Hotel Gran Claustre

For a romantic, atmospheric Catalonian escape, you need to look no further than the Hotel Gran Claustre. In the town centre of the charming medieval town of Altafulla, this boutique hotel occupies an historic 18th-century building surrounding a cool, picturesque courtyard and a new modern extension. This Chic Retreat has 39 chic and stylish rooms, a spa and an award-winning restaurant, and is one of the finest boutique hotels in the north-east of Spain, that welcomes both couples and family groups. Please note that pets are not permitted at Hotel Gran Claustre.

In centuries past, the 'Bruixes de Burriac', or the Witches of Burriac, kept villagers in a constant state of fear with their curses. Today, they lend their name to the much less scary, but no less enchanting restaurant at Le Gran Claustre. Heading the kitchen is Jaume Druidis, acclamed local chef, who combines traditional recipes with the very freshest produce to artfully express the traditions of the region through flavours and aromas.

We love how you can watch the chefs at work in the kitchen from the dining room. If you want to get right up close to the action, there is a chef's table, allowing you to take in all the passion and drama!  The restaurant has a cellar that showcases excellent local and Spanish wines, with the very best of international wines making a strong appearance.

Rooms are spread between the historic and the modern wings of the building; each has its own unique style and character, and enjoy views over either the town, gardens or castle. The décor is contemporary and minimalist, with touches of bright colour such as playfully painted ceiling beams and artistic prints. Bathrooms are equipped with showers, bathtubs or hydromassage tubs.

We can't begin to talk about the activities on offer at the Hotel Gran Claustre without mentioning the Gran Claustre Spa. Alongside the delights of the sauna and the steam baths, each incorporating aromatherapy, you can indulge in an invigorating cava oil massage or bamboo therapy. The pool sits in a secluded spot where you can float your worries away and there's plenty of shade from the heat of the midday sun.

If you are looking to be active, the hotel can organise almost anything - hiking, cycling, golf, horseriding, segway tours, diving, watersports and boat trips. Ask about wine tours to the cellars and enotecas of Tarragona - a great way to spend an afternoon.

For those who love to wander, the beach is just one kilometre away and taxis can easily be arranged to take you there. The town of Altafulla itself is worth visiting and just 15 minutes away is Tarragona, a wonderful gem of a city that combines history, hip boutiques and the best of Spanish food and wine.

Free Wi-fi is available.