On the coastline north of Barcelona, ensconced in Sant Pol de Mar, a small fishing village with the sea on one side and the forest on the other, this pretty villa combines the best of Mediterranean living. The interiors are thoughtfully designed, with stone walls and terracotta tiling keeping the rooms cool. The pops of forest green in the master bedroom and the ocean blue second bedroom are an ode to the villa’s natural surroundings.

Outside there is a terrace with views of the ocean and deck chairs for soaking up rays, with a private plunge pool to cool off in. Meals can be enjoyed at the al fresco dining table, or walk nine minutes into town where you will find excellent restaurants, local shops and a supermarket.

The villa is a four minute walk from the beach, and the nearby national park is perfect for hiking and cycling. For those wanting to venture further afield, Barcelona can be reached in an hour by train from the centre of Sant Pol de Mar.

Come evening, fire up the barbecue and grill some seafood bought from the local fishmonger to eat beneath the stars. Whether you prefer to spend your days hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing, this villa is perfectly placed to provide something for everyone.

Home truths:
*Each bedroom comes with a mosquito net, and the double bed in one room can be split into twins on request
*A highchair and cot for little ones can be provided on request
*Your hosts are on hand to provide recommendations or assist with booking local excursions, like wine tasting and horseback riding
*One well-behaved dog is welcome to accompany you during your stay – please enquire with your host for details