LUXURY HOTELS: Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites, Spain

Word of Warning: Guests staying at this stunning luxury hotel will start a wish-list of everything they wish to purchase. From plates, to artwork to beds. Every item in the hotel is available for purchase and being such a stylish and bespoke property, you will need to restrain yourself (and your credit card).

As we drove up and approached the imposing Alàbriga Hotel & Home Suites, I saw it sitting proudly, looking like a prestigious Super-Yacht overlooking the beautiful Saint Pol beach and ocean.

I was immediately welcomed by friendly staff. As I entered the lobby and I quickly realised this was as seriously stylish five-star hotel, unsurprising really as it is owned and operated by the former editor-in-chief of Russian Vogue. The rich and lush décor of the check-in area reminded me of a jewellery box. As I sipped my welcome drink, I was captivated by all the stunning artwork, especially a light installation that is a homage to Dom Perignon. Located next to the Lovee bar, it has been designed to look just like the amber coloured bubbles in my glass of champagne.

Each piece of bespoke artwork throughout the hotel has been chosen to standout. Bright and vibrant paintings, statues, art installations and dramatic  lighting are in every corner of the hotel. One particular favourite of every hotel guest was the life-size mannequin covered in leopard skin fabric reclining on a grand piano, because let’s be honest, every ultra-luxe hotel should have one of these!

There is really is so much that I could list about the décor and interiors of this hotel which I absolutely fell in love with; the stylish bathrooms, the artwork, the beautiful flowers and quirky statues … but I feel that if I continue to list them I will run out of room before I mention all the other standout features of this visually stunning hotel.

The hotel’s beautiful rooms and suites of the hotel really are a home from home.

Even the smallest sized suites are spacious. Ranging from deluxe suites to two-level Home Suite Penthouse and then all the way up to the extensive Presidential Penthouse there is a size and style to suit every type of guest. 

As I entered my suite, I was amazed by the large floor to ceiling windows in the living area and bedroom and its amazing views over the ocean. I woke early one morning just so I could make a cup of coffee and sit on the balcony to watch the sunrise over the horizon and the town below as it began to stir.

My suite featured a large master bedroom with stunning views of the ocean, a smaller double bedroom and a twin bedroom (making it a perfect set up for a family).

And the beds in the suites… oh the wonderful beds! I seriously had one of the best nights sleeps ever in the comfy, marshmallow soft bed. At breakfast the next morning I was told by a member of staff a recent guest had purchased one for their own home after such a peaceful night’s sleep!

Every detail has been considered to ensure that everything is perfect during your stay. Each suite has a fully functioning kitchen featuring Miele appliances, electric hob, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, coffee maker, kettle, a full range of cooking equipment, Rosenthal tableware, plates, cups, and glasses and every utensil you would ever need. Part of me wanted to throw a dinner party for my fellow guests just so I could make use of the kitchen and show off my gorgeous suite.

And forget about the standard mini-bar, Alàbriga suites feature maxi-bars stocked with full sized bottles of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

While guests could cook for themselves, it’s a much better idea to venture downstairs to one of the most special parts of Alàbriga, it’s Michelin starred restaurant, Terra.

Helmed by Head Chef Abraham Artigas the restaurant showcases the best of the Costa Brava region’s fresh produce and seafood. The restaurant was awarded its Michelin Star in 2018, and after dining on the delicious food it is easy to see why.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is elegant yet relaxed, the service was impeccable and attention to detail was second to none and the dishes were creative, innovative and most important delicious.

A real treat was trying the local delicacy, Palamós Prawns (Gambas de Palamós), found locally in the secret depths of the Mediterranean. It was inspiring to see how proud both the kitchen and the front of house teams are of the local region and its cuisine and how Terra celebrates it.

One of the most charming features of Terra is the décor (including artwork designed to look like Chopard jewellery and a dramatic chandelier featuring 3,000 pieces of Italian crystals) and the large windows looking into the kitchen. Every diner was enthralled by watching the chefs create our delicious dishes, but also watching the pure theatre of a busy kitchen.

An entire wall of the restaurant is dedicated to an extensive wine collection from which guests can chose a bottle, or even just a glass to accompany their Michelin starred meal. Of course the expert staff can recommend a perfect wine to accompany your meal. 

Within the hotel there is plenty to keep guests entertained.

The spa and wellbeing areas feature four massage rooms, sauna, gym, steam room and beauty salon. A team of specialists including therapists, trainers, massage therapists, nutritionists, cosmetologists and stylists are available to guests.

I spent a wonderful afternoon indulging in a relaxing massaged before spending the rest of the day by the outdoor heated swimming pool.

The hotel has a selection of boutiques for those looking for a little retail therapy. Perhaps a new handbag or a new piece of Chopard jewellery to remind you of dining at Terra?