Nestled amidst the serene fields of the Ampurdan, this secret gem stands tall. A noble 18th-century house perfectly restored, respecting its original elements and equipped with everything necessary to become one of the most renowned luxury hotels in the Spain.
Wrapped in acres of farming lands, vineyards, medieval hamlets and the beautiful Mediterranean coastline of Costa Brava, luxury hotel Mas de Torrent –a member of THE AFICIONADOS– is wonderfully anchored into the painterly landscapes of native Salvador Dalí by an aged 18th century Catalonian finca, a honeyed stone beacon that affords views across to the Illes Medes and the Pyrenees. Located in Spain’s off-radar enclave of Ampurdán/ L’Empordà, close to Girona, about an hour’s drive north of Barcelona, this is a corner of north-eastern Spain famed as a destination of relaxation, fantastic light, nature, the arts and world-renowned restaurants..
Radiating from the original farmhouse, potted lemon trees, mature olives, tall pines, herbs, vegetable plots and lavenders colourate the hotel’s Mediterranean gardens that flaunt the estate’s sloping architecture of white low-rise suite pavilions, the spa, pool, terraces and famed restaurant hotspot by chef Ramón Freixa.
Interior designer Pilar García-Nieto has completely remodelled the hotel Mas De Torrent with her authentic signatory soft elegance of subtle, crafted luxury. Fostering a sustainable approach, design, heritage, and her passion for handed-down crafts populate the aged estate’s lime-washed walls, Catalan vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Ceramics from La Bisbal, private artworks from legendary artist Josep Maria Sert, bespoke furnishings, treasured family heirloom pieces, terracotta flooring, reed carpets, decorative crafts and polished timbers root the concept into its rural Ampurdán setting - enhancing its simple artistic pleasure.
This soigne stylistic mood continues into the contemporary hotel suites and private pool villas, decked in subtle earthy tones inspired by Ampurdán’s geology and coastline. Polished concrete, heavy white linens, oversized sofas, and warm woods accent the room detail - juxtaposed to the rural traditions and wonderfully contrasting to the sensory intensity of the outdoor landscapes. It is a tranquil luxury.
Nearby Girona is famed for its restaurant and dining culture, and at the Mas de Torrent, acclaimed Chef Ramón Freixa fuses the cuisine of Catalonia with an innovative hand foraging the flavours of the land and sea. Dining at the hotel is a relaxed affair with panoramic windows, lots of private nooks and, of course, al fresco during the warm summer evenings.
An authentic, refreshingly modern and intimately warm country retreat enhanced by its extensive wellness and spa aspect, nuanced design and philosophy of rural heritage and modern escapism, Mas de Torrent is no ordinary hotel of luxury. On the contrary, it is a rarity and beams with unpretentious, casual ease, capturing the very beauty of its setting, lost between the Pyrenees mountains and Costa Brava in Catalonia’s heartlands of L’Empordà – and like the Hamptons are for New Yorkers, this bolthole is the secret destination of the good-life insiders from nearby Barcelona and neighbouring France.
There are 39 suites and villas at Mas de Torrent, ten of which are in the old central farmhouse itself, cue high arched whitewashed ceilings, gleaming polished terracotta floor, exposed stone walls, antique beds and a whitewashed décor.
The Mediterranean-styled low-rise pavilions are set within the landscaped gardens, which host modern suites and villas of understated luxury – perfect for those who enjoy spoiling extras like gardens, private pools, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and a ‘Californian chill’ colour palette. The intentionally simplistic design heightens the senses to the outdoor intensity – the interior vibe is modern; however, clever interventions of handcrafted furniture, linen curtains, reed-grass matting and a palette of mottled greens, taupe, pale strawberry and matt black accessories allow luxury to feel suitably relaxed. Whether you choose the old Masia, a garden suite and pool or a standalone pod, each has a high level of detail from high-thread-count sheets, ecological mattresses, rain showers and natural toiletries by Serena.
With open-fronted floor-to-ceiling sliding windows, the bright restaurant scene of full-length linen decked tables is complemented by curated artworks, antiques and angular chandeliers, camouflaged by dried flowers and indigenous grasses - lending a subtle cue from the countryside. Under the gastronomic hand of renowned chef Ramón Freixa, who has a two-Michelin star restaurant at Hotel Unico in Madrid, dining at Mas de Torrent is an innovative delight where dishes challenge your taste perception, form and flavour. Playing with traditional Catalan ingredients, expect squid, prawn, Iberian pork and razor clams to grace the tasting menu, presented beautifully like works of art, often paired with creative contrast.
About The Aficionados
Founded by Iain Ainsworth, THE AFICIONADOS is a travel resource for those seeking fabulous recommendations and accommodation that effortlessly fuses luxury, design and authenticity. It comprises over 90 hotels, designer homes for private hire and guesthouses, from all across Europe and a fabulous outpost in New York, the United States, together with a selection of over 100 creatives who round out the offer of this culture and lifestyle emporium for travel and good living. The Aficionados also publishes five printed magazines: Blueprint Beauts, Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Neu Heritage, and Alchemists of Italy.
