Hotel Aiguablava

This sprawling property is perched on a rocky hillside overlooking Aiguablava Bay. This allows for fabulous ocean views not only from most common spaces but also from many of the rooms and all of the apartments. Huge windows everywhere let in lots of light, bringing the outdoors in. Decor has a strong Mediterranean flavor that blends with the beautiful surroundings. The lobby features accent walls in wine hues, white couches placed around wood and glass coffee tables, and traditional Catalan clay tiles. The overall effect is understated but elegant in a way that doesn’t overshadow the scenery. This focus on the outdoors extends to the rest of the common areas, which include several bars, a saltwater pool with ocean views, and a small fitness center with wall-to-wall windows overlooking the ocean. 

The hotel is located on a steep, rocky hillside that meets the Mediterranean Sea. This locale offers striking ocean views, and access to two small beaches. There isn’t much to do around the hotel, but the town of Begur -- home to many historic sites, restaurants and bars -- is just a short drive away. The property’s central location in Costa Brava allows for easy access to dozens of gorgeous little coves, beaches, and historic towns. Girona is about an hour away. Barcelona can be reached by car in just over 1.5 hours.

The hotel offers 85 rooms, including Doubles, Family Rooms, and Junior Suites. Most have traditional Mediterranean decor, with ceramic tiles, sturdy wooden furniture, and black-and-white paintings on walls. Others, however, are a tad bland and feel a little dated, with flower-printed wallpaper, and simple generic furniture. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, heated towel racks, and L’Occitane toiletries. Many rooms have terraces offering either expansive ocean or hillside views, and a few feature separate showers and tubs. The hotel also has a number of apartments equipped with kitchens, living rooms with dining areas, one or two bedrooms, and furnished terraces with ocean views. Free cots are available upon request.

The restaurant is one of the most popular spots in the hotel. Aside from serving tasty (but expensive) traditional Catalan cuisine, it features some of the most striking ocean views around. Other hotel highlights include a large saltwater pool with wonderful ocean views, dozens of comfy loungers, a poolside bar, and free towel service; a couple of bars with outdoor seating and great views; a playground; tennis and badminton courts; ping-pong tables, and a small fitness center with ocean views but only a handful of machines. Wi-Fi, parking, and cots are all available free of charge. The hotel also offers fully equipped events spaces.