Hostal de La Gavina is the Costa Brava's grand old hotel and the best choice on this coast for couples who want old-world glamour by the sea. It has stood on the headland of S'Agaró, above the bay of Sant Pol, for more than 90 years. The interiors still feel like a private villa of the 1930s, with Murano glass chandeliers, period styling and Carrara marble bathrooms.
The hotel has 76 rooms and suites, an elevated saltwater pool overlooking the bay, a spa by the Swiss skincare brand Valmont and a fine-dining restaurant called Candlelight. It is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
It suits honeymooners who like classic hotels, long lunches on a terrace and evening walks along the coastal path. It is also an easy drive from Barcelona, making it a natural second stop. The trade-offs: the style is traditional rather than contemporary and the southern Costa Brava is busier than the villages around Begur. Couples looking for sleek design or a remote cove should stay farther north.
Highlights at a glance
- More than 90 years of history on the S'Agaró headland
- Elevated saltwater pool over the bay of Sant Pol
- La Gavina by Valmont spa
- Candlelight fine-dining restaurant
- The Camí de Ronda coastal path right outside
Why Couples Love La Gavina
The sense of history sets it apart. The hotel is tied to the Ensesa family, who developed S'Agaró as an elegant seaside estate and it still has the air of a grand family residence. The interiors are full of period detail, the lounges are formal without feeling stiff and the gardens frame views of the Mediterranean.
The setting is also very good. The headland of S'Agaró is quiet and residential, with stone villas, pine trees and gardens and the old coastal path, the Camí de Ronda, runs right past. You can walk along the cliffs at sunset, then come back for dinner on a terrace overlooking the bay.
For couples who enjoy a little ceremony, La Gavina delivers it: dressed-up evenings, polished service and the feeling that you are staying somewhere with a long story. It is a far cry from the beach towers of the southern coast.
Rooms and Suites to Book
Each of the 76 rooms and suites is decorated individually, in styles ranging from classic Mediterranean to more ornate imperial and Isabelline looks. Expect rich fabrics, Murano chandeliers and marble bathrooms.
Many rooms have views of the sea, the bay of Sant Pol or the gardens. For a honeymoon, the view is what you want: book a sea-view room or suite and confirm it in writing. Suites add more space, which makes slow breakfasts and afternoon naps much more pleasant.
The traditional style is the hotel's signature. Couples who love period interiors will be delighted. Couples who prefer minimalist modern rooms should know what they are getting into, or look at newer boutique hotels in Begur. Ask the hotel about current room upgrades or offers for longer stays, especially in the shoulder seasons.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Dining is Mediterranean with French influences. Chef Romain Fornell, known for his Michelin-starred cooking in Barcelona, supports the kitchen, while chef Oriol Fernández leads Candlelight, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant. Book Candlelight for a celebration dinner; it is the most formal and memorable meal on site.
The saltwater pool, raised above the bay, is the place to spend the afternoon, with a drink in hand and the sea below. The spa, La Gavina by Valmont, offers restorative treatments using the Swiss brand's products. Plan a couples treatment on your first full day to shake off the jet lag.
The area also has excellent restaurants. Fishing villages along the coast serve fresh seafood and Palamós, a short drive north, is famous for its red prawns. Girona, about 40 minutes inland, has some of the best restaurants in Spain if you can get a reservation.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Walk the Camí de Ronda, the coastal path that runs past the hotel, toward Sant Pol beach and on to the coves beyond. The path is uneven in places, so wear proper shoes rather than sandals.
Drive north to the villages of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc and Tamariu for swimming in clear coves and long seafood lunches. Begur, about 40 minutes away, is a hilltop village with old stone houses and access to the coves of Aiguablava and Sa Tuna.
For art, drive about an hour and a quarter to Figueres and the Dalí Theatre-Museum, or farther to Dalí's house at Portlligat near Cadaqués, which requires advance booking. Girona's old quarter and cathedral make a lovely half day. In summer, the sea is pleasant for swimming, but watch for jellyfish on some days and swim at lifeguarded beaches when the flags are up.
Getting There
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), with nonstop flights from the US, is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is closer, about 40 minutes, but is served mainly by European airlines.
Most couples rent a car in Barcelona and drive up after a few days in the city. A car is useful for exploring the coast and villages, though summer parking in small towns can be tight. The hotel can also arrange transfers if you prefer not to drive.
The Costa Brava is at its best from May to June and September to early October, when the weather is warm and the crowds lighter. July and August are hot and busy. Confirm the hotel's opening dates and room rates for your travel period, as many Costa Brava hotels operate on a seasonal calendar.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who love historic hotels and classic glamour, yes. Approximate rates often start around $550 a night for two in the shoulder seasons, rising sharply in July and August and for sea-view suites. That buys a sense of occasion, a beautiful pool, a good spa and fine dining.
It is not the right choice for everyone. Couples who want contemporary design or a quieter, more rustic setting might prefer Mas de Torrent near Pals or a boutique hotel in Begur. Those who want a lively beach town atmosphere might find S'Agaró too sedate.
For three or four nights after Barcelona, La Gavina offers a rare combination: easy access, a lovely stretch of coast and a hotel with real history. It is one of the most romantic places to stay on the Costa Brava.
Insider tips
- Request a sea-view room or suite in writing; garden views are common.
- Book Candlelight for your special dinner well ahead in summer.
- Walk the Camí de Ronda early in the morning before the day heats up.
- Visit in June or September for warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds.
