Vistabella

Housed in a sprawling Mediterranean-style villa, Vistabella is an upscale beachside resort with a chic yet unpretentious vibe. Situated on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Roses, with several terraces descending to the beach, guests can enjoy the spectacular sea views from almost any part of the hotel. There are lots of cozy corners to relax and take in the panoramic vistas, from the bar and restaurants to the glass-enclosed massage room. The resort is made up of a series of buildings with Sienna facades, terra-cotta roofs, and balconies, all set in a landscape of palm trees. The relaxed lobby area looks more like the entrance to someone's villa, with its whitewashed walls meeting gold detailing in the chandeliers and railings. Meanwhile, the tiled floors and vaulted ceilings in the corridors add a Mediterranean feel. This is a popular getaway for leisure travelers looking for a secluded beachside hotel away from the bustle of cities. Note that the hotel is closed in the winter.

Hotel Vistabella is perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Bay of Roses, and is just steps away from the beach. This is a residential area, but there are a few shops and restaurants located within walking distance. The town center is a 12-minute drive away. Guests staying here would need to have a car if they plan to explore the region.

• Five-minute drive or 22-minute walk to Castell de la Trinitat
• 11-minute drive to Roses Port
• 12-minute drive to Roses
• 13-minute drive to Roses Citadel
• 13-minute drive to Santa Maria de Roses monastery
• 26-minute drive to Basilica de Santa Maria
• 40-minute drive to the Dali Theatre and Museum in Figueres 
• 42-minute drive to Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery
• 42-minute drive to Dali House-Museum in Cadaques
• 66-minute drive to Girona airport
• Two-hour-and-ten-minute drive to Barcelona

These spacious guest rooms and suites are done up in different styles, from a classical Mediterranean aesthetic, to a more contemporary look, while the Surrealist Suite features a few quirky details. All but four of the guest rooms have balconies offering spectacular views over the Bay of Roses, and even the open-plan bathrooms have unobstructed sea views -- though these might pose privacy issues for some guests.

The rooms with classic-style decor feature details such as plaster columns, statues, and richly patterned fabrics that may not suit everyone's tastes. The modern rooms by contrast feature a cool color palette of austere whites and grays, and are outfitted with contemporary furniture. As for the Surrealist Suite, the decor is fun and avant-garde: The bed sits on a raised platform with a mirror strategically placed overhead, while potted plants and large golden eggs balance on pillared pedestals. An abstract painting decorates one wall of the bedroom, and several ironwork chandeliers and sconces provide interesting lighting. Note that some guests find decor in the rooms to be dated -- think cheap-looking patterned bedspreads and matching curtains and red-wicker furniture -- plus there have been some complaints of maintenance issues, such as broken air-conditioning units.

Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, slippers, and electronic safes are standard amenities. Not all rooms come with tea- and coffee-making facilities. The Suites feature lots of luxurious extras, including Nespresso machines, kitchenettes, and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate bathtubs (the Surrealist Suite has a whirlpool tub). The five top-floor suites stand out for their huge terraces and breathtaking views -- some add outdoor whirlpool tubs.

The Vistabella offers its guests plenty of features to choose from, including several restaurants and spa facilities. The most notable of the hotel's four restaurants is Els Brancs, which has been awarded a Michelin star every year since 2013. Open only for dinner, there are two set menus on offer and over 300 wines, and the restaurant's terrace offers exceptional sea views. Reservations must be made in advance as there are only seven tables. Seafood features heavily on the menu of El Balco de Mar Restaurant, including lobster, while La Tapa serves traditional Spanish tapas; both are open for lunch and dinner. Open seasonally and only in the afternoons, El Pirata offers a more casual setting with a beachside grill and its own dock where diners can arrive by boat. The Blue Bar is located on a huge terrace overlooking the Bay of Roses. A free continental-style breakfast buffet is served every morning. 

Guests enjoy free access to the on-site spa facilities, which include a small indoor swimming pool (too small for laps), a sauna, steam bath, and an outdoor whirlpool. In addition to this, there's a massage room with sea views where guests can reserve massage and beauty treatments (charged extra). Though there's no outdoor pool at this hotel, guest have direct access (via a stone staircase, which might be a problem for those with mobility issues) to a lovely stretch of sandy beach, but note that the shore is a bit rocky. There's no gym.

Several meeting and event spaces are available for a variety of functions. Wi-Fi is free and accessible in all areas of the hotel. The hotel also offers free valet parking and pets are welcome.