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A member asked: We’re planning a family trip to Barcelona and then will drive to the South of France. Where should we go in between? – P.B., NY

While not nearly as popular (nor as overdeveloped, thankfully) as the sandy shores of the Costa del Sol, the beautiful, rocky inlets of Spain’s Costa Brava provide a wonderful retreat after a visit to Barcelona. To get a feel for the area, we suggest you combine a few days on the shore with time inland in the Pyrenees. Start at Alva Park (3-5 Francesc Layret, Platja de Fenals, Lloret de Mar; 34-972-36-85-81; www.alvapark.com), an 88-suite resort on the pretty Platja de Fenals. Well located near many of the area’s attractions, you can split your days between touring the Dalí Museum and local fishing villages and relaxing by the water. A less expensive alternative is the Aiguablava (Platja de Fornells, Begur; 34-972-62-20-58; www.aiguablava.com), a solid three- to four-star property owned and run by the same Catalan family for four generations. Its sits just outside historic Begur on a coastal hiking path that’s ideal for ogling the gorgeous summer villas built into the seaside cliffs.

After a few days wining and dining on the Mediterranean, head to Torre del Remei (Cami Reial, Bolvir de Cerdanya; 34-972-14-01-82; www.torredelremei.com), a Relais & Chateaux property in the Pyrenees. Built in 1910 as a summer retreat, the modernist palace (the architect was a Gaudi disciple) boasts an excellent restaurant, proximity to one of the country’s great nature reserves plus access to top golf courses and a host of other outdoor activities. Kids will enjoy a rafting trip down the river Segre or biking through the hills, while hardcore kayakers can try their hands at the Olympic course created for the 1992 games.