In the 70s and 80s the Costa Brava began to shine , all those who wanted to invest went to the coast, the beaches and its cliffs in search of the corner with the best views of the Mediterranean Sea. The rural environment of the Empordà and its farmhouses were somewhat abandoned after centuries of work in the field . Although then some visionaries believed that there was potential in them and that perhaps later these farms would relive their years of splendor.
More from Torrent , located in the town of Torrent, between Begur and Pals, has its origins as a manor house in 1751. Its privileged location (from here it is possible to see the Medes Islands, Begur, Pals, Calella de Palafrugell...) and the lineage of a family powerful they turned it into a self-sufficient farmhouse that directed the fields and the economy of this area of the Empordà . In this house, oil, bread, sausages were produced and the surrounding population was supplied through barter. But the centuries passed and this "mas" where there had been life before was abandoned, until in the 80s it was recovered as a hotel.
Decades later, Único Hotels would make it one of the most coveted and select places in the Empordà . And the prophecy was fulfilled that one day all we would want is to go back to sleep happily among fields and vineyards.
A farmhouse from 1751.
THE HOTEL
Mas de Torrent opened its doors in March 2020 . And despite the fact that the opening coincided with the start of the pandemic, they managed to turn it around and reopen with even more energy in the summer. So much so that its 39 suites are always occupied. His secret has many nuances...
This five-star perfectly combines tradition with modernity . Led by the interior designer Pilar García Nieto, they have created a traditional yet modern environment, that is, one in which you feel at home but with the elegance of a luxury hotel. Large rooms with sofas in warm tones, fireplaces, generous flower arrangements and candles that give a unique aroma make the first impression very pleasant.
Mas de Torrent -800 m2 of surface- is surrounded by native nature, an orchard, the new constructions of the suites with private pool, lemon and orange trees, an ecological orchard, an ecological suite , a private villa with capacity for a family of about five members, a heliport for about three helicopters and the wonderful restaurant of Ramon Freixa.
In addition to MasSpa , a workshop where they carry out activities, a large terrace with a swimming pool overlooking the restaurant where breakfasts are held, paddle and tennis courts and a path that connects with the town of Torrent. You can not ask for more!
Welcome to calm.
El Mas is the main building that houses the reception and lounges where it is very pleasant to sit and read or enjoy a cocktail or coffee in the heat of the fireplaces that are distributed in different whitewashed stone rooms. The new reform has tried to preserve the traditional essence of the farmhouse , so it is easy to come across the old well that still supplies water to the property (in fact, it could be self-sufficient), the old stone floors or an oil press.
In the upper rooms - where the service slept in the 18th century - pleasant suites have been created with splendid views of the entire environment. So much so that you will be able to see the Medes Islands . The Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors, guards these rooms and reminds us of the rural and maritime past of this area of the Empordà.
Connected by pleasant walks from the main farmhouse are the suites with private pool . These rooms are perfect for long stays because they have practically everything to feel at home. With 55 m2 they have a bedroom, living room, dressing room and a terrace with a private pool. Its XXL rain effect showers have Serena brand amenities and super nice bathrobes and towels.
The bedding is Egyptian cotton and the pillows and duvets are microfiber. You can imagine what it's like to sleep in their beds, right?
The suites with swimming pool of Mas de Torrent.
Another of the secrets of Mas de Torrent is its Nature Suite , which goes completely unnoticed in its surroundings, but is well worth a visit. This room for two, which you will find right next to the orchard and its lavender fields in the shape of a black cube, is totally self-sufficient.
It has 55 m2, porch and private garden, and its main feature is that it is built with 100% sustainable materials : from the handcrafted wooden furniture to the Sleep Green mattress.
A few meters away is The Residence Suite , the most exclusive villa in Mas de Torrent, designed for families. An independent house of 145 m2 distributed in living room, dining room, courtesy bathroom and two full bathrooms with natural light, kitchen, two bedrooms, garden with porch, private heated pool, own garage and private access.
Mas de Torrent is designed for a getaway in which you don't need to think about anything other than enjoy and rest . And even if all its rooms are reserved, it will never give you the feeling that there are many people: the atmosphere is always quiet and calm.
The Mas de Torrent winery. Pretty, right?
THE RESTAURANT
If you have come this far you will also be attracted by the traditional catalan cuisine that materializes in the ideas of the chef Ramon Freixa . The chef, a native of this area of Catalonia, knows the most traditional recipes perfectly and has turned them around transforming them into sensational and very tasty dishes. And for those looking for a healthy daily menu he has created ' gastro-diet ’ that does not reach 1,500 calories a day.
The space dedicated to gastronomy is already worth a visit in itself. Within it is the Empordà Hall , which offers a more casual bar-type menu, the cocktail bar signed by Manel Vehi , the winery where tastings and events are usually held, and a private room for more intimate dinners and lunches, as well as the dining room of the Ramón Freixa restaurant itself.
The restaurant.
What will you find on their plates? The main characteristic of its cuisine is that it is "cassolana", that is, it is as if you were at home. The menu it offers (also for non-hotel guests) is based on soft and tasty starters,** meat and fish main courses**, also for vegetarians, and delicious desserts. Each season it adapts them to the seasonal products and to what the orchard is producing.
In our case we were able to test some delicious cod fritters , courgette flowers with baked pumpkin hummus, dry rice with cuttlefish, monkfish tail with “all cremat” or salted prawns, star product of the Costa Brava. As well as a surprising** turbot at its point**.
There are some dishes that are essential and that persist even with the changes in the menu, such as the Rostit croquettes (roast), pagés chicken with scampi , the Rostit cannelloni with bechamel au gratin wave fish market casserole with romesco sauce . Let yourself be advised by the Freixa team and his sommelier to pair his dishes.
Your dishes.
See images: 15 landscapes to dream of on the Costa Brava
WHAT TO DO IN MAS DE TORRENT
In addition to relaxing in its gardens, Mas de Torrent is a non-stop of interesting activities . Every week it proposes new things, from a wine tasting in its cellars, to a tea or cheese tasting. With which it is impossible to get bored because they also adapt to your tastes.
If sports is your thing, they offer private lessons in tennis, golf and paddle tennis, as well as bicycles for rides around the area. one of my favorites are their yoga workshops, Every morning a very small group (due to sanitary measures) enjoys a class to put the body and soul back together and start the day with peace of mind. The classes are held in the "Workshop", a multipurpose room that is also used for other ephemeral workshops that are held every weekend.
In my case, you can attend an entertaining floral workshop with Bouquet Barcelona in which we learned how to make a wild autumn bouquet . But there are many more, for example ceramics or jewelry. To stay up to date you must follow them on their social networks.
If you want to delve into yoga, the best option will be to attend their yoga retreats. The next one takes place between October 22 and 25 , but if you don't arrive on time don't worry because they do more throughout the year. From Thursday to Sunday, the yogi Sarah Bloom she is in charge of the directed classes: both Vinyasa Yoga and Vinyasa Nidra.
To complete the stay you can let yourself go in MasSpa, a 600 m2 complex designed to relax mind and body through holistic care . With free access only for clients, MasSpa offers a heated pool and a water area, one cold at 14º and the other hot at 38º. In addition to sauna and hammam. And what would you think if all of them had views of a delicate Japanese garden?
MasSpa also has fitness room and facial and body treatments on request.
MasSpa: a complex to relax with holistic care.
BEYOND THE MOST
How can a day be in Mas de Torrent? What activities can you do outside the Mas? You can start the day with a good continental or a la carte breakfast . Some delicious benedict eggs or a freshly made omelette with seasonal mushrooms, accompanied by some freshly squeezed detox juices and delicious fresh croissants.
And once you've stretched, walk to the town of Torrent to see its Jam Museum , launched by the writer and cook Georgina Regàs in 2004. They organize workshops, courses, and exhibitions dedicated to this sweet delicacy.
Of course, a getaway to some of its most beautiful and medieval towns, such as Pals or Peratallada, cannot be missed on this visit. Or stroll along the coast in Begur or Calella de Palafrugell. The Costa Brava is infinite.
If you like art, the visit par excellence is Palace of Casavells , the headquarters of the Miquel Azueta Gallery in the Empordà.