Costa Brava, SpainCanyelles Petites
Hotel Vistabella
Mediterranean bluff hotel
Canyelles Petites Costa Brava, Spain
Opened
1963
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ClassicOutside the door
Mediterranean bluff hotel
Open-air dining terraces hang over the Bay of Roses. Down at the water, the beach club welcomes arrivals by boat.
What it’s good at
Notable
Rooms span minimalist monochrome quarters to a surrealist suite lined with melting clocks.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Vistabella has been a jet-set favorite since the Sixties — just don’t expect a dated mid-century vibe.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Bonifaci Beach sits directly below the bluff, and central Roses is a short drive west along the bay.
The rooms
Monochrome suites have egg-shaped tubs. In the Surrealist suite, a painted screen of Mae West splits open to reveal the sea.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa
An outdoor whirlpool looks out over the bay, and treatment tables sit beneath a thatched pergola facing the Mediterranean.
At the table
Els Brancs serves creative seafood on the terrace, where tables flank an illuminated driftwood sphere at dusk.
How it began
The Veitl family arrived from Germany in 1960, constructing the hotel before this coastline had paved roads or running water.
The app
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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.