Our top luxury villa picks in Catalonia - perfect for important birthdays and indulgent holidays.....
Catalonia - best known for its independent language (Catalan) and the beautiful city of Barcelona, one of Europe's most popular urban destinations. Catalonia also has an extensive coastline, from the rugged and wild Costa Brava in the north, to the golden sand beaches of the Costa Daurada in the south. And what's more, you've got high mountain ranges (most especially the Pyrenees), national parks, excellent gastronomy, peace and tranquility. What's not to like?!
So if you're after something special, this is the place to go. Flights from the UK are remarkably reasonable, so you can save your pennies for some luxurious and decadent accommodation instead!
A luxuriously restored masia just south of Barcelona. Renovated with great care and attention to detail, this beautiful Catalan manor house offers high-tech modern comforts whilst retaining the historic charm and character of the original building. The beautiful beaches of Sitges are a short 10 minute drive away. There are 17 different beaches along the 4 m stretch.
There are over 300 acres of private grounds with 14km of tracks where you can find olive groves, fruit trees and vineyards. There are sea views from 20 metres altitude onto the coastal resorts of Vilanova Y La Geltru and Sitges. On site there is a large swimming pool, a children's pool, a large tiled courtyard with palm and citrus trees, ample outdoor furniture, a table tennis and a basketball net.
Sleeps up to 24 in 11 bedrooms. From €8000 - €18000 per week.
A beautiful private residence which is listed on Spains register of historic monuments. It is over 1000 years old and offers luxurious accommodation and panoramic views in a delightful countryside setting. The castle is located just outside a quiet village midway between Barcelona and the French border, and just 30 minutes from the magnificent Costa Brava. Once home to the Bishop of Barcelona, it has been lovingly restored and offers the unique experience of a holiday in a castle with a gourmet cook and host.
The castle provides an endless array of options for enjoying your time outside. The large, paved front terrace is perfect for al fresco lunches and dinners, while the quiet area on the side of the castle, overlooking the nature preserve, is ideal for breakfast. Alternatively, you could have an informal BBQ by the pool, or you could retreat to the lookout area on top of the castles 11th century tower.
Sleeps 14. From £565 per night.
3. Priory Masia
Set amongst vineyards in the wine region of Penedes, five minutes from the Mediterranean and just 30 minutes from Barcelona, this Masia is a spectacular getaway. With a large garden, outdoor pool and beautifully restored interiors, this One Off Place is well worth a visit.
This property is oozing colonial comfort and charm. The house has successfully married the old and the new. The old tower blends with the newer white painted building just as the antique furniture coexists with high tech comforts. The property has 4,000 square metres of private and landscaped grounds for you to explore. Theres a beautifully tended garden, patios and terraces, chill out zones, bbq area and a huge outdoor pool.
Sleeps 12. From €5000 - €9,500 per week.
One of only two hotels within the Garraf National Park. With its peaceful valleyside location and 400 year old buildings, it offers its guests a unique alternative to the regular beach-front hotels of Sitges. It is nestled high in its own valley with breathtaking views of majestic pine trees and local vineyards, yet is just ten minutes from the town of Sitges, and 25 minutes from the city of Barcelona.
Hotel Masia Sumidors is the perfect place for those seeking the perfect blend of tranquil retreat and easily accessible culture, sporting activity and nightlife.
9 bedrooms - sleeps a total of up to 25 people. From €75 - €200 per room per night. Please enquire for exclusive use.
5. Ca La Daina
Embedded in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees, Ca la Daina is a beautiful and lovingly restored 16th century house with beams and log fires. Spread out over 5 floors, it has fabulous views of the surrounding gorges and mountains.
The house, cosy but also spacious, sleeps 16 people and is ideal for families or groups of friends. It is situated in the Calle del Pont nº15, but there is another entrance at the Calle del Riu, which leads directly to the Bodega, an old wine cellar with a beautiful antique arch. The house has a sensational roof terrace which faces south and has stunning views over the village to the tree-lined gorge of the River Segre.
Sleeps 14. From €1300 per week.