Rugged, Hidden Coves Below Four Star Hotel
by deecat about Hotel Aigua Blava
Photos:
1. Hotel Aiqua Blava in Begur
2. Allan posing along shoreline
3. Private beach near hotel
4. Dee Walking the Beach
5. Rugged Coast
The Hotel Aigua Blava, which is located on Spain's most dramatic stretch of coast, Costa Brava, has perhaps the most prime position because it's on a promontory overlooking an inlet.
More beautiful is to see the inlet dotted with boats along the rocky beaches. This is another family- owned hotel (The Capella family). This family converted their home into a small hotel in 1940. It is now a fairly large hotel, but it retains the atmosphere of several homes jumbled together around little corners and flowered terraces. Each room is unique, very simple to quite elaborate. There is a surcharge for views and terraces.
In high season, reservations should be made well in advance.
They have the same chef and gardener for fifty years. They take no tour groups, and they show great loyalty to returning customers.
There is a pool, tennis courts, volley ball courts, beach, Spa, bars, walking paths, and a great restaurant.
Our room, #87, was a great location with a big terrace overlooking the bay. Simple decor, which I love. However, we had a gray, black, silver bath! Everything at this hotel is top quality.
But, no amount of money can buy the hospitality that the family and their staff display.
Spain's Best Travel Hotels- Affordable luxury.
by ranger49 about Paradores
A lot of people are put off staying in Paradores because they are expensive. and may seem a bit stuffy. But look at their website - parador.es
Unfortunately they have become rather more expensive even when used in conjunction with one of the deal mentioned below.
The website shows the location of all the Paradores - around 90 including a couple in the Canary Islands- and gives a good idea of what they are like.
They are not all converted castles, quite a few are purpose built hotels, reflecting the local style. Toledo is a good example of this blending of new into old.
The web will also give full details of special offers and more importantly permanent promotions like the following.
2 Nights Special = 20% discount off Standard Double Room + Half Board for 2 or more nights in the same hotel. Great for short, special breaks.
Young Persons (20-30) Deal = 25% off B&B in SDR also applies to companions in same room - probably explains why so many young families are able to stay .
5 Night card = Purchase a Card 450 Euros to buy a SDR in any Parador for five night. Ideal for a couple touring.
Dias Dorados Card = 30% discount off B&B for over 60's (one partner over 60 OK)
FEBRUARY 2008. IMPORTANT CHANGES
N.B. The discount rate has been reduced from 35% and as prices and the Euro have gone up against the £ and other currencies, the Golden Days option is not quite as good a bargain as it once was .
For frequent visits it is worth signing up for an "Amigos de Paradores" card. With this you earn points on all your room, restaurant and Tienda expenditure.
Use the points to obtain Free nights - you will be sent information of special Points Deals.
http://www.parador.es/english/ofertas/promociones/promociones.jsp We have stayed at about 35 different paradores and enjoyed the touch of luxury and amazing locations, particularly at Jaen, Cuenca, Toledo, Avila, Ronda, Santillana, Cordoba,and Aiguablava, Benevente, Teruel, Soria, Siguenca.
Modern buildings include Benicarlo. Cadiz, Mojacar, Nerja, Cervera de Pisguerga
Each Parador offers menus based on local traditional cooking and it is always worth trying the local speciality.
You can book online directly with the parador or through the central book office. When staying in a parador the reception staff will book ahead for your next stop if requested.
Costra Brava's Finest Food
by deecat about Hotel Aigua Blava Restaurant
Speaking of Romantic Dinners! The restaurant at theHotel Aigua Blava is the place for romantic dining, wonderful food, and spectacular views.
The dining room is quite pleasant with linen table coverings and napkins, fresh flowers on the tables, and windows for the great views.
Allan and I spent two and one half hours having a leisurely meal. Never were we rushed; service was super.
We partook of salads, Steak Diane, Monk Fish and Lobster in a Special Sauce, green beans, artichoke, fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Needless to say, we were in Heaven! To begin the meal, we were presented with cheeses and baby Squid.
The Steak Diane was prepared Tableside.
Allan was given a bib and special water dish to wash his hands because hislobster was quite messy, but delicious.
The service, ambience, and setting were perfect.
Photos
Hotel Aigua Blava Restaurant
Hotel Aigua Blava in Begur
Hotel Aigua Blava
photos next to Cathedral
Forum Posts
Hotel suggestion along Costa Brava?
by robinz2
We are looking for something full of local culture and comfortable (3-4 star roughly) around the northern end of Costa Brava. Any recommendations?
RE: RE: Hotel suggestion along Costa Brava?
by chiqui1106
My favourite area along Costa Brava is situated in Tamariu, Aiguablava, Begur and Pals. The environment is wonderful.
I don't know any hotel in particular but there are a number of good hotels in this area.
RE: Hotel suggestion along Costa Brava?
by halaska
Hi!
The most beautiful village at the Costa Brava is Cadaqués, placed inside the natural park of the Cabo de Creus. You can visit Salvador Dali's home, but you need to reserve in advance. Also you can visit the Salvador Dali's museum, placed at Figueres.
I you are interested in that, I can bring you more details and information about Cadaqués.
RE: Hotel suggestion along Costa Brava?
by le_bod
H Top do a grouping around Malgrat, LLoret and Santa Susanah, I'd avoid LLoret.
as well as the Dali attractions, I'd try and visit Besalau and a church nicknamed the ' little lighthouse' the mountain scenery is fantastic, and you can look down into the valley and hear the cow/goat bells ringing. Enjoy your visit to one of the most passionate regions in the world.
Palafrugell, and calella de palafrugell
by sarahsr
Anybody got any travel tips, good places to stay, places to visit, nice beaches in this area.
We are going at the end of May as a family of 7.
Any idea how much a taxi might be from Girona airport to Palafrugell?
Thank you
Re: Palafrugell, and calella de palafrugell
by Metod
Hi I was in this area last sommer in Calella nice place for visit is Montserrat near Barcelona , Blanes. Tosa de mar there is nice Castel and nice old litlle town. Also very imortant is Figueres there is museum of Salvator Dali , this museum is unforgetibl very nice and impresiv , and also Girona is very old Town very nice vith river and Big catedral end old judich town. But the best is to buy Guyde for Catalunia this is the name of part this area Barcelona , Girona e.t.c. and there is everithing what is good for visit. Metodej
Re: Palafrugell, and calella de palafrugell
by Global_1
Hi
you could check out www.finquesfrigola.com they specialize in rental propertry in Calella and have a good reputation.
There are heaps of nice places to see in the area but you would need a car,this guy delivers to Girona airport
http://www.grn.es/mcu/marius/
Calella,Llafranc and Tamariu all have nice beaches,La Fosca near Palamos,Sa Riera,Sa Tuna and Aiguablava also.(All beaches within a 20 minute drive from Calella)
Places to visit :
Dali museum at Figueres
Dali museum at Pubol
Lake at Banyoles
Santa Pau,Pals and Peretallada nice old villages
Castellfollit de la Roca to see houses on cliffs edge and buy buscuits at Cal Enriq
Maritime museum at Palamos after seeing fish auction there.
La Bisbal to buy ceramics
Platja D'Aro waterpark
Girona,Jewish quarter (as mentioned by other member) then a bite to eat at El Bistrot on the cathedral steps.
L'Estartit,boat trip to Medas Islands http://www.nautilus.es/
If you want more post a message.
I dont think you would get much change out of 108 € (about 75 quid) each way for a taxi,if you want an exact price let me know.
I hope you enjoy your stay on the Costa Brava
Global
Re: Re: Palafrugell, and calella de palafrugell
by sarahsr
thank you for your help, will check out all the details, thanks.
Re: Re: Palafrugell, and calella de palafrugell
by prunila
Taxi
In case don't want to take a taxi to visit Girona it is a bus from the airport to Girona bus station. And there you can take a bus to Calella. The bus company is called SARFA (http://www.sarfa.com/).
Visits
The list was very good. Don't forget:
very good places
-Far de San Sebastia (Llafranc)
-Tamariu
-Aiguafreda
-Pals
-Peretallada
-platja de Castell (Palamós)
…
May is the best season because the fish is cheaper and you don't meet lots of people.
This weekend we have been in Sa Tuna and my friends were swiming (very cold).
A very good guide is Guias EL PAIS.
If you have any question please ask. I hope you enjoy!!!
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