Can Bonastre Wine Resort
Spain: Catalonia: Masquefa
Set amongst 60 hectares of vineyards the heart of Catalonia's wine country, Can Bonastre Wine Resort is an upscale oasis located 45 minutes by car from Barcelona. With only 12 accommodations, this small but enchanting property boasts spa facilities with an indoor pool, an acclaimed restaurant featuring contemporary Catalan cuisine, event facilities and, of course, a functioning winery. Opened in 2007, all buildings on the estate were renovated by a renowned Catalan architect who restored the historical beauty of the structures while blending modern features such as lighting and state of the art fixtures.

The 12 accommodations are housed in the estate's main villa that dates to 1548. Rooms are uniquely designed yet share the same light and airy minimalist theme. Bold accent walls, blond woods, white linens and striking floral displays render a warm and comfortable feeling of understated luxury. The two suites have separate living rooms and soaking tubs and each accommodation has cleverly designed bathrooms that are enclosed with glass walls displaying topographical drawings of the peaks of Montserrat Mountain sketched on the surface creating a semi-private space.

The formal restaurant, Tribia, is located in the former wine cellar and has views of Montserrat Mountain. The outstanding cuisine, which fuses traditional Catalan dishes with modern touches, are creations of the very talented and young chef, Carlos Milan, who has worked under Spain's Michelin star chef, Carme Ruscalleda. There is a less formal restaurant adjacent to the main building that has a wine shop where wine tastings are held. Seven different wines are produced on the estate. The hotel's spa offers a multitude of treatments specializing in wine therapy. The soothing spa space includes a semi circular indoor pool with panoramic countryside views, sensation showers, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi tub and treatment rooms.

Aside from wine tastings, other activities available on the estate include visits to the vineyards and guided tours through the wine making process as well as helicopter flights and Segway vineyard excursions. Guests interested in viniculture can easily visit neighboring wine cellars, particularly those located in the Peneds wine region; the well-known Freixenet cellar is only 15 minutes by car. Also nearby and not to be missed is Montserrat Mountain with its striking jagged peaks that can be visited by funicular. On a clear day views of the whole of Catalonia, from the sea to the Pyrenees, can be viewed from the highest peak. The mountain also houses the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary, an ancient Benedictine abbey.