My partner is Catalan and proud of his beautiful home, so rich and varied in its mountains, lakes, vineyards, forests and Mediterranean coast that is abundant in a culture of fine wine and world-class cuisine, thanks to innovative star chef, Ferran Adriá. His creative flair breathed new life into the delicious, classic culinary traditions and has set Catalonia alight with ever more world renowned chefs appearing and putting this spectacular region firmly on the gourmet map. This contemporary innovative approach to its classical charms has waved its magic wand over many other fields including wine making, agriculture, architecture and hospitality. Marrying all of these is the hotel that we are now headed to for an authentically Catalan country escape – the brand new, gorgeously chic, Mas Vivent. My man is excited to be visiting his homeland, keen to show off the myriad of attractions it has to offer from the picturesque artist town of Cadaqués to Dalí’s famous museum in Figueres, as well as the majestic beauty of the landscape and rugged, green cliffs of the Costa Brava. I am excited to be going to a luxurious retreat with the privacy of being amongst just a handful of guests in the eight, exclusive bedrooms and the promise of basking in Mediterranean sunshine and swimming in a turquoise sea fringed with golden sands and the cooling shade of pine trees. We are both happy and boasting high expectations of this mini vacation in our bucolic farmhouse hotel. I only hope neither of us is disappointed…
Upon arriving I am quite certain that this is impossible as we are warmly welcomed to a brightly elegant haven surrounded by gardens and several natural parks, alive with birdsong and singing cicadas. The bare wood, exposed stone and vast glass floor-to-ceiling windows blend rustic chic with sleek modern design and create a luminous space filled with serenity. As we step across the threshold I notice my entire body breathe a sigh of relief and an invisible tension lift as I feel the quiet peace and restorative well-being that await us here. Our bedroom is a deluxe boudoir with a large bed beckoning us over to try its Egyptian cotton sheets, an LED television and a glowing bathroom with stunning views that can also be appreciated from our little terrace. What a privilege! We even have free WiFi and a little eco-friendly fridge!
We are both delighted to have our expectations exceeded and our ensuing stay only serves to confirm this sensation. Delectable breakfasts and suppers under the millions of stars, snorkelling in a warm, sparkling sea, cultural dips into Dalí’s world in which I was particularly taken by Gala’s castle in Púbol, and forays into the surrounding parklands and local wines on recommendation from the hotel. Fantastically helpful and friendly, we were able to root out a real gem of an experience every day thanks to their expert advice. My man came away having discovered many new wonders of his beloved land, while I came away feeling a little more local and a lot more at home thanks to the special boutique, embracing atmosphere and approach of the Mas Vivent.