El Racó de Madremanya

Lying on the outer edges of the tiny village of Madremanya, you’re in the thick of the rural Empordà countryside, so unless you simply want to lie by the pool you’ll definitely want a car. There’s plenty to do nearby however. The Gala Dalí Castle Museum in Púbol is less than 10 minutes’ drive in one direction, while the lovely Medieval village of Monells is equally close going the other way. You’re also within half an hour’s drive of unspoilt beaches and numerous other hilltop villages.

Extended from a 17th century stone masia farmhouse, the hotel is divided between the original building and two other annexes dotted around the lawns. The large lounge in the old building has low-arched stone ceilings, and elephant- and Buddha-encrusted pieces from the owners’ travels are mixed in with their great-grandparents’ Art Nouveau piano, Art Deco leather sofas, framed photos and dried flower arrangements. Light samba and jazz adds a chilled out holiday vibe throughout.

The owners and their small staff are friendly and helpful and will do their best to make you feel at home. There are two large swimming pools amid the lawns and palm- and cypress-filled gardens: one saltwater and the other heated from April to October, as well as sun loungers, designer hammocks and a lovely terrace. There are also treatment rooms for facials and massages, including pregnancy massage.

Each of the 14 rooms is differently decorated but there’s a smart, contemporary feel throughout with beiges, greys and neutrals, especially in the Suites in the newer annexe. The Standard doubles are in the old masia and are smaller, with rough-hewn stone walls, antique mahogany beds and neutral furnishings except in the ‘orange’ or 'blue' rooms where there are dashes of orange, brown and leopard-print or royal blue respectively. Bathrooms are small but contemporary with walk-in showers. Suites meanwhile are large and most have whirlpool baths, with Rituals toiletries and Etro bath salts adding extra dashes of luxury.

Breakfast is a large buffet served in the spacious, conservatory-style dining room or on the terrace amid the gardens and pool. You won’t go hungry, with everything from cereals, three types of fresh-baked bread, yoghurts, homemade jams, freshly squeezed orange juice, local charcuterie and cheeses, as well as eggs and bacon to order.

Although there’s no restaurant as such, a two-course Catalan dinner (starter and main) is available every day except Thursdays, but needs to be ordered in the morning. Dishes include Emporda duck with pear, or hake with asparagus and parsley emulsion, as well as pasta or burgers with caramelised onions, green mango and cilantro (€26 [£23]). Otherwise, there are a couple of restaurants in Madremanya itself, and the nearby village of Monells has several excellent options.

Double rooms from €140 (£123) in low season; and from €150 (£132) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi and parking. Tourist tax is charged extra for the first seven days at €1 per person.

No.

No, the hotel is adults only.