Where is it?
Smack bang in the middle of the Costa Brava, Mas de Torrent is a five-star hotel in a beautifully restored farmhouse on the edge of the tiny village of Torrent. Surrounded by olive groves and dusty fields, this is the sun-baked heart of Catalunya and, although the location is inland and more countryside chic than beachside glam, the gorgeous coastline, beaches, and villages like Llafranc are under half an hour’s drive away.
Style
Housed within an 18th century Catalan farmhouse, the original honey-coloured stone walls, vaulted ceilings and original handmade terracotta tiled floors are on display throughout the property. These original features play well with the stripped back Mediterranean minimalism of the interior design — think earthy tones, a generous use of natural materials and textiles, and statement pieces from local antique and art dealers. It’s smart and sophisticated yet cosy and inviting at the same time.
Which room?
There are 39 suites of different sizes and locations within the estate: ten are in the original building; twenty are garden suites in new modern buildings with private terraces; seven pool suites come with their own plunge pool; and then two statement suites, including the five-person residence, have a huge pool and dining area.
All rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, but we’d recommend the suites in the main building for that unbeatable blend of tradition and modernity. Rooms on the upper floors of the main house have expansive views of the surrounding countryside and a couple even have their own balconies, partially covered by bright wisteria.
Inside each room, there’s natural toiletries made by the hotel’s sister property, Finca Serena Mallorca, en suite bathrooms with a rainforest shower, and a big comfy bed and armchairs. Families will want to choose the garden suites which can be combined into connecting rooms.
Facilities
There’s a tennis court and a 20m outdoor heated pool surrounded by beds and sun loungers — but the standout here is the Mas Spa. The dedicated multi-floor spa building houses a 14-metre heated indoor pool, four treatment rooms, dry sauna and hammam, water circuit, a gym, and dedicated studios for yoga, meditation or Pilates. There are free yoga classes each morning plus several dedicated yoga retreats throughout the year. Treatments on offer include relaxing massages, pedicures, and a wide range of beauty treatments by Natura Bissé.
Food and Drink
Headed up by Catalan star chef, Ramón Freixa, who holds two Michelin stars at his eponymous restaurant in Madrid, Restaurant Mas de Torrent has a plum location with an outdoor terrace at the front of the property, surrounded by pretty gardens and spectacular views.
Local produce is the star of the show, with dishes from the tasting menu including watermelon gazpacho and prawns; oyster mushroom from Montseny roasted with fig oil; and Empordà duck with grilled pears, crushed potatoes, and olive oil.
There’s also a more casual poolside restaurant where a glorious breakfast buffet of local hams, cheeses, bread, fruit and pastries, or egg dishes and pancakes, is served each morning.
Extracurricular
Electric bikes are available to hire from the hotel, with the short ride across the fields to the nearby village of Pals being a particular highlight. Elsewhere, the whole of Catalunya is your playground: Girona is just to the west and Barcelona 100km to the south. There are beaches for miles up and down the Costa Brava coastline; and there are local wineries, restaurants, and Medieval villages all within easy reach of the hotel.
Best for
With its location and facilities, Mas de Torrent is an all-rounder that’s very well suited for both families and couples — though couples may prefer to avoid the school holidays for extra peace and quiet. The specific wellness and yoga programmes throughout the year are also geared towards those looking for a healthy (luxurious) detox.
Details
Rooms start from €335 (£284) including breakfast. hotelmastorrent.com
