Staying at Almiral de la Font is a unique experience. This luxuriously restored “masia” (or Catalan manor house), just south of Barcelona, has been renovated with great care and attention to detail. It offers a big group of up to 28 a wonderful self-catering holiday, enjoying hi-tech modern comforts without sacrificing the atmosphere, historic charm and character of the original Spanish house.
Almiral was formerly used for winemaking and farming. It has more than 300 acres of private grounds with vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees, yet it is only a 30-minute drive from Barcelona and ten minutes from the lively beach resort of Sitges.Guests can follow 14km of tracks through the grounds.
This is an ideal villa for families, corporate groups and special occasions such as weddings, christenings and confirmations.
Almiral is a warm, 16th century building with large, beautifully decorated lounges, a large tiled courtyard with palm and citrus trees and a Moroccan lounge providing welcome shade during the hot summer months. There is an open fire in the gallery for cooler evenings off season.
A big group can holiday here in enormous comfort. The décor is traditional Catalan with contemporary flair, ie lots of dark wood, leather and tiles combined with discreet wall-lighting and splashes of colour in cushions, throws and artwork. Various wooden decks and tiled terraces have been added, so that there are plenty of quiet areas where individuals can escape the group for a while and relax. The pool is the piece de resistance, a huge infinity affair surrounded by sun-bleached tiles, teak loungers, umbrellas, a hammock and potted plants.
There are four double/twin bedrooms, three suites (each of which has a separate room and a double sofa bed) and one junior suite (with double sofa bed). All these rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
There's also a separate cottage very close by, which sleeps four (three single beds and a sofa bed) and has its own kitchen, bathroom and private access.
Your group can cook very happily in the big kitchen, but if you prefer to have some, or all, meals cooked for you, a chef can be arranged.
The house is beautifully equipped with everything recreational that both adults and children could ask for. This includes a hot tub jacuzzi, a home cinema, a snooker/billiards room, a lounge with satellite TV, and a children’s lounge with video and play station. There’s also a converted chapel and a Priest’s Hole.
In front of the house is the very large solar-heated, infinity pool (18.6 x 6 m), with a separate children’s pool nearby.
Other facilities include a built-in barbecue area, outdoor tables with parasols, telephone, central heating and air-conditioning.
Daily house cleaning, bed linen and bath towels are included. Extras which are available on request (and are not included in the price) include additional cleaning, catering, a chauffeur for private excursions, a babysitter, a telephone/fax and personal laundry.
Conferences: Presentational equipment can be obtained for seminars of up to 25.
Set high on a hillside near the Pinedes wine region, the house is surrounded by the Garaf National Park, and offers dramatic sea or mountain views from every room and terrace.
The closest town is Sant Pere De Ribes, two km away. This is the Penedes wine region, and both Penedes and Cava producers are within visiting distance for wine enthusiasts. You are also close to numerous good local restaurants and vineyards.
The beautiful beaches of Sitges are a short, ten-minute drive away.There are 17 different beaches along the bay. Beaches in front of the main town have sunbeds, pedaloes, etc, and the promenade is popular for early evening strolls.
Other attractions in the area include the city of Barcelona, the Garraf National Park (excellent hiking and mountain biking) and Port Aventura theme park, 45 minutes away in Tarragona.
Airport: Barcelona (25 mins); Reus (40 mins); Gerona (70 mins).
Station: Sitges (10 mins).
Eur 17000 High season
Eur 12000 Medium season and
Eur 8000 Low season
Shorter breaks available in low and mid season