La Bionda: A Boutique Hotel in Begur, a 17th Century Gem of Sustainability and Style
While there are many extraordinary and unique hotels across the world, occasionally, you encounter places that inexplicably touch your heart. La Bionda, gracefully nestled in the heart of Begur, is undoubtedly one of these treasures. This boutique gem is masterfully curated by its remarkable owner, Carla, who infuses every aspect, from the kitchen's culinary artistry to the meticulously designed interiors, with effortless and impeccable taste.
Stepping into the lobby, your eyes are drawn to the star of the show - a reception desk resplendent in vibrant red, a bespoke creation for La Bionda by the esteemed Quintana Partners Studio. Adorning the walls is an exquisite tapestry by none other than Jean Picart le Doux. Originally a 17th-century residence, this house has been meticulously restored to perfection, with every detail lovingly attended to by Quintana Partners, ensuring the preservation of its original architectural splendour while unwaveringly prioritising sustainability to minimise its environmental footprint
La Bionda's Inspirational Story
In the 1930s, the captivating La Bionda played host to gatherings that drew influential women from around the world—intellectuals, writers, actresses, singers, artists, sportswomen, and prominent figures of the early 20th century graced her esteemed guest list. In 2020, Carla, the visionary founder behind La Bionda hotel, paid homage to this remarkable woman by bestowing the establishment with her name. Carla's unwavering commitment to creating a distinctive and welcoming space earned La Bionda a coveted spot on the prestigious Condé Nast Rural Hot List in the very same year. Her warmth and authenticity, mirroring the spirit of La Bionda, imbue the present-day establishment with a unique sense of belonging. The hotel stands as a tribute to the enduring essence of remarkable women and the gatherings they nurtured.
A Stay in Pure Elegance
When questioned about the eight rooms within the hotel, Carla shared her rationale behind keeping their number limited. While she acknowledged the possibility of adding more, she emphasised the importance of maintaining a manageable quantity. This decision, she explained, was rooted in her desire to offer a high level of personal care and attention to each room.
Each of the eight rooms exudes its own unique character, yet all are carefully infused with elements that seamlessly blend together to create a harmonious atmosphere. A perennial favourite among guests is the 'Joséphine.' This intimate retreat, designed for two, boasts a charming terrace that beckons you to savour the sun's warmth or simply revel in the mesmerising view. As night falls, the room's occupants are serenaded by the vibrant cityscape below. The centrepiece of the room is an expansive and elegantly appointed bed, flanked by two distinctive dark wood nightstands. Artistic adornments thoughtfully placed around the room add a touch of mystique to its meticulously curated ambiance. Within the capacious wardrobe, guests are pleasantly surprised to discover two La Bionda beach towels, a small refrigerator stocked with an assortment of beverages and snacks, an electric kettle, and, of paramount importance, a coffee machine.
Adjacent to one of the windows, an opulent dark purple loveseat, fashioned in the likeness of a seashell, adds an additional layer of luxury. It stands proudly before a mirror, enhancing the room's sense of space and elegance. Although the room already boasts generous dimensions, the abundant natural light streaming in through the expansive windows, which open onto the terrace, as well as the petite bathroom window, bathes the entire space in a romantically enchanting glow. Occasionally, the curtains sway gracefully in response to a gentle breeze, further enhancing the room's charm. The bathroom, while modest in size, delights with its retro-inspired decor. White walls adorned with mustard-yellow accents provide a visually pleasing backdrop, and the well-designed shower offers an indulgent bathing experience.
Begur Travel Guide Crafted by La Bionda
What sets La Bionda Hotel apart is its unwavering commitment to the finer details. These meticulous touches often leave a lasting impression on guests. To help visitors in exploring Begur, each room features a tasteful illustration of the city, showcasing key points of interest in the area. Furthermore, upon confirming a reservation, the small yet elegant hotel extends the courtesy of a downloadable travel guide, complete with their own handpicked recommendations for experiencing the wonders of Begur. This guide serves as a valuable resource, providing indispensable guidance and inspiration to travelers as they prepare for their upcoming adventures.
Morning Bliss at La Bionda: Where Art Meets Breakfast
La Bionda showcases exquisite ceramics crafted by Pau Costa, a ceramicist with over 30 years of expertise, meticulously handcrafted in his El Masnou workshop. Amidst the hotel's flawless design, Pau Costa's ceramics often steal the spotlight, captivating your gaze with their exquisite beauty. The breakfast experience unfolds à la carte, granting you the freedom to indulge in a myriad of delectable offerings. La Bionda's unwavering commitment to wellness and health shines through, with each product's origin thoughtfully disclosed, providing complete transparency regarding the culinary delights at your table. The seamlessly blended à la carte menu offers the flexibility to order to your heart's content, ensuring each dish is prepared to perfection. Delight in an enticing array of cheeses, seasonally selected fruits sourced daily from the neighbouring market, eggs tailored to your preferences, delicate viennoiseries to add a touch of sweetness to your morning, tempting avocado toast, and more. Enhanced by a chic burgundy and beige decor, your breakfast experience receives an added touch of refinement through Carla's attentive presence, ensuring each morning runs seamlessly. La Bionda transcends the conventional hotel experience, exuding the welcoming ambiance of a guesthouse, with Carla's constant and caring oversight to ensure guests' utmost comfort and satisfaction.
Curated Uniqueness in Every Detail
The terrace on the top floor offers a delightful retreat for all guests, featuring two vibrant loungers for basking in the sun and a convenient shower for those peak sun moments. Additionally, there's a tranquil seating area for those seeking a serene spot to relish the view or enjoy their drinks in peace. This inclusive space is accessible to all hotel guests, adding that extra touch of hospitality.
During the day, if you find yourself needing a productive workspace, we recommend the ground floor, where you can sip on warm beverages while staying focused. For aficionados of interior design, La Bionda is a veritable treasure trove. The space exudes thoughtful curation and a keen design sensibility, evident in every meticulous detail. Though not overly crowded, the decor is tastefully arranged, with each element contributing its unique charm and strength to the overall aesthetic of La Bionda. Whether it's the captivating green Asian dragon light, the art-adorned walls, or an accent chair, each piece plays a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive character of this exceptional boutique hotel.
A Member of Pretty Hotels
While many hotels have their strengths and occasional areas for improvement, La Bionda stands among the rare gems that appear flawless. As a proud member of Pretty Hotels, an exclusive selection of exceptional lodging, it becomes evident that every facet of this boutique hotel is meticulously curated to perfection. When venturing to Begur, La Bionda becomes an irresistible choice. Situated at the heart of the town, adjacent to the renowned and delectable Carla restaurant, and facing the newly established Fitzroy Café, the hotel's location, its ambiance, and its service all align seamlessly to create the quintessential lodging experience. Revel in a sojourn within an effortlessly stylish environment, where the genuine warmth and hospitality of the staff, led by the gracious Carla herself, make each stay an elegantly memorable one.
