Sanctuary at Sant Pere del Bosc-Costa Brava
Lloret de Mar in Costa Brava is well known for its beautiful coastline, and along the water is where most visitors choose to stay. I would however, recommend venturing off the beaten path and staying at least a night ( preferably 2 or 3) in one of the areas most scenic hotels. In a unique environment, up a long dusty road dotted with hikers carrying walking sticks, you will find sanctuary at Sant Pere del Bosc.
The hotel and spa are located in an restored and renovated monastary and your stay here will be a luxurious one. Historically, the property has gone through many transformations. Situated 5 km from the town center of Lloret de Mar, the estate originally belonged to a fisherman’s guild and was tied to the fishing tradition of Costa Brava. Dating back to the 10th century, the property contains a small chapel called Sant Pere Salu. Members of the Benedictine order inhabited the monastery until 1694, when it was set afire by French invaders. The monks were thereafter incorporated into Sant Pere de Galligans and the monastery was closed.
The buildings laid in disrepair almost 100 years, when the hermitage, originally Gothic, was rebuilt in a baroque style. History then gets a bit hazy, and in 1860 the property was purchased by Nicolau Font i Maig, an Indiano who had made his fortune in Cuba. The Count of Jaruoo as he was known, hired a young architect, Puig i Cadafalch, a Catalan modernist and student of Antonio Gaudi. Cadafalch renovated the buildings and created what is today an example of one of the greatest properties in Lloret de Mar.
In 2011, the descendants of Font found the ideal partnership for the conversion of the luxurious hotel occupying the property today. Surrounded by the quiet of the forest, the hotel rooms boast views all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Open grounds and gardens give way to the salt water pool and outdoor spaces for relaxation.
A spa zone is located in the garden of the hotel opposite the pool. There are three spacious rooms. Traditional massage, Vichy (a treatment such as a salt scrub and then shower while on the table) and Ayurvedic, one of the worlds oldest holistic healing systems are the themes. Over 50 different treatments are available. The spacious sunny terrace opposite the pool is the ideal place for the rest and finding sanctuary at Sant Pere del Bosc.
Each of the 19 rooms reflects individual design and attention to detail. Antiques and beautiful linens are accented with modern local art work. The tradition of the original monastery is felt, but there are modernist touches throughout giving homage to the architect responsible for the modern day structure.
Indiano is a word that is used to describe Spanish emigrants who, after finding their fortunes in the Americas, return to their native land. Reflecting the Indiano history of the property, the hotel’s restaurant, L`India represents the gastronomy of Costa Brava and the spirit surrounding the property. The cuisine is creative and appeals to all the senses using the best of local ingredients. A garden on the property supplies the kitchen and the menu offers many vegetarian options. Additional outdoor space is available for seating as well where you can take advantage of the lovely surroundings.
Should you need to leave the property, there are many hiking and biking trails in the area, but this is one spot where I would take advantage of all rest and relaxation it has to offer before venturing back down the dusty trail. Exceptional food, unusual decor and historical detail are offered in abundance at this unique destination. If Costa Brava is on your Spanish itinerary, the Hotel Sant Pere del Bosc should not be missed.
That pool and spa area alone is enough to get me to book a stay here. It looks absolutely wonderful.
Wonderful it was Adelina. The pool and spa were the icing on the cake!
Lloret de Mar in Costa Brava looks gorgeous, we were in Palafrugell last summer and loved it
I fell head over heels for the entire area Priya, and it sounds like you did too. I can’t wait to go back with my husband and explore a little deeper.
Lloret de Mar is here mostly known as a party place so it is great to see some other pics as well .) loooove the stairways”
I was there in the shoulder season, so lucky me missed most of the party scene. I’ve seen plenty of photos to make me happy I was able to travel before Lloret really started rocking!
This hotel looks so beautiful. The Costa Brava is usually known as a Mass-Tourist destination for cheap and in-authentic vacations for the resort-style traveler. Great to know that there are some hidden gems like this left!
I felt the same way until I discovered the Sant Pere del Bosc Maria. Would go back there in a second!
Beautiful photos! I must go to Costa Brava soon. That pool is calling me.
I was in Lloret de Mar last year and wish I had known about this beautiful Spa. Nice pictures.
It was definitely off the radar of most Bola. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to visit Sant Pere del Bosc!
‘We can dream’, George, my partner, commented as he was reading your post and looking at the pictures of the sanctuary at Sant Pere del Bosc. I think we must make this dream come true!
What a nice comment-thank you Marcelle! I hope you and George do get there.
Darn! I wish I had checked this place out last year when I was in Lloret de Mar and TBEX. What a beautiful place…especially the pool. I liked when you wrote, “Should you need to leave the property…”. I was thinking, “No, I would NOT leave the property!”
Janice-I wish I had known you were at TBEX! Next time….
Sant Pere del Bosc looks like a beautiful place to stay. It’s also special to stay in a place with its history. With the peaceful surroundings, elegant accommodations and spa, I’d be extremely torn between exploring the area and savouring my time at the hotel.
There’s no reason you can’t do both Donna. The hiking and walking trails are adjacent to the property, making it easy to take in the nearby forest and come back to luxuriate by the pool!
Sant Pere del Bosc looks amazing! I love the first photo with the lavender in the foreground — stunning. The indoor pool is calling my name — kind of reminds me of hot springs for some reason. 🙂 I love the Costa Brava region of Spain and would love to return.
I’m with you Patti. The beauty of the coastline was something I wasn’t expecting, partially because I knew so little about it. Would love to return someday with my husband.