Inside our stunning retreat to Sitges – Spain’s bolthole of the rich and famous

IT had been over 20 years since my husband Andre and I had last been to Sitges and its centre has barely changed, although, like my waistline, the town itself has grown considerably.

While still very much part of the ‘Rainbow Triangle’ — Sitges, Mykonos and Ibiza — it has become a popular get-away-from-it-all destination for Barcelona’s rich and famous over the last ten years in particular.

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The hills overlooking the town are now festooned with mansions owned by TV stars and footballers, all trying to outdo each other with the size and grandeur of their ‘bolt­holes’ — one is currently on the market at €19million (£16.6million).

But if your budget won’t stretch to that, you can enjoy luxury for a fraction of the cost at Dolce by Wyndham Sitges Barcelona Hotel and Resort.

Set among the villas and mansions, it is built on the site of a 16th century watchtower that still stands in the stunningly landscaped pool area, and enjoys spectacular views.

The resort is surrounded by an immaculate golf course and in one direction, the Spa side overlooks the town and the sea, while the opposite pool side offers you the chance to star spot as you sunbathe.

Our Deluxe Mediterrani Room on the Spa side of the hotel was beautifully decorated in pale blues, greys and white, giving it a nautical feel.

The bathroom was well proportioned with a superb walk-in ‘rainforest’ shower with hydro-massage.

But perhaps the best thing about it was the balcony to make the best of those spectacular views.

It was the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise with an early morning coffee.

If seeking ultimate pampering you can enjoy a range of treatments and experiences at the hotel’s Spa, including vegan massages with SCENS oil, as well as reflexology and hot stone massage.

The Spa includes a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and indoor pool. For the more physically active there is also a well-equipped gym.

After all that wellbeing and exercise, it was time to explore the many bars and restaurants the resort has to offer.

From a light snack at the Oasis pool bar or lunch at the DDB Deli Bar to a cocktail in the relaxed and informal Bar Malvasia or dinner in Terraza La Punta restaurant there is something to suit all moods and appetites.

There is also the Verema restaurant which, as well as being the venue for the excellent buffet breakfast, doubles as a ‘show restaurant’ where special occasions are celebrated.

We were lucky enough to see a wedding taking place, complete with ring-bearing Golden Retriever, where the guests were served drinks from a VW Campervan Bar.

It’s a fabulous setting for a special occasion, but our choice for dinner was the spectacular Terraza La Punta restaurant.

Timing, as they say, is everything. So when we booked our table we made sure we got to enjoy the last of the day’s sunshine as it set over the hills, setting the tone for, what turned out to be, a truly magnificent dining experience.

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From the thick-cut tuna tartare with caramelised onion, avocado and crispy codium seaweed cookie my husband Andre chose as a starter, to the Turbot Catch of the Day from Vilanova fish market, with steamed green vegetables and saute potatoes of my main, every mouthful was delicious and perfectly cooked.

Everyone we had met at the resort, from the reception staff to the pool attendants, all seemed committed to making sure you felt like a superstar from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.

We might not be able to afford the €19million price tag of the luxury lifestyle holiday home nearby, but we were treated like kings throughout our stay at Dolces Sitges and came away feeling a million dollars.

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