DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH – AQUA HOTEL SILHOUETTE & SPA
It’s always such a pleasure when you have found a hotel or restaurant you cannot complain about! It’s rare.
For many years now we have been reviewing hotels and restaurants throughout Europe. However, in the past two years we have been invited to comment on our experiences during business and leisure stays too.
We recently visited the Aqua Hotel Silhouette & Spa in beautiful Costa Brava, Spain.
The main attractions were i) how easy it was to book; the website is available in English and that is not standard in Spain and ii) it was Adults Only. Perfect! However, we know only too well how websites can lure you into what is sometimes anything but perfect, meaning that we set off with doubts. We need not have!
The train journey from Barcelona Sants was just short of two and a half hours travelling along the very edge of Costa Brava’s gorgeous coast line. Cameras propped up against the window is essential. It also helps to know that the weather in Costa Brava is almost always sunny.
Arriving at Malgrat de Mar is disappointing for two reasons. Firstly you have to end your beautifully scenic journey – you’ve arrived. Secondly because it isn’t that impressive. Sure it has a wide beach and the sun will almost definitely be shining but the town is a bit grim (the ‘rough’ we referred to earlier). Remember though this is an Adults Only hotel and spa! We cannot imagine anyone feeling the need to leave this diamond of a hotel.
We received the warmest of welcomes from the front desk Manager and her staff. There was no waiting as plenty of smiling faces were available to check in guests.
The lobby entrance is large, spacious and light with an air of tranquility that we have not found easy to find in Spain before. Our room on the third floor was bright, clean and modern overlooking the swimming pools and surrounding gardens which were arranged across different levels and were exquisite. The exotic flowers and tropical foliage had us wondering if we actually were still in Europe. Clearly this hotel and gardens are attended to with sheer dedication and detail, creating a perfect, peaceful escape.
Our first visit to the restaurant for dinner did not disappoint. A long, slow walk around the large dining room in order to explore the culinary delights that are presented in an array of colourful dishes, from around the world, is a must. Every meal time the selection is different – just as you think you’ve tried everything, the dishes change again. The kitchen and dining staff at this hotel are absolutely sure of their roles – not a thing wavers – and that certainly extends to the immaculate service.
We tended to allow our dining experience to extend several hours. The lavish buffet of goodness knows how many items, is very impressive. We cannot praise the professionalism and friendliness of the restaurant staff enough. We enjoyed extensive breakfasts and dinners (delightful lunches are also served), accompanied by a wide range of wines. Whatever we asked for was with us in minutes – I don’t think we heard the word ‘no’ once.
We were honestly delighted that the surrounding town had nothing to lure us out of this heavenly experience. When we were not lazing in the gardens on one of the hundreds of sun loungers (never a need to reserve) sipping a cocktail from the hotel’s elaborate bar or swimming amongst the pools’ islands, we were reclining on one of the elegantly designed cabanas in the spa. The Wellness & Spa is beautifully spacious offering a range of tempting treatments, a heated pool with massage jets, Turkish baths, sauna and steam room – all with the luxurious calm atmosphere you long for on any relaxing holiday.
Aqua Hotel Silhouette & Spa is a thoroughly smart and efficient hotel. The attention to detail, the professionalism of the warm and friendly staff and the outstanding service throughout this surprisingly impressive property makes it your only stop in Spain’s Costa Brava, if you are seeking value-for-money excellence, peace, rest and relaxation.
End.
Note to Editors
All enquiries, interviews and image rights please contact:
Stephanie St James
Tel: +44 (0)1273 806950 or +44 (0)7976 973951 or +34 645 323 400
stephanie@stephaniestjamespr.com
More images available upon request.
www.aquahotel.com
www.stephaniestjamespr.com