Experience the Unique Charm of Grand Hotel Masd’En Bruno
Nestled in Tarragona, Spain, the Grand Hotel Masd’En Bruno is celebrated for its distinct personality and exceptional quality.
This five-star gem is located in Priolat, a historic region of Catalonia known for its rich winemaking heritage. The hotel offers a range of experiences, from gourmet dining aimed at earning Michelin stars to infinity pools that overlook lush vineyards and stunning mountains, reflecting the true essence of the area.
David Stein, a hotelier originally from the US and currently based in Mallorca, fell in love with a modest property during a visit in 2019. After acquiring it, he meticulously renovated the place, leading to its reopening in 2023. The hotel was also admitted to the esteemed Relais & Châteaux Association during that year.
This location has a fascinating history, tracing back to 1797, when a Cartoucian monk gifted the land to the Bruno family. Situated just a couple of hours from Barcelona, it makes for a perfect weekend escape. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, rock climbing, or exploring nearby Cera de Monsanto Natural Park, often referred to as Spain’s Grand Canyon. Wine tours at local wineries are also an option.
The hotel features an amphitheater with a fire pit that provides an incredible view of the Priorat vineyards. The infinity pool, adjacent to a private cabana, offers breathtaking vistas.
To redesign the interiors of the 18th-century farmhouses, Stein enlisted the expertise of Barcelona-based Astet Studio. The hotel boasts two oak-adorned suites across two buildings, infused with rustic hues and uniquely designed curved furniture. Each spacious guestroom offers panoramic vineyard views, beamed ceilings, and super-comfortable king-sized beds with luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets. Guests can unwind in lavish red marble bathrooms, many of which include double-sided fireplaces and private terraces where they can savor local wines.
Common areas are elegantly curated as well. Original pieces from acclaimed artists like Marc Chagall and David Hockney are displayed on the walls, complemented by unique grape-shaped lighting crafted by Stein and Astet.
Guests can spend leisurely days enjoying the stunning 98-foot outdoor infinity pool, tasting wines in the new wine cellar, or relaxing at the spa, which occupies the former wine and olive mills. The spa includes a sauna and a water circuit featuring an indoor heated pool, a jacuzzi, hammam, and more. Treatments range from eco-friendly Foosh Beauty, made from grape by-products, to treatments by Natura Bissé.
For those eager to explore, the hotel offers e-bike rentals for $35 for four hours, along with options to discover nearby towns in an electric mini cooper for $80 per half day. Guided bike or helicopter tours can be arranged, and several wineries are available for visits.
After all the adventure, a memorable dining experience awaits. The hotel’s restaurant, Vinham, is managed by Joseph Queralt, a young Catalan chef who has honed his skills in five Michelin-starred restaurants across Spain. His menu features three tasting options and a la carte selections that celebrate local ingredients.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy vibrant Mediterranean cuisine at Taraco by the pool, perhaps paired with refreshing cocktails. But as night falls, Vinham truly comes alive, serving exceptional dishes inspired by the Catalan culinary tradition.
To mark the year, Queralt created Soví, a unique tasting menu influenced by medieval cookbooks from the area.
The Vinham menu offers exciting dishes like Wild Pork Cavet from Priorat, complemented by homemade brioche and award-winning wines expertly selected by the head sommelier.
In the end, as food and wine enthusiasts often say, what grows together goes together.
Rates start from $435.
