Hotel Aiguaclara

Vibrant, laid-back Cuban-style mansion in the centre of Begur, close to beaches, castles and Catalan cuisine

'All you need is love / love is all you need' reads the banner in the hall, and it's obvious that lots of love and attention have been poured into this hotel. When Joan and Clara moved here from Barcelona with their family 10 years ago, they didn't employ legions of interior designers and stylists - they put their individual sense of style to work in creating something quite unique.

From the mismatched colourful retro furniture in the bistro-style restaurant to the fairy lights and bright green hanging egg chair in the garden, this place has boho chic by the bucket load. Originally built by a merchant who returned to Begur from Cuba in the 19th century, history hasn't been papered over: bright tiles cover the hall floor, the ceilings are gloriously high, and the large doors on each level display prints of 19th-century Begur.

This is a great base for exploring Catalonia. Just 5km away down a winding road bisecting pine-covered hills you'll find several beaches with bars and gin-clear water; pretty Girona is a 40-minute drive away, and some of the region's loveliest restaurants are an easy stroll from your front door.

Highs

• Begur itself, a pretty medieval town perched high on a hilltop with winding, cobbled streets
• Great prices, especially because the 10 bedrooms are all huge, with cool, quirky details; some have outdoor space, too
• The décor: you won't find it anywhere else, though there's a flea market shop on site so you can buy bits to imitate the style back home
• The atmosphere: young, friendly, relaxed and cool
• Great for families, with spacious rooms and communal areas, and lots of beach toys and beach towels to borrow

Lows

• Driving in Begur isn't fun - the narrow streets and one-way system are stressful
• No pool, but there are fantastic beaches a short drive away
• There's no lift
• The nearby church bells are loud
• The boho lighting in my room was a bit unreliable