Hostal Sa Rascassa, Near Begur, Catalonia, Spain - Explore & Book

"At this five-roomed hostelry, it's all about the food. In-the-know gourmands come from afar to dine at the exceptional restaurant and soak up the sensational surroundings; Sa Rascassa sits on a pine-covered hill, and it's a mere 50m from a quiet unspoilt cove with clear water, with coastal paths to superb nearby beaches. From your quietly stylish room you can hear the waves lap on the shore. The real highlight, though, is the restaurant, laid out under trees bedecked with fairy lights, and overseen by super-friendly staff. The menu is fabulous, with pear and walnut tarts and lobster and chicken bake among the Catalan favourites; the extensive range of wines is similarly up to par. Grab a chilled cerveza from the honesty bar and watch the sun drop into the silvery sea to round off the day. If you can find availability here, grab it with both hands - you won't regret it! Highs The food is worth the drive alone, some of Catalonia's best; we feasted on straight-from-the-sea fish and rock mussels, grilled and steamed to perfection Fantastic sea views from the rooms' shared terrace All you can hear are the birds in the trees and the waves splashing the shore; the ambiance is super-relaxing Wonderful walks that lead out from the front door, and great snorkelling/diving in crystal-clear waters; you can plunge straight into the Med from the harbour below the hotel All the staff we met were charming and helpful, stopping to chat over dinner, and pleased to give advice on the region to hotel guests Lows The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays Rooms are fairly simple, and can be noisy during the evenings due to their position above the buzzy restaurant No pool, and you're left to your own devices from 4.30-7.30pm (this isn't a full-service hotel) July and August feel very busy, and generally have a 4-night and 7-night min stay respectively, though this can be flexible Nervous drivers might baulk at the steep 3km road from Begur, and the car park is often full in peak season (you might have to unload then park further up the hill)" - Laura Dixon