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?

During the summer months the hotel runs the private Sea Club which features a lovely infinity pool looking out over S’Agaro Bay. Various packages are available and the ‘Cloud cabins’ from where you can relax and sunbath, easily turn into a recreation area with soft seats and a table for a bite of lunch.

By night the Sea Club with live music, cocktails and mood lighting gets the party started. Regulars of the Sea Club include Spanish High Society and Barcelona footballers.

The best way to explore the Costa Bravo area is to charter the hotel’s luxury yacht. Spending the morning on the chic yacht and being taken along the coast not only gave another perspective of the local area but it really was magical to be relaxing in the warm Spanish sun, enjoying the breeze with a cold drink and nibbles laid out by the crew.

In a bid to work off some of all that delicious food, one afternoon I took a walk down to the beach and town. The pretty town has several bars and restaurants with beautiful views over the beach and bay to sit and enjoy a sundowner before the walk back up to the hotel for another decadent dinner.

The list of experiences that hotel staff can organise is extensive, ranging from sky diving, golfing and helicopter rides to a day with a personal shopper or tours of local wineries.

Other nearby activities that are worth a trip include a visit Salvador Dali’s famous house in nearby Cadaques or a visit the medieval city of Girona (where parts of Game of Thrones were filmed).

Super stylish, vibrant and bright - Alàbriga Hotels and Suites will suit any and all luxury traveller and really is a gem on the beautiful Costa Brava coast. 

Check in: Carretera de Sant Pol, 633, 17220 Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Girona, Spain

Ultimate Luxury: The Presidential Suite – wow, just wow! Four double bedrooms, five bathrooms and quite possible the largest terrace we have seen. Quite frankly I wanted to move in permanently.

Most Indulgent Moment: Spending the afternoon at the Sun Club with a glass of Dom Perignon.

The Little Things: Keyless entry to your suite. Access is granted via a fingerprint recognition pad is seriously cool (plus no more lost keycards!).

Junior Luxies: Families are welcomed at the hotel and the suites would be perfect for accommodating them during their stay.  The hotel can arrange various activities for all ages and interests.

Dress code: European Stylish Chic

Dent in the platinum:

Luxury Hotels Link:  www.hotelalabriga.com