Casa Calvari

Soak in the Catalan culture in this stunning traditional stone house situated in a pretty town a short distance from the beautiful coast. The holiday starts at Casa Calvari from the moment guests wake up and wander down to the local bakery for the day's bread and some pastries. They can then return to enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the lovely kitchen. After breakfast, slide into bathing suits and climb the stairway to the gorgeous rooftop pool.

Planted yucca trees cast atmospheric shadows against the whitewashed walls and offer shade for visitors lounging in the poolside chairs. And when it's time to cool off, jump into the blue waters of the pool, have a float and a splash before getting out to enjoy some mid-morning snacks at the bench seat. A handy coffee table is the perfect place to rest jugs of iced cucumber water and fresh fruit salads, and there are plenty of soft cushions to protect bottoms from hot seats.

The views reach out across the town's rooftops and onwards to the Bay of Roses and, as the pool has underwater lighting, the area can be enjoyed late into the night. But when the sun starts to climb high in the sky, wash off the heat in one of the three ensuite shower rooms, and soak under the rainfall showers before freshening-up for lunch.

Preparing any meal is a treat in the lovely open plan kitchen/living area. Fully equipped with Smeg appliances, where better to make the most of the fresh Catalan produce? From the freshest seafood to sun ripened fruit and vegetables, the produce is famously so good that even the simplest salads taste incredible. Grab a bottle of chilled rose from the Retro Smeg fridge and cover the outside dining table with bowls laden with delicious dishes. The area is shaded making it the perfect spot to chill out during the hottest part of the day. Or head into the living area and soak in the atmosphere, as rattan furnishing and driftwood pieces bring the beach inside, while a soft sofa is a comfy place to quietly reflect on the day.

There is always the option of a traditional siesta. Retire to one of the three bedrooms for an afternoon nap. Shuttered windows keep the rooms shady and quiet, linens are soft cotton and the decor is cool, simple and stylish. And, when the heat of the day has passed, maybe take an excursion to the coast or indulge in some sightseeing and shopping in one of the many historic towns and cities which are easily reachable from the property.