The breath-taking coastal region of Sitges, located just 35 kilometres southwest of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, has long been associated with the glitz and glamour of a life of luxury, and is a popular haunt amongst the rich and famous during the summer months.
Exuding all the sophistication and elegance of the French Riviera, this Spanish gem has become a sought-after holiday destination for discerning travellers seeking a blend of excitement and relaxation, and with a vibrant culinary scene, great nightlife and stunning surroundings, it’s the perfect place to head to for an extended summer break.
Of course, any luxury getaway is only as lavish as your choice of accommodation, and in Sitges, the five-star Eurostars Sitges remains unmatched. Surrounded by the beautiful Parc Natural del Garraf and a private golf course, this secluded haven is the perfect option if you’re eager to feel like you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days without actually being too far from it, and promises lavish facilities and a peaceful atmosphere in an oasis of calm, all just a stone’s throw from the heart of the action.
Previously known as Dolce Sitges, the hotel has undergone a recent refurbishment, inspired by the natural landscape the hotel sits in and the Mediterranean Sea of which you can see from most of the resort. With opulent amenities and impeccable service, there’s little more you could want from a high-end hotel. LLM’s editor-in-chief Nick Gibbens checked in to find out more about this Mediterranean gem.
Hotel
The elegant Eurostars Sitges certainly knows how to make an impression, and in only the most wonderful of ways. A breath-taking building standing within sprawling, green grounds, it was clear from the moment I set foot in the lobby that service here would be excellent, with a quick and seamless check-in process and an attentive team of staff who were friendly and welcoming without going overboard, getting the balance just right.
This fresh-faced hotel has been given a decidedly contemporary makeover, with large, open spaces that enjoy plenty of natural light and a host of modern facilities, which include four inviting swimming pools (including splash pools for the kids), nestled under tall palm trees, each making for the perfect spot for relaxing with a good book on one of the comfortable chairs or sun loungers, enjoying a drink, or taking a dip to cool off on those hot summer days.
The infinity pool, with its glorious views out onto the golf course and over the hilly and exclusive side of Can Girona, where the impressive mansions of the wealthy can be spotted in the distance, was my favourite spot to kick back and unwind. You can order food and drink from the beach bar throughout the day to keep yourself thoroughly satiated.
If you’re the active type, then you can also maintain your fitness routine in the hotel’s gym, which is fully equipped with the latest Technogym equipment – or, if you’d rather kick back and relax, then you can opt to indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the Eurostars Sitges’ lavish on-site spa.
The Elya Vital Spa draws inspiration from the sea to provide guests an experience of complete calm and boasts seven treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, steam room and ice fountain – going over and above to deliver all you could possibly want from your time here. And the treatments themselves are second to none – but be sure to book them a few days in advance, as unsurprisingly, slots fill up fast.
Then, of course, that impressive golf course. Think verdant undulating fairways and breath-taking views over the Mediterranean Sea – could a casual round of this much-loved outdoor sport really get any better?
If you’re visiting for business, rather than pleasure, then you’ll be pleased to know that the Eurostars Sitges has 2,000m2 dedicated to conference and meeting spaces, too, with an impressive 27 rooms of varying sizes in total.
With world-class facilities like these, you could easily spend your entire break inside the hotel grounds enjoying them all – although it would be almost rude not to experience some of what Sitges has to offer whilst visiting this captivating town.
Rooms and suites
Home to 263 stylish and contemporary Mediterranean-inspired rooms and suites, each exudes the hotel’s signature contemporary design, with the sleekest of aesthetics featuring throughout. Spacious and tastefully appointed, beds are delightfully comfortable and the linens are of the highest quality, so if you’re dreaming of the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a while then you’re almost certain to get it here.
Bright and breezy spaces punctuated with plush soft furnishings, large, floor-to-ceiling windows let plenty of light in and remind you that in Sitges it always feels like summer.
And there are yet more of those incredible ocean views or Sitges town vistas from many of the rooms’ private wooden terraces, too. Mine offered a privileged viewpoint from which to take in both a slice of the Med and the on-course golfing action, which proved to be the very best of both worlds.
Each room combines relaxation and workspaces, but as always, it’s the little details that count. The sumptuous bathrobes and slippers and selection of pillows make it easy to get comfortable and relax, while a 55-inch smart TV with international channels, HDMI, USB and hush-speed Wi-Fi connection ensure that both working and enjoying some in-room entertainment go without a hitch. There’s also a coffee machine, 24-hour room service, amenities, individual control of air conditioning and heating, a safe and a host of other welcome extras.
Food and drink
The Eurostars Sitges Hotel doesn’t do things by halves, and in fact, it takes gastronomy to all new heights, offering an impressive culinary experience across its three restaurants (as well as great drinks at its three bars) that can’t help but impress even the most discerning of guests.
Ultra modern Catalan restaurant Terrassa La Punta is an unequivocal highlight, with its lovely sun-soaked terrace and stylish ceramic-adorned interiors creating setting the scene for a memorable lunch or dinner. Here, head chef Jaume Balada’s creative seasonal menus skilfully blend local and international flavours in a host of tantalising and beautifully-presented dishes – from the sumptuous spinach and pine nut canelons (stuffed pasta) to the light and delicious Ebro Delta-style rice with monkfish, and fresh grilled turbot some of the standout dishes.
There’s an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with the fish of the day brought straight from the day boats over in neighbouring Vilanova, meat from local farmers and an almost criminally tasty organic olive oil you’ll want to drizzle on every single dish you try.
And, as the hotel is located close to one of the finest wine regions in Europe, you can be sure you’ll find a fine selection of wines to wash it all down with.
Breakfast is served in the Verema Restaurant – a large, open space offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and down over Sitges, with a bright and spacious terrace that exudes a French bistro feel. The set-up is a relaxed one; you can enjoy buffet-style dining and a decadent selection of treats to ensure you start your day off just right, from freshly-baked pastries and artisanal sobrasada, to Spanish cheeses, and fresh tomatoes.
If you prefer to have something whipped up especially for you, then chefs are on hand to dish up freshly made omelettes and other hot dishes at the show-cooking stand.
Outside, the Alea Bar offers magnificent sea views and a wide selection of aperitifs and cocktails al fresco. The stylish bar Malvasia is also worth a visit, which, with its inviting ambience, is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a carefully crafted evening cocktail or sample from an impressive selection of fine wines. If you’d like something special, then simply chat to the friendly and knowledgeable bartenders who will go out of their way to create it for you.
You can also choose from a menu of light bites, ranging from sandwiches and burgers to local cold cuts and cheeses if you’re feeling a little bit peckish. And the Deli bar is a more casual alternative, serving up pizzas, salads and all of your usual favourite drinks.
For casual daytime dining, you can find the Oasis Pool Bar nestled amidst the hotel’s beautifully landscaped pools and gardens, with cocktails, ice creams, smoothies and light snacks the order of the day.
To do
If you do want to get out and about and explore a bit of Sitges, the hotel offers a regular shuttle service that will take you back and forth from the hotel to Sitges Beach – just ask the concierge, who will arrange it for you.
The Eurostars Sitges Hotel serves as an ideal base for venturing out and discovering the town’s hidden treasures, and with its prime location near the beach (Sitges has 17 in total), you can spend the day relaxing on the sand, partake in water sports such as sailing, paddleboarding, or jet skiing, or simply people-watching.
Sitges is also known for having a vibrant cultural scene, and hosts a string of famous events throughout the year, including the internationally acclaimed Sitges Film Festival. If you’re seeking refuge from the hot summer weather then duck into the Cau Ferrat and Maricel museums, which showcase an impressive collection of modernist and medieval art.
Only slightly further afield, you can head to the Garraf Natural Park to do a spot of hiking or mountain biking whilst enjoying yet more breath-taking vistas.
In a nutshell
Eurostars Sitges effortlessly encapsulates the glamorous allure of Sitges, and is a must if you’re visiting the region this summer. You can expect stylish Mediterranean-inspired design, truly world-class facilities and a range of impressive dining options that will leave you wanting for nothing – and it’s all delivered with friendly and unpretentious service throughout.
Factbox
Rates at Eurostars Sitges start from €195 per night, inclusive of breakfast.
Address: Av. Camí de Miralpeix, 12, 08870, 08870 Sitges, Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 938 10 90 00
Website: eurostarshotels.co.uk/eurostars-sitges.html
All hotel imagery credit: Eurostars Sitges
