Mas de Torrent Hotel and Spa

Located 90 minutes northeast of Barcelona, Mas de Torrent is a luxurious, intimate countryside retreat with easy access to the foothills of the Pyrenees as well as charming medieval towns.

• Accessibility to Barcelona as well as Pyrenees foothills for hiking, biking and nature walks
• The secluded Garden Suites, which are housed in bungalows on property and decorated in soft neutral tones
• The property's orange trees, whose blossoms fill the air with an intoxicating neroli scent

The 90-minute drive northeast from Barcelona to Mas de Torrent—an exquisitely refurbished 18th-century Catalan farmhouse on the outskirts of the small village of Torrent—traverses some of the most picturesque landscapes in all of Spain. Set at the end of the long cobblestone driveway flanked by cypress trees and potted bougainvillea, the postcard-perfect yellow stone house comes into view like a timeless haven. Despite its apparent seclusion, however, Mas de Torrent is well situated for exploring the diverse offerings of the Empordà region. The foothills of the Pyrenees present spectacular backdrops for hikes and nature walks. Several charming medieval towns are within easy biking distance (the hotel provides bikes) and make for beautiful outings—whether for a lunch or simply a stroll through the well-preserved stone-paved streets. And, just fifteen minutes away by car, the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava beckon for swimming and water sports. That said, once you settle in at Mas—whether to sunbathe on a daybed by the pool, unwind in the state-of-the-art spa or simply put your feet up with a glass of port in one of several cozy lounges—you may very well never want to leave this idyllic spot.

For a hotel with only thirty-nine rooms, Mas de Torrent offers a surprising variety of accommodations. The ten Masía (“manor house” in Spanish) suites in the main three-story building have the most character as well as the best views. Offering a more modern option the twenty-two Garden Suites are housed in bungalows tastefully decorated in soft neutral tones. Although just two minutes away from the main house and the pool, they feel comfortably secluded. The most luxurious lodgings are the Orange Tree Suites. Also just minutes from the main house and pool, these seven rooms open onto an allée of orange trees, whose blossoms fill the air with an intoxicating neroli scent. Each suite has a bedroom, lounge, two bathrooms (one with a hydromassage tub) and a private swimming pool and patio surrounded by lemon trees and greenery, making it a great option for families or those seeking privacy. Nine of the hotel’s suites feature Coco-Mat bedding. Made from layers of all natural materials, these are some of the world’s most comfortable mattresses.

Another reason you’ll never want to leave the Mas del Torrent compound is the elegant restaurant. Its best food is among the best in the area, and owners of vacation homes in the Empordà region are frequent diners. Chef Jordi Garrido is passionate about the local cuisine and uses fresh regional products sourced from neighboring farms, dairies and pescaderías. Garrido’s seasonal menus feature inventive dishes using surprising combinations of ingredients. A memorable starter on the spring menu was a magnificent beetroot salad garnished with wild strawberries, pumpkin seeds and albera ham. As beautiful as it was delicious, this salad was served in a white bowl “painted” with a thick coating of magenta beet puree. The well-stocked wine cellar includes many local gems, which the sommelier will gladly introduce to you. The outside patio, surrounded by bougainvillea and olive trees, is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of cava before or after a great meal.

The MasSpa is housed in an imposing dark-wood three-story lodge. Inside, however, it is surprisingly airy and full of natural light. A dramatic curtain of water cascades over the main stairwell’s glass enclosure. Treatment rooms are on the lowest level, while the top floor holds a heated pool and sun deck. The spa’s interiors—decorated in shades of brown with Asian accents—boast many windows and skylights, which provide both natural light and peaceful landscape views. Treatments, featuring Dulkamara bamboo products, include scrubs, shiatsu, lomi lomi and bio-oxygenating facials. The spa also offers regular yoga and Pilates classes.

Couples and groups of friends looking to spend a few days relaxing during a northern Spain trip.

The drive from Barcelona takes about two hours. Another option is to travel forty-minutes by high-speed train (AVE or AVANT) to Girona, a lovely city to explore for an afternoon. From there, you can make the forty-five minute drive by rental car or taxi, which should cost between fifty and eighty euros. What to do: The charming towns of Peratallada and Pals can be reached by bike along clearly marked car-free paths that will take you through fields of flowers, olive groves and glorious green landscapes. The medieval village of Begur is a short drive away, as are some of the Costa Brava’s loveliest beaches and best golf courses. Other activities that can be organized include horseback riding, boat trips and wine tastings. The hotel also has a tennis court.