You’ll find the coastal town of Sitges just a short drive or train ride from Barcelona’s city centre, yet (especially in the summer) it can feel a million miles away; with its numerous beaches, sweeping promenade, and historical sites. Renowned for its film festival and as a popular destination for the LGBT community, the compact town is blessed with both the Mediterranean and Parc Natural del Garraf; which makes for some of the highest property prices in Europe and a air of distinction.
Avenida Sofia Hotel & Spa is entirely fitting of this waft of prestige, a modern property with 77 guest rooms and sustainability at its core (the first hotel in Europe awarded LEED Platinum). Occupying an ideal spot just a couple of blocks from the beach, there’s that sort of Med vibe here that is at once laid-back and cosmopolitan; from its sleek glass-fronted reception area to a jaw-dropping rooftop swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
The rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, parquet flooring, and views of the mountains or sea. We were fortunate enough to bag ourselves a bright and spacious junior suite complete with Valenti chaise longue, free-standing bathtub, and separate rain shower; with a plentiful supply of Molton Brown goodies. Bathroom fittings have been designed exclusively for the hotel by pioneers in sustainability, Hasgrohe, who create environmentally-friendly products and sophisticated recycling systems. Speaking of recycling, each room at the Avenida Sofia is heated with 30% of outside air filtering, a bonus for those with allergies or respiratory problems.
The real jewel in this crown, though, is Avenida Sofia’s spa. A variety of treatments await, as does the spacious ‘floatarium’; salt-water pool and hydrotherapy circuit; plunge pool; Finnish sauna; and steam room. An oxygen cabin is available for those looking to go the full Michael Jackson.
After a few hours of healing the mind the body, head to the roof terrace — where there’s 360-degree views of the town — to dive into a tipple and dinner, or evening swim. Order in the tapas and cava, and get yourself in position for another rousing sunset. Ah, just another day on the Med.
