Boutique Hotel Villa Gala

You’d be forgiven for thinking Barcelona and Catalonia were one and the same — but drive up the Mediterranean coast through the province of Girona and you’ll find it’s got charms far beyond the urban. Just over two hours from the Catalan capital you’ll find the town of Cadaqués, presiding over a harbor on a rocky peninsula, a picturesque seaside town that’s played host to the likes of Picasso, Joan Miró, and Marcel Duchamp, and features a museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí. It’s an auspicious setting for the right kind of boutique hotel, a place with a keen visual sense and a flair for the dramatic — a description that suits Boutique Hôtel Villa Gala to a tee.

The rooms are surprisingly modern in style, with a color palette that’s tightly focused on blue-on-white, and well-chosen contemporary furnishings and artworks. All feature balconies or terraces, some with truly inspiring views of the town, and all come with indulgent comforts like espresso machines and 42-inch televisions. Borrow a bike or book a boat for a tour of Cadaqués and the surrounding environs, and be back at Villa Gala for dinner — the restaurant is as stylish as the rest of the hotel, and serves Catalan and Mediterranean fare with a panoramic view from the terrace.