Santa Marta ★★★★★

I absolutely love the Mediterranean. Whether it be Italy, France or Spain, there’s nothing like that first swim in its majestic blue-green water to make me feel like I’ve come home. For my latest seaside excursion, I chose Spain’s Costa Brava (“wild coast”), With its natural surroundings, I knew I was in for some private cove swimming moments just how I like them. And there was no better base from which to find them than the Santa Marta resort.

Easily the most elegant hotel in the area, the Santa Marta appears comfortable, yet stylish. I had a beautiful view of the sea, with its cliffs and luxurious vegetation, from my own balcony, where I spent my mornings planning my days, enjoying the morning sun. I was happy to find a full range of amenities in my elegant room, including a king-size bed, satellite TV, safe, air conditioning, minibar and free designer toiletries. It was also incredibly quiet, thanks to extra noise-proof insulation helping me feel a real sense of real calm and privacy.

The facilities were also excellent, with a handy gym and exclusive spa of which I took full advantage. The newly-opened spa featured a Hamman, sauna and Jacuzzi, as well as a one-of-a-kind sensation shower to wind down after a custom-tailored massage. Was this heaven?

Next stop was the restaurant for a quick bite to eat. Like the rest of the hotel, its design was nothing less than perfect, like its food! Containing ingredients that tasted as if they had been picked fresh from the region that day, the food is certainly a unique gastronomic experience

Walking along the coast from the hotel, I found exactly what I had been looking for: private coves where I revelled in the wind blowing across sandy-white cliffs and arousing the smell of sweet lush plants and flowers, a sense of wholeness I rarely achieve during my fast-paced city life, and the feeling of oneness with nature was impossible to miss while swimming amongst fish in waters you have all to yourself. The nature of such pleasure is that it always beckons for more…I knew I’d be back soon to once again taste in the natural delights of Spain’s Costa Brava and the Santa Marta resort.