“The best thing about Tossa is its light, its perfume, its color, his life”, wrote Josep Pla. Tossa de Mar, the pearl of the Costa Brava (with permission from Cadaqués), It was a refuge for artists and intellectuals in the 1930s, a place of inspiration for creation (and romance, by legends that are told about it).
Mark Chagall, Truman CapoteSalvador Dali and Ava Gardner are some of the famous names that enjoyed the calm and turquoise waters and sunsets over golden sand in the most hidden and delicious coves of the Costa Brava.
If you still don't know this area of our country (you're already taking a long time...), Tossa de Mar and its surroundings they can be a good starting point. A few minutes from this little town, in a dream cove, is the resort Pola Giverola, a traditional three-star hotel, which after a few months of closure in which it took the opportunity to update and improve some of its facilities, has returned to give your first steps in a comprehensive makeover and category.
Formerly known as Arenas Resort Giverola, is now operated by the Medplaya hotel group, a chain that has 15 hotels in Spain located in the best beach destinations.
Cala Giverola.
Take a look. The first thing that strikes you about this hotel with more than 30 years of history is its fabulous location. Lovers of mountain roads, you are in luck. After a few turns of the wheel from Tossa (not suitable for sensitive stomachs), we arrive at the postcard of the Costa Brava that we all have in mind: mountains full of lush pines and bushes, and steep rocks that lead to a short but coquettishly collected and golden beach, bathed by crystalline waters.
The facilities, although they are in full phase of renovation (and expansion), maintain a retro charm (remember the hotel in Dirty Dancing?) perfect for nostalgic. The funicular that connects the apartments and Cala Giverola is most picturesque.
Exterior of one of the Pola Giverola Resort accommodations.
Environment. The hotel is, as we said, located between two coves and a few minutes from Tossa de Mar. In the town, be sure to visit the castle and the medieval quarter; It is also advisable to reserve a table at one of its veteran restaurants on the beach.
Pola Giverola is surrounded by more than 35 hectares of pure nature, so it's ideal for active travelers, families and groups of friends. In addition, it offers a team of guides and monitors to plan excursions, cycling routes, nordic walk, yoga, tennis or paddle surf. There are also specific activities for children and teenagers.
The beach that is accessed from the hotel is small but beautiful and well cared for (more recommended, yes, in low season), and the pool area is designed for kids of all ages. Its incredible tube-slide makes it unnecessary to go on an excursion to any water park... but your children will make you spend the day there.
From the hotel you can access Cala Giverola.
For whom? “We want to continue being the perfect destination for family tourism and for sports fans”, comments the president of the group, Agustí Codina. “The protagonism is in the exteriors of this delightful natural setting.
That said, this hotel is for lovers of the outdoors and very suitable for those seeking long stays to fill with sports activities. Although if you are simply looking for a relaxing getaway close to the sea, this may also be your place.
Accommodation. The hotel offers from modern studios to self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms, all with large terraces and fabulous views. In total, some 214 accommodations, distributed on the two slopes that communicate with Cala Pola and Cala Giverola, modernized and functional, simple but very welcoming, and decorated in warm colors.
Notice to navigators: the resort is huge (luckily they help with the bags), so depending on where you stay, you will walk more or less (and uphill, sometimes), in search of the swimming pool, the sea, the restaurant… choose wisely! Although, in any case, the walk will always be a joy and we are on vacation, right?
Pool area in Pola Giverola.
In the table. The gastronomic side is essential for the traveler and that is why Pola Giverola is working on greatly improving this aspect of its offer. The complex is committed to restaurants and bars that They put the focus on the local product. Don't forget to stop by the ice cream bar on the beach, in which, by the way, you can charge what you take to the room simply by passing your comfortable bracelet-card (which also opens your accommodation).
The breakfast and dinner buffet, El Mercat, takes place in a large space – with a covered area and a small interior patio outdoors–, and offers beautiful views of the cove. It is quite varied and has some brushstrokes of excellence (such as Serrano ham or sausages of the area).
Nevertheless, our favorite is your l'Ona restaurant, located in a wonderful outdoor terrace on Giverola cove, next to the sand, where the service is very attentive and the rice is highly, highly recommended.
Pola Giverola Suite.
The plus. To complete the experience, the hotel has more than 400 square meters designed for the wellness. The spa area offers a heated swimming pool (with glass walls that reveal beautiful views of the natural surroundings), a fitness area and treatment rooms for comprehensive care and balance.
Their masseuses are very focused on sports physiotherapy, so, in addition to a relaxing protocol, they will provide you with a good benefit to your health. Abroad, twelve tennis courts, beach volleyball court, mini golf, Kids Club and bicycle workshop.
Sustainability. Sustainable development is one of the priorities of this new stage, so they are being progressively implemented policies of good environmental practices, ranging from the rationalization of the use of resources (energy, water, etc.), the reduction of waste and selective collection to the respect of the flora, fauna and the cultural resources of the place.