Give Barcelona a rest
Vibe
Though originally set up as a business hotel, the Dolce Sitges has gone all out on its leisure side since its pre-covid refurb, which guests are only getting to make the most of now.
As the closest resort-style hotel to Barcelona and the only five-star in the coastal town of Sitges, just as many guests are coming to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Spain’s second city as jetting in from across the continent.
Once checked-in, walk along the wide corridor towards the rooms through Bar Malvasia, with its easy-breezy atmosphere.
That feeling permeates throughout, with all of the seating areas purposely mis-matched yet all fitting together nicely.
Contemporary art, coffee table books, and a TV constantly showing football are on one wall, while enormous windows look out on to the garden and the Med on the other. It’s like a (very) high-class living room.
Style
There are three options when it comes to rooms, standard, deluxe and suite, all of which have either a sea or pool view and balcony. A trial has seen some of the hotel’s oldest and former “worst” rooms fitted with hot tubs.
My room had a sea view, looking out over the twinkling lights of Sitges and the Terramar Golf Course.
The thwack of club and ball coming together is occasionally broken up by the smooth whirr of a train passing by on its way to or from Barcelona Sants station, which is not at all unpleasant.
With 263 rooms, Dolce Sitges is a large hotel. During my visit, it was over 90% occupied but did not feel crowded.
Food and drink
At the moment, Dolce Sitges doesn’t push hard enough on how good its food is, but that should change.
Its three restaurants and three bars serve up dishes consisting of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients wherever possible under the eye of head chef Jaume Balada, who has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens across the region.
The Restaurant Terrassa La Punta is for fine dining, looking out on to the hills and some of the most exclusive homes in Barcelona, and the food is exquisite. My main of scallop, textured artichokes and truffle caviar (made from tapioca pearls like those in bubble tea), is one of the finest courses I’ve sampled anywhere.
Verema is a more family-style restaurant where an extensive buffet breakfast is served. Bar Malvasia has superb cocktails (try the Chocolate Factory, a cross between a Terry’s Chocolate Orange and Old Fashioned), while there’s also a deli-bar for sandwiches.
Spa and pools
There are four outdoor pools and one indoor with ample space for swimming and chilling out for all ages, with plenty of sunbeds too.
A visit to the spa is a must. A shoulder and neck massage from masseur Jorge, who has worked at the hotel since it opened, put me in a state of relaxation that I would never have thought possible when battling my way through security at Manchester airport just hours earlier.
Activities
There’s lots to see and do in Sitges, a town of artists with some likening its relationship with Barcelona to that of Brighton to London. The stunning Palau de Maricel is a wonderful visit if there’s not a wedding on. Part of the same complex is the Cau Ferrat Museum, packed with the art of Santiago Rusinol. And stroll the pretty streets of the old town, look in boutique shops, or wander along the seafront. The hotel can also arrange games of golf, visits to vineyards, sailing and horse riding. And
Barcelona is just half an hour away.
The Dolce Sitges is not in the centre of Sitges, though it’s not hard to get there. Taxis cost only a few euros, you can rent bikes from the hotel or it’s a 40 minute walk.
I was in a state of relaxation I didn’t think possible after the airport