Villa Xarmada

The villa

With four contemporary yet uniquely stylish bedrooms, homely living areas, a fantastically well - equipped modern kitchen, and a wonderful outdoor area that houses an inviting swimming pool as well as cosy seating areas, all offering a spectacular panoramic view over the surrounding landscape and the Mediterranean Sea beyond, we think Villa Xarmada makes a great choice for those looking to uncover the delights of Begur in comfort and style.

Nestled in the picturesque hills above Begur on Spain's ever - popular Costa Brava, the home is spread over two levels and offers a range of handy amenities, including off - street parking for up to two vehicles, perfect if you will be hiring a car during your stay!

We especially love the communal areas of this home and think they provide the perfect setting for a laid - back night filled with good food and great company. Speaking of good food, the strikingly minimalist kitchen, complete with a breakfast bar, is simply made for coming together to cook and dine.

Why not try your hand at replicating some of the dishes you discovered during your explorations of the local towns? We're especially fond of a flavourful fish and vegetable stew called Cim i Tomba and are already imagining putting an aromatic pot of it on to simmer while someone cracks open a bottle of wine and the whole group gathers in the adjacent garden for a pre - dinner drink and a debrief of the day. The choice is then yours as to whether to dine alfresco in the balmy Spanish summer air or make use of that understated though smart dining area.

One of the best things about this home is the way that boundaries between inside and out become blurred, as there is direct access to the beautiful garden and that incredible vista that follows from the entire open - plan living space.

Inside, you will find four beautifully decorated double bedrooms (which can be substituted for single beds with prior notice), each of which has been finished with its own unique colour palette and distinct aesthetic. The bedrooms, three of which are ensuite, create a sense of calm and offer the perfect place to retreat and relax after a long day of sun (and maybe some Sangria).

Awake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated before taking the time to pamper yourself a little in one of the simple yet luxurious - feeling bathrooms, some of which boast rainforest showers. Follow that with a cup of coffee out on the terrace, and you've got yourself a pretty great way to start the day…

Villa Xarmada boasts a great location close to the centre of Begur, where you will find a selection of cafes, bars, and bustling local restaurants serving fresh local cuisine. While the centre of Begur is just 600 metres away, please note that the walk is quite hilly and might not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Luckily, there is parking for up to two cars on the property and taxi services are available in the local area if you prefer to explore the area by car instead of on foot.

The town itself has an array of shops and markets to explore and lies within reach of numerous secluded coves like Sa Tuna and Aiguablava. It's easy to reach towns like La Bisbal and Palafrugell from Begur too (both are within a 20 - minute drive), and you're also well - placed to discover the region's larger cities, with Girona around 50 minutes away by car and vibrant Barcelona reachable in just around an hour. Other highlights of the area include the upmarket resort of Llafranc, a popular haunt for celebrities and the European jet set, and, further south, the stunning botanical gardens of Cap Roig.

The popular beaches of the Costa Brava are also just a short drive away, such as the secluded coves and soft sands of Sa Riera beach, which can be found at a distance of just 3 kilometres. Though the beach is popular with both tourists and locals alike, its wide sands mean it rarely feels crowded, and so it offers a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon in the company of your loved ones. The village itself cascades down a hillside and is watched over by a ruined medieval castle. Full of rich Catalan charm, there are loads of welcoming local restaurants here, too, as well as a lively central square and a pretty park that's great for kids.

The home also offers beguiling 180 - degree views over the surrounding landscape, from the Cap de Creus to the Montgri Massif and across the whole of the Emporda plain. The glittering waters of the Mediterranean Sea are also visible in the distance. Imagine pouring yourself a glass of your favourite sunset tipple and heading out to the terrace to sip it as the sun begins to dip low in the sky and the whole view is gradually washed with a soft golden light.