Hotel La Bionda in Spain is a charming boutique hotel located in the quant village of Begur in Costa Brava, Spain. Hotel La Bionda has just 8 rooms in the hotel, each one uniquely designed by the wonderful Quintana Partners, a design studio based in Spain. The ever so lovely owner, Carla, dreamed up this hotel to be inspired by the many women who inhabited the building in the past - with a rich history in literature and the arts. Carla's heart and spirit was poured into this hotel and you can feel it the moment you walk through the door.
The Hotel and Surroundings
Begur itself is a charming town nestled in the hills with stunning views overlooking the Costa Brava coastline. The town of Begur is famous for its medieval castle, the narrow, winding alleys with cobble stone streets and the vibrant town square full of cafes and bars.
La Bionda is a short drive from the coast, allowing guests to explore the nearby rocky coves of Platja de Sa Riera and Platja de Aiguablava. Both bays offer a rocky terrain for you to perch your towel and belongings on before jumping in for what will be one of the best swims of your life. This part of Spain is truly unspoiled beauty, with charming homes and seaside cafes along each bay.
The Interiors
La Bionda is a small and intimate boutique hotel. Each of the eight guest rooms are designed uniquely with their own style and personality. While we stayed, we decided to switch rooms nearly every night to experience as many as we could! The lobby of the hotel was loosely inspired by a Wes Anderson film and you can feel the cinematic atmosphere with each and every detail thought up by Quintana Partners. The materials used throughout are thoughtful, with natural plaster walls and utilizing the existing stone ceilings wherever possible. We were particularly inspired by all of the antiques found throughout the guest rooms and hotel. This hotel truly felt like a friend's second home with a collected interior. One of Carla's special touches was the breakfast, made on gorgeous pottery that her uncle handmade and full of fresh, local produce, meats and cheeses.
In the neighborhood
Our favorite thing to do while in Costa Brava was to drive around to discover each and every cove we could find for the best swimming. We would set off for the day with our beach shoes and towels, in which we learned the hard way to use water shoes throughout the area whenever you find a cove to help you navigate the rocks. We started with Sa Tuna, a stunning bay adorned with seaside cottages and cafes. It is the perfect place to set your things down before you take off for a swim to Cala s'Eixugador or to the north, Cala d'Aiguafreda. We made a pit-stop for a drink at one of the hotels in Cala d'Aiguafreda (in our bathing suits) before heading back to our things in Sa Tuna.
Another cove to explore nearby is Platja d'Aiguablava. We loved exploring this cove with many places for you to rest your things and enjoy the stunning natural setting. There is a cafe on the water, Toc al Mar, and a nearby hotel, Parador d'Aiguablava if you'd like to stop in for a lunch nearby and rest from the sun. 
Within the picturesque town of Begur, you'll find plenty of charming restaurants and cafés, each offering a unique, local flavor. The town’s quaint streets are lined with inviting spots that blend effortlessly into the beautiful Mediterranean backdrop, particularly at dusk when the heat will break from the day.
We enjoyed a breakfast or lunch outside at Cafetería Es Castell. For coffees or a wine in the afternoon, we would stop at the lovely Fitzroy Cafe in town. For dinner, tapas at Taverna Son Molas for classic Catalan specialties or Casa Juanita. We had another beautiful dinner outside at Clara Begur, a stunning option serving fresh seafood and local wines. We spent several afternoons wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets of Begur, where every turn seemed to reveal a new hidden gem. It’s a town that encourages you to slow down and immerse yourself in its relaxed, local vibe.
