Malgrat De Mar, Barcelona – Serenity By The Sea

Sometimes, a holiday doesn’t need to be fast-paced or filled with itineraries. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones where you simply breathe deeper, sleep longer, and let the warm air and stillness do all the healing. Our week in Malgrat de Mar, staying at the peaceful AQUA Hotel Silhouette & Spa, was just that – a genuinely relaxing escape we didn’t know we needed until we arrived.

Why Visit Malgrat De Mar?

We were looking for a break that offered rest, sunshine, and just enough activity to keep things interesting. Malgrat de Mar delivered all three. Located between Barcelona and Girona, this quiet coastal town gave us the beach, affordable luxury, and a sense of peace that’s increasingly rare in more touristy hotspots.

Where To Stay In Malgrat De Mar 

AQUA Hotel Silhouette & Spa is adults-only and absolutely designed for relaxation. The first thing you notice is the calm. No hustle, no crowds – just spacious gardens, sunlit balconies, and three large swimming pools, including one heated to the perfect temperature. The moment we dipped into the heated pool, any lingering tension from work and travel just melted away.

Lining the pools are beautiful trees, swaying gently in the breeze, providing natural shade and a sense of serenity that’s hard to describe unless you’ve sat under them with a good book and a cold drink in hand. One morning, we met the hotel gardener tending to one of the trees. He paused to chat with us – warm, friendly, and genuinely interested in sharing what he was working on. That simple moment really stuck with us and summed up the overall hospitality of the place.

The staff at the hotel were another standout feature – consistently kind, helpful, and welcoming, which made the whole stay feel effortless.

And if you’re not one to sit still for long, the hotel also offers a variety of daily activities, including yoga, aqua zumba, and more – perfect for those who want to keep moving while still staying in holiday mode.

One of the most peaceful corners of the hotel is the spa, available for just €10 a day. It includes a spa pool, steam room, sauna, and a refreshing plunge pool – ideal for cooling off between sessions. We couldn’t find much information about treatments (if there are any), but for a self-guided wellness session, it’s fantastic value and worth setting aside a few hours for.

What To Eat In Malgrat De Mar

We went for the half-board option, which included breakfast and dinner, though the hotel gives you the flexibility to swap dinner for lunch if you want to mix things up. The food? Generous and full of variety.

Buffet meals featured everything from fresh salads and crispy chips to paella, pork dishes, and an impressive seafood selection that included swordfish and even shark. For pasta lovers, there were plenty of carb-friendly options, and for more adventurous eaters, the rotating menu always had something new to try.

After six days, the buffet did start to feel a little repetitive, but that’s hard to avoid with any hotel buffet. Still, it was good value, especially considering the only other meals we paid for were a few drinks and one lunch out.

Things To Do Around Malgrat De Mar

While the hotel is more than enough if you’re after pure relaxation, there are a few low-key adventures nearby that are well worth exploring.

A Stroll To The Beach

Just a short walk from the hotel, the beach in Malgrat de Mar is wide, clean, and peaceful  – ideal for a morning stroll, an afternoon siesta, or simply watching the waves roll in. It’s a calm stretch of coastline that perfectly matches the laid-back pace of the town.

Visit Parc Del Castell

Upon a hill just behind the town, Parc del Castell offers panoramic views over Malgrat and the sea beyond. But the real highlight? The giant sculptures dotted throughout the park – including a huge shoe, a colourful mushroom, a whimsical gingerbread house, and even a giant cake!

These playful installations make great photo ops – whether you’re travelling with friends, a partner, or just want to add some fun to your Instagram feed. It’s a surprisingly creative and quirky space to explore, and well worth the gentle walk uphill.

Explore Nearby Towns By Train

For just €12 return, you can hop on the train to nearby seaside towns like Calella or Blanes, each with its own charm. Trains run regularly, and the station is just a short walk from the hotel, making it easy to spend a morning or afternoon discovering a new corner of the Costa Brava. 

What I Loved (And Did Not To Love) About Malgrat De Mar

What to love:  

•     The pools and spa-like calm at the hotel
•     Friendly staff and locals who made us feel genuinely welcome
•     Proximity to the beach and nearby towns
•     Affordable food and drinks
•     Activities like yoga and aqua zumba
•     The hotel’s lovely spa with sauna, steam room, and plunge pool

What not to love: 

•     The buffet did get a bit samey after a few days
•     Limited evening entertainment, but honestly, that suited our vibe just fine
•     No clear info on spa treatments (if any are offered)

Top Tips For A Relaxing Stay 

1. Pack For The Pools (And Spa!)

•     Bring multiple swimsuits – you’ll likely spend a lot of time in and around the water, especially with the heated pool and spa access.
•     Don’t forget flip flops or pool sliders, and maybe a light robe or oversized shirt for lounging.

2. Bring Some Cash For Deposits

•     The hotel requires a €10 deposit per pool towel, which you get back at the end of your stay. You can swap your towel for a fresh one every day, which is a great perk for long stays.

3. Plan Some Spa Time Early

•     The €10 day pass for the spa is fantastic value and includes access to the spa pool, sauna, steam room, and plunge pool.
•     You’ll need to book at least one day in advance at reception and choose a specific entry time, so plan ahead if you want to guarantee a spot, especially on busy days.
•     For the most relaxing experience, try to go early in the day when it’s usually quieter.

4. Brush Up On A Bit Of Spanish

•     The locals are warm and welcoming, especially when you try a few Spanish basics. Even simple phrases like “Hola,” “Gracias,” or “¿Dónde está…?” go a long way in shops or restaurants. 

Is It Worth Going To Malgrat De Mar?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for a break that focuses on relaxing rather than racing, Malgrat de Mar hits every mark. Affordable, peaceful, and welcoming – this was a holiday where we left feeling lighter, calmer, and ready to book our return. 

Next time, we might stay a little longer and explore even more of the Costa Brava coastline. But one thing’s for sure: we’ll be making time for that heated pool, and another afternoon in the spa.

Travel Writer Bio

Simran Kabotra is a writer, avid reader & crocheter who loves travel. She has travelled across Southeast Asia and is currently searching high and low for new adventures, beautiful landscapes and rich history. 

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