We have just finished the most amazing month in Costa Brava, a region near the top right section of Spain in an area called Catalunya.

We have been here for a travel writers conference called TBEX and decided to come and stay for a little time earlier than the Congress, and stay a little longer afterward, because we knew the area had so much to offer.

But whilst we were at the TBEX conference we had the privilege of living the luxury lifestyle in Lloret de Mar at Hotel Rigat Park & Spa, a stunning traditional family owned hotel, right on the beach front.

One reason we chose Hotel Rigat Park & Spa was that they offered us complimentary parking, and as we drove up the grand driveway to the top of the hill, we enjoyed the luxurious garden, complete with its ornate sculptures that blended in with the lush and densely planted greenery of their huge garden area.

We parked the car under cover at the top of the hill, and there was a guest elevator to use to go to the reception or a lovely stairway that we took where we found an amazing entrance area.

Maritime antiques seemed to decorate so many areas in style, and it was a really interesting entrance way. We took our time to discover many of the unusual items that were displayed outside before we stepped into this lovely and traditional Spanish style hotel.

Inside we are immediately impressed with the family collection of memorabilia and antiques, many with a maritime theme to them.

Explorason really liked this old fella!

There are many areas to relax, and we found ourselves wishing we had more time here besides the TBEX event we spent most of our days and nights at during our stay.

So I can well imagine that even if it rained here in Costa Brava, you would still love your time at Hotel Rigat Park & Spa because it had a warmth and comfort to the social areas it offered us. Fortunately, we didn’t get any rain during our stay though, the weather was magnificent for spring.

I think this was my favorite indoor area (photo above) at Hotel Rigat Park & Spa, but there really were quite a few areas including the bar.

Mind you, there was no need to wait until afternoon – if you wanted to start your day with some of the famous Catalunya Cava, or some fine Champagne. There at breakfast was always a chilled bottle waiting.

I really loved the historical feel of the Hotel Rigat Park & Spa, and breakfast time was no exception.  

Most mornings there were two or three areas laid out with a fantastic array of hot and cold buffet style food and beverages for us to select from.

On every table were fresh exotic flowers giving a happy feel to the start of the day.

There are also several outdoor dining areas, some more suited to the summer months and alfresco dining or poolside relaxation. You can see( in the photo below) how on a busy day this would be filled with holidaymakers enjoying the Spanish sun by the pool.

In the distance and up the stairs (in the photo below) there is also two separate outdoor seating areas, so plenty of places to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd if you wanted that.

Or we could head down and meet new friends by the pool area that overlooked the beach and cove below.

There was also an underground tunnel that leads to the pool area, and another tunnel/staircase that was a private entrance to the beach, and these walkways were tastefully decorated in grand and old style memorabilia too.

Explorason loved to explore around here.

On one day we headed down for a lovely glass of Cava for myself at the beachside bar, whilst Explorason enjoyed a soft drink.  We really had the perfect location and liked how we could walk along the beach front area.

Our balcony was the perfect place to relax in the afternoon when we had visitors from the TBEX conference.

We were both single Mums, and our boys also became friends, so we have nicknamed ‘the sisters’ at the conference.

This spring day was just perfect, and then we headed downstairs so that Explorason and his friend could have a swim in the indoor heated pool in the spa area. We, of course, sat on the side and chatted – as ladies do!

It was so great to see Explorason have time with his new friend, as they lay by the pool and shared their stories.  To me, this is often more valuable time than when the kids are using computers and mobile gaming devices in this age of technology.

There is also a lovely jacuzzi down there in the spa area, and I was able to hop into it and have a shot “me” time.

And on the side is a massage area and also a separate Spa Treatment area (where guests can be pampered during their stay).

As we headed back up to our charming room on our last day, we were really sad to leave.

The staff had all been so lovely to us, and we had loved every aspect of the Hotel Rigat Park & Spa.

We so loved the old world charm, the family hospitality, and of course the amazing location.

We would return here in a heartbeat!

Accommodation Name: Hotel Rigat Park & Spa

Location: AV. AMERICA 1, LLORET DE MAR – Girona – Costa Brava – Catalunya, 17310, Spain

Telephone:  972 36 52 00   Fax: 972 37 04 11

email: info@rigat.com

Website: http://www.rigat.com/EN/hotel.html

Date stayed: April 2015

Breakfast: A full hot and cold buffet style breakfast is served daily from 8:00 a.m.

Bar: Yes including poolside service, beachside bar, and an indoor bar

Wi-fi: We had great wifi in our room

Child-friendly: Yes well-behaved children are welcome, with respect to the magnificent antiques that are placed throughout the property.