Venus by the artist Joan Rebull in the pool of the hotel La Gavina
Summer on the Costa Brava sounds like one of those eternal melodies. The vibrant turquoise and Mediterranean white that color this Girona landscape they flood our retinas with such beauty that it is impossible not to see la vie en rose. **
Although if we were to put soundtrack to one of the dips in the sea water pool most spectacular of S'Agaro, the luxurious villa nestled in the Bajo-Empordà municipality of Castell-Platja d'Aro , would Le coup de soleil, by Richard Cocciante.
Elizabeth Taylor on the Costa Brava during the filming of 'Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)', by Mankiewicz.
And is that not to cross the fine line between tan and that excess ultraviolet rays that gives its name to the eighties song becomes an arduous task when you meet soaking at the feet of the artist Joan Rebull's Venus, or under the sun in one of the hammocks Hotel La Gavina , among which stands said sculpture.
This five-star Grand Luxe, which opened its doors in 1932 and which since 1962 it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it was in the 50's filming scene of Hollywood movies like Pandora and the Flying Dutchman , with Ava Gardner; Suddenly last summer , with the mythical white bathing suit of Elizabeth Taylor on the Sant Pol beach; Y Mr. Arkadin, by Orson Welles.
Since then, actors, artists and other personalities of culture and politics -see the back then Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Aziz Sedki have surrendered to the charms of the lodging that designed by Josep Ensesa Gubert with the help of the architect Rafael Masó -precursor of Noucentisme-, and that two generations later is still in charge of his family.
Blue Bar and its views of the Sant Pol bay
Sofia Loren, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Salvador Dalí and Ernest Hemingway enjoyed the refined cocktails of the Bar The Boat , as have Jack Nicholson, Robert de Niro and Lady Gaga.
La Gavina has 74 romantic rooms , mostly with sea views and whose decoration winks at local tradition, differentiating its 21 suites in three styles: Mediterranean, Elizabethan and French , such as the royal suite, inspired by the time of Louis XV.
One of the junior suites at La Gavina
Relics such as Flemish tapestries, Romanesque carvings, bargueños of the s. XVII, Murano lamps and vases from Sèvres decorate the rooms. Those who crave more privacy have La Villa: three en-suite bedrooms, a private patio, a large living room with sea views and a kitchen, though **it's worth leaving star chef Romain Fornell in the kitchen. **
Special mention to lobster à la presse with capellini and tarragon from Candlelight restaurant , without forgetting the special lobster and chicken recipe with which La Taverna del Mar commemorates this 2020 the centenary of the Baths of S'Agaró , the colorful booths on the beach of Sant Pol . a delight
As are the treatments his spa -which collaborates with Valmont-, the scent of magnolias, lemon trees, the breeze... It was and will continue to be for a reason the favorite retreat for those who love understated luxury. Is there another?
The Garbí restaurant's rice dishes are a delight
This report was published in number 140 of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (July and August). Subscribe to the printed edition (11 printed issues and a digital version for €24.75, by calling 902 53 55 57 or from our website). The July and August issue of Condé Nast Traveler is available at its digital version to enjoy it on your favorite device..