STAY > Hotel Villa Gala Girona, Spain (16/20 points)

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Perched above the whitewashed labyrinth of Cadaqués, Hotel Villa Gala is a boutique retreat that captures the languid, sun-drenched spirit of the Costa Brava. With just 14 rooms, all boasting sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the town’s iconic church, Villa Gala feels less like a hotel and more like a private hideaway for those who appreciate both design and discretion.

AMBIENCE >

Villa Gala’s architecture is a love letter to the Mediterranean: crisp white walls, cobalt accents, and terraced gardens that tumble down towards the sea. The mood is relaxed but quietly glamorous, with interiors that blend modernist lines and local textures. The pool, set amid lush greenery, is a tranquil oasis with a cinematic view-perfect for a siesta or a sunset gin and tonic.

SLEEP >

Each room is a study in understated luxury: oak parquet floors, rainfall showers, and balconies or terraces that frame postcard-perfect vistas of Cadaqués and the bay. Even the smallest doubles feel generous, while the suites (especially the Suite Gala and the split-level Premium Suite) offer space for families or longer stays (that’s the one I love). Thoughtful touches include espresso machines and complimentary local wine. The plush robes make it easy to settle in and linger.

EAT >

Breakfast is a highlight, with a buffet that leans Mediterranean: ripe fruit, local cheeses, pastries, and eggs cooked to order (though, with only 14 rooms, the hot dishes can sometimes linger a little too long on the buffet). The in-house restaurant, La Villa, serves a concise but well-executed menu of Catalan classics and Mediterranean seafood, best enjoyed on the terrace as the light fades over the village rooftops.

SERVICE >

Staff are unfailingly warm and multilingual, happy to help with dinner reservations, local tips, or booking a massage after a day’s exploring. The atmosphere is friendly but never intrusive-a balance that’s hard to strike and even harder to maintain.

Location is everything here. Villa Gala sits just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Cadaqués, with its galleries, tapas bars, and the surrealist echoes of Salvador Dalí. The beach is close enough for a morning dip, but far enough that the only sound at night is the distant hush of the sea.

Villa Gala takes its eco-credentials seriously, with solar panels, water-saving initiatives, and a genuine commitment to sourcing local produce. There’s even an electric vehicle charging station for those arriving by car-a rarity in this part of the world.

CONCLUSION >

Villa Gala is a rare find: a boutique hotel that feels both exclusive and welcoming, with a sense of place that’s unmistakably Cadaqués. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to keep to yourself-but probably won’t be able to resist recommending to friends. For a romantic escape or a quiet base to explore the wild beauty of Cap de Creus, Villa Gala is hard to beat.