Costa Brava, SpainCastell d'Emporda
Castell d'Empordà
Restored medieval castle
Castell d'Emporda Costa Brava, Spain
Opened
2001
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LocalOutside the door
Restored medieval castle
A fourteenth-century fortress pairs medieval battlements with modern architecture, looking out across the olive groves of the Empordà plain.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A fourteenth-century fortified castle and chapel, designated as national cultural heritage.
Notable
Contemporary bedroom interiors and a striking rust-colored parasol roof framing medieval stone walls.
Listed
Terraces overlooking the olive groves and farmland of the surrounding Baix Empordà plain.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
the shared spaces continue this marriage of old and new, from the lounges to the restaurant to the wine-cellar bar or the rooftop terrace — there’s not a single space in the Castell that’s anything less than dramatic.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The ceramic workshops of La Bisbal sit down the hill, and Costa Brava beach coves are twenty minutes away.
The rooms
Original Castle and Tower rooms retain their fourteenth-century stone walls, while adjacent garden suites offer contemporary, open layouts.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Two freshwater pools sit on stone terraces, one framed by medieval castle walls and the other bordering woodland.
Restaurant
Tres Margarit
Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the Empordà valley, and an inner dining room sits beneath historic stone vaults.
At the table
Evening drinks are served on the open terrace overlooking the plain, followed by nightcaps in the vaulted cellar bar.
How it began
In 1973, Salvador Dalí offered to buy the castle with his paintings, but the owner refused, demanding cash instead.
Costa Brava
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.