Castell d'Empordà

The Castell d’Emporda has been called, amongst other things, a “Magic Castle”. This description certainly rings true, for it is one of those hotels with that one thousand and one nights feel, made all the more potent by its terrific historic credentials. A captain who served under Columbus once owned this 700-year-old Gothic Style castle and Napoleon was alleged to have stayed here during his attempts to conquer Iberia. The battle of Waterloo is even represented in the entrance to the tower.

Given the outcome, he probably left in a hurry without paying, but guests today will wish to linger on as long as possible for they will be staying in a place considered by Conde Naste as one of the 20 best newly opened hotels in the world. As befits a castle, the views of the surrounding countryside are wonderful, yet just as impressive is the place itself. The ancient Romanic architecture has been fully preserved hence the beautiful, thick stonewalls and superb high ceilings that seem to diffuse the light coming in into a kindly yellow. Decoration is also of the first order and further helps provide a relaxed and uncluttered feel to the whole place, thus making it an extra special location for those looking to enjoy tranquility and nature.

All 57 rooms, some located in the tower, some in an annex overlooking the excellent swimming pool have been individually decorated with exotic pieces from China, India and Morocco and fully take advantage of the exquisite views surrounding it. A further plus point is surely the in-house restaurant - which specialises in the best Mediterranean cuisine of fresh fish and vegetables – and the surroundings from which to enjoy it in the interior courtyard.