leisure centre than Zen spa retreat, but no less enjoyable. After a thorough pampering, why not tuck into cocktails and tapas in the Lobby Bar, overlooking the majestic Pyrenees? Alternatively, eat at the El Canigó restaurant, which serves delicious dishes in a simple setting.