The entire region retains a strong regional identity, with its own commonly used language, distinctive cuisine and lively local festivals. Away from the city there is an abundance of cultural and historical attractions as well as areas of stunning natural beauty. With unique architecture and a rich culture, gourmet restaurants and lively bars, golden beaches and tranquil parks, it is not surprising that Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe. In the north is Catalonia, whose capital is the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Catalonia itself is a unique region which provided inspiration for a number of famous artists such as Dali and Picasso, and retains a strong regional identity which is evident in its language, distinctive cuisine and lively local festivals. During a holiday in eastern Spain, visitors can trek or partake in mountain sports, relax on the beach and visit historic towns and cities all within the space of a few days. Although Barcelona is the main draw for visitors to eastern Spain, the rest of the region is well worth visiting and offers tremendous diversity. There is a great wealth of historical and cultural sights throughout Catalonia and the Valencian community, both within the main cities and hidden away in the countryside. Eastern Spain is a diverse area with buzzing cities and mediaeval towns, rugged coastline and sandy beaches, soaring mountains and lush river deltas. Hostal de la Gavina is an elegant hotel in a beautiful setting, where guests can enjoy a luxurious holiday on the Costa Brava.Īn Expressions tailor-made holiday to eastern Spain feature some of the best four and five star hotels in Catalonia and Valencia, including luxury beach resorts on the Costa Brava, mountain retreats in the Catalan Pyrenees and city hotels in Barcelona and Valencia. If guests wish to venture outside the hotel, they can hire sun loungers and cabanas on the adjacent beach where they will also find the outstanding Taverna del Mar restaurant, or wander along the seafront path which passes picturesque villas and rocky coves on the way to another lovely stretch of sand. Families are welcomed at Hostal de la Gavina, with a number of connecting rooms available and a kids' club which runs in summer and is based in the tennis centre. Meanwhile, the hotel's luxury spa is a haven of relaxation, complete with a heated pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and Roman bath.

One of the highlights of Hostal de la Gavina is the lovely area surrounding the seawater pool, where guests can relax on sun loungers which overlook the nearby cove whilst being looked after by attentive staff. For daytime bites there is also the Snack Bar El Barco and Garbi poolside restaurant, with plenty of tables on cool outdoor terraces. An exclusive option is the glamorous and intimate Candlelight Restaurant, which spills out onto a pretty sunken courtyard in the summer months with live piano music to accompany your meal. The dining experience of Hostal de La Gavina promises sumptuous Mediterranean flavours in a variety of romantic settings. Meanwhile the incredibly luxurious suites offer grandness, opulence and an abundance of space. Rooms boast lovely views over the patio or out to sea, which can be enjoyed from the balcony of a Superior room. Spacious guestrooms are individually furnished and feature historical pieces, whilst wooden or tiled floors ensure that rooms remain cool even in the heat of the summer. Interiors harbour a distinctive design with traditional influences, with antiques, tapestries and fine fabrics standing out against white walls. Originally home to just 11 rooms, the structure has been added to over the years in the most sympathetic manner, and it is now home to 74 rooms and suites. This is thanks to the romantic vision of architect Rafael Masó i Valentí, who sought to maintain authentic Catalan style with similar architecture to the surrounding villas. Built in the early 1920s, the property exudes a style and elegance that is true to that era - and the region.

On the small peninsula it calls home, the hotel boasts glorious views over rugged cliffs, down to crystal-clear waters and off to the picturesque cove. The five-star Hostal de La Gavina is a timeless and luxurious seaside villa with an air of exclusivity, located in a slightly elevated position overlooking the bay of Sant Pol on the Costa Brava.

Hostal de la gavina