Mas de Torrent

Kirsten Foster

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The converted 18th-century farmhouse of Mas de Torrent offers a secluded, luxurious rural getaway, and is also perfectly positioned for exploring the dramatic northern reaches of the Costa Brava.

North east Catalonia offers snorkel-friendly coves, sublime gastronomy and piles of cultural history, all within reach of a direct flight from the UK. Half an hour's drive from Girona airport, Mas Torrent encapsulates the best of the region. Arrive by night and you'll be greeted by candles lining the driveway. By day, and you’ll be struck by the honey-coloured stone, immaculate lawns and mature evergreens of the hotel's stunning grounds.

Rooms in the main building have antique beds, gothic arches and grand stone balconies with fantastic views, as well as marble bathrooms with vast tubs. The suites in the hotel grounds up the luxury ante with private gardens or pools.

History is represented by the hotel's ancient stone well and the enormous hearth in the former farmhouse kitchen (now the bar); gastronomy by the much-lauded restaurant, a rustic space with dark wood beams and a muslin-draped patio for summer dining.

Chef Joan Piqué's cuisine is traditional with a gourmet touch. Try dishes such as shore crab ravioli with black chanterelles, turbot in watercress sauce with cured ham and sweetbread crisps.

You could work all this off playing tennis, practising archery or swimming in the hotel grounds. Alternatively, there are two golf courses within 10 minutes' drive, or you could hire a bike and cycle 4km to one of the nearby coves, such as Aiguablava, for a swim, snorkel, or even a dive.

If it's culture you're after, you could visit Dali's house (now a museum and gallery) in Figueres, get medieval in well-preserved Pals or Peratallada, or pick up some pottery to take home in the ceramics-crazed town of La Bisbal.

Room rates : Deluxe Garden Suite (with private pool) €475–550; double in the main building €255–285. Buffet breakfast and 7% tax is included in all prices.

Rooms to ask for : Rooms to ask for : Rooms in the main building have the historic charm (the garden suites are brand new some with private gardens or pools). Rooms 1, 2, 6 and 7 each have a large balcony overlooking the pool.

Number of rooms : Ten bedrooms in main building, 22 standard garden suites (with living room and private garden-terrace) and seven deluxe garden suites (with two bathrooms, hydromassage bath, and private pool) in gardens.

Phone : 00 34 972 303 292

FAX : 00 34 972 303 293

Address : 17123 Torrent, Spain

Website : www.mastorrent.com

Map : link to Multimap

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