MASFERRAN: A SMALL HOTEL TO REVEL IN AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE IN THE EMPORDÀ
In Masos de Pals, a tiny village on the outskirts of Pals in the Baix Empordà region, lies a small design hotel that opened its doors after an accurate restoration project of a traditional Catalan house. With extraordinary respect for the house's old character and maintaining the original style, the new Masferran welcomed the first guests in its privileged space in the Empordà in 2017.
Revel in an authentic travel experience at Masferran, a small hotel with a laid-back Mediterranean style located on the outskirts of the historical town of Pals.
Masferran is a personal project of his owner, Ferran, who is an adventurous soul passionate about nature, the sea, and outdoor sports such as cycling and sailing. The renovation process of the house was led with great care and excellent taste by Ferran and Susana with the help of Ferran's sister, the Catalan interior stylist Olga Gil-Vernet.
Susana is a close family friend in charge of managing the daily activities at Masferran since its inception. She takes care of every detail to provide a memorable experience for Masferran's guests and make them feel at home.
AN INTIMATE EXPERIENCE WITH THREE ROOMS AND A CASITA
Masferran is a small adults-only hotel that works on a bed-and-breakfast basis with three elegant double rooms, two large ones in the main building of the house and a smaller one in an adjacent construction by the garden. Guests can enjoy the first meal of the day in the spacious and stylish dining room or the beautiful garden.
Breakfasts at Masferran consist of local products from regional producers. The assortment is varied and includes a mix of Catalan sausages, cheeses, homemade jams, eggs, fresh bread, traditional pastries, yogurt, cereals, and fruits. The juices served in the breakfasts come from a family that cultivates fruits only a few kilometers away.
From this year, 2023, Masferran has a new addition: a charming casita in the garden, next to the swimming pool, that can accommodate up to four people. The casita is available for guests who want to live the experience at their own pace with complete flexibility. Warm nights at the casita's private porch enjoying a homemade dinner with products from regional farmers' markets will make for a pleasant break in the Empordà, soaking in all its beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
SUSTAINABILITY IS PART OF THE ESSENCE AT MASFERRAN
The interiors of Masferran maintain part of the traditional style of the house in combination with modern trends, which results in a space with a lot of character that perfectly blends the old and the new.
Sustainable and recyclable materials such as natural stones, clay bricks, wood, steel, and glass are used all over the house. The reuse and recycling of the elements were essential factors in the renovation process of Mãsferran.
The living room maintains its original structure with natural stone walls and a vaulted ceiling in contrast to a concrete floor with a matte finish. A modern fireplace and a few furniture elements of different styles stand out, providing a minimalistic touch to the space.
The dining room is the central part of the house. It has a cozy atmosphere because of the natural light that enters during the whole day and all the greenery that surrounds it. With large glazed windows and doors overlooking the garden, it is a very functional and versatile space with a relaxed industrial style. The warmth of wooden elements creates a harmonic cross when combined with small steel and cast iron objects, contributing to an elegant and contemporary design.
Masferran has three comfortable and luminous rooms with a laid-back Mediterranean feel. All of them have direct access to a private terrace or the garden. The predominant colors in the rooms are white, beige, brown, grey, and blue. Wood and stone are the essential materials used to build a welcoming environment for guests to have a proper space to rest and unwind. Natural textiles like fine cotton and linen give the final touch to the rooms and convey a simple yet sophisticated ambiance.
A PLACE TO CHERISH THE MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE
The natural richness of the Empordà region makes it a perfect destination for conscious travelers whose purpose is to get immersed in the culture of the land and enjoy a pleasant stay in the area.
There are endless ways to explore the Empordà purposefully and authentically. Staying at Masferran is an excellent choice since some of the most charming places in the region are just a few minutes away.
The closest spot worth a visit is, of course, the medieval town of Pals. Getting lost in its cobblestone and narrow streets will make for an inspiring travel journey learning about the history of this renowned village in the Empordà.
Nearby the seaside, Begur is a gorgeous municipality with a lot to offer for visitors to engage with its culture beyond its famous small beaches and coves. Begur has a remarkable historical heritage. The medieval Castle of Begur is in the old town, and it's a fantastic viewpoint with a panoramic sight of the Mediterranean coastline. Another of the highlights of Begur is the group of Indian houses, iconic colonial-style buildings, spread around the center of the town.
The Baix Empordà region holds various appealing villages on the coastline and inland. Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc are some of the most authentic seaside towns in the Empordà, also within reach from Masferran.
SLOWING DOWN IN A PRIVILEGED ENVIRONMENT
There is no better time to spend some days at Masferran than when an intimate and relaxing break is needed. This small hotel is the perfect alternative for mindful travelers who want to savor a slow travel experience.
Masferran welcomes guests all year round and offers personalized services, thoughtful details, and trustworthy advice. The hotel has all the amenities and comfort to enjoy a stay during all seasons.
Nevertheless, the recommendation is to visit off-season the stunning Empordà region. Late spring and early autumn are excellent periods to enjoy the destination slowly and avoid crowds. The weather will allow moments to cherish sunbathing, dipping in the sea, or the swimming pool at Masferran most of the days while exploring the most authentic towns in the area.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY: SENSORY TRAVEL
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