Catalonia’s Hidden Gem, Mas d’en Bruno
February 8, 2023 by Perrie Hartz
Nestled among the rolling vineyards of Spain’s magnificent yet still under-the-radar Priorat wine region, Mas d’en Bruno is a stunning new boutique hotel set on a historic estate that is set to open in Spring 2023.
This seemingly untouched area of Spain—a truly unique destination known for producing some of the world’s best wines—is only two hours from Barcelona, yet it feels like a world unto itself. Located in southern Catalonia, Priorat is a land of rolling hills, steep valleys, dramatic landscapes, and Medieval villages situated along the banks of the picturesque Siurana River. With many incredible wineries, Priorat is the ideal location for wine lovers who are looking for a truly luxurious Spanish wine experience. Here, guests will wander through romantic vineyards and enjoy an unforgettable getaway that allows them to disconnect from routine and to discover a landscape full of history, nature, culture, and tranquility.
Mas d’en Bruno is the ideal place to enjoy an exclusive wine-filled getaway surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and quaint hilltop villages. This intimate property takes pride in offering guests the finest service and personal attention, and with more than five centuries of history within its walls and surrounding vineyards, it also reflects an incredibly rich and interesting part of Spain’s wine culture. Mas d’en Bruno originally belonged to the locally-renown Bruno family and was given the land by Carthusian monks, who started the long tradition of wine-making in this region. Today, Priorat is one of only two wines in all of Spain to have been awarded DOC status by the Spanish Wine Regulation, the highest possible qualification level for a wine region.
The property offers a multitude of serene and elegantly-decorated spaces all surrounded by extraordinary views, and its two main buildings have been carefully integrated into its natural surroundings. The hotel is comprised of 24 luxurious suites with terraces and patios, a pair of wonderful restaurants, bars, an exquisite spa, a wine cellar and tasting room, an elegant boutique, beautiful Mediterranean gardens, and a spectacular infinity pool perfect for wiling away languid afternoons under the warm golden glow of the Spanish sun.
Mas d’en Bruno has 22 suites, 1 villa, and 1 über-luxurious “Bruno Suite”. The interiors are chic and understated, with a sophisticated Art Deco-esque feel and a natural, subdued color palette. The cozy Garden Suites have private terraces with superb views over the adjacent vineyards, hills, and mountains, while the sprawling 1,300 square-foot Bruno Suite boasts a private dining room, dressing room, roman bath, living room, Roman tub, and fireplace all set within an architectural masterpiece. This incredible suite opens up onto a private garden area through one of the property’s original arched doors, the perfect choice for guests who crave a little more privacy. Meanwhile, “Bruno’s Villa” offers space, picturesque views, a private terrace, and even a gorgeous private pool.
Proving that they don’t just excel in the wine space, Mas d’en Bruno also boasts a restaurant that focuses masterfully on a menu using the finest local produce, prepared elegantly in a gourmet yet unpretentious manner. During the day, guests will enjoy lunch at Tarraco, which combines Mediterranean and Italian fare in an homage to the region’s historic Roman influences.
At night, the restaurant transforms itself into the chic and elegant Vinum, where the chef’s incredible tasting menus can be enjoyed with perfect wine pairings created by the property’s head sommelier.
Beyond the beautiful restaurant, guests will love exploring the property’s multiple spaces perfect for sipping and enjoying wine and spirits. The wine tasting room is a bespoke, intimate space with a classic vaulted ceiling and hidden wine vault, while Bruno’s Bar mixes up expertly-crafted cocktails for guests to enjoy pre- or post-dinner.
The Bistro is an elevated outdoor terrace under the refreshing shade of the surrounding trees and vines and overlooking the spectacular infinity pool and rolling vineyards, and it offers a delicious selection of tapas, sandwiches, salads, and local Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced products as well as a wide variety of cocktails and refreshing beverages.
Mas d’en Bruno will tantalize guests with its splendid wellness spa, which has been carefully designed around historical archaeological elements of the estate’s ancient winery. The full-service spa will also be available to reserve as an entirely privatized facility, allowing guests to enjoy a vast array of treatments within a completely private, intimate setting. The spa boasts a heated pool, jacuzzi, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, ice fountain, and a variety of hot and cold showers.
Though guests might not want to immediately seek out any activities beyond the stunning grounds of the hotel, the surrounding area is steeped in outstanding vistas, rich culture, and incredible history. Located just 25 km from Mas d’en Bruno, the tiny, quaint medieval hamlet of Siurana is considered one of the most charming towns in all of Priorat. This picturesque mountaintop village is known for its historic castle, towering cliffs, and spectacular panoramic views, and is the perfect day trip for hotel guests. Wind your way through the narrow cobblestone streets and visit the Church of Santa María de Siurana, a small Romanesque-style temple, as well as the remains of an old Arab castle. Siurana Reservoir is a perfect place for outdoor adventure lovers, with wonderful rafting routes such as the well-known Toll del Forn, ideal for kayaking, and the nearby Salto de la Reina Mora, an imposing cliff full of magic and history.
Less than a one-hour drive from Mas d’en Bruno, guests can explore Tarragona, a UNESCO world heritage site and vibrant city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Tarraco (today known as Tarragona) was founded in 218 B.C. and was a thriving mercantile city in Roman Spain at that time. Guests can explore its ancient architecture and was recently spotlighted in New York Times “52 Places to Go in 2023.”
Located between Mas d’en Bruno and Tarragon, the city of Reus is another historical city with deep cultural roots to explore. Home to the famous Spanish architect, Gaudí, Reus is an under-the-radar destination for known its rich cultural and gastronomical delights in Catalonia’s Golden Coast.
Mas d’en Bruno’s full-service Concierge will be happy to help guests plan the perfect activities both on-property and in the Priorat region. Wine-centric offerings include Harvest Immersion workshops, Priorat winery tours, wine pairing and tasting workshops, and sommelier masterclasses. Other incredible experiences include morning yoga in the vineyards, Milky Way observation and photography, scenic tours in Terra del Montsant, e-bike adventures, lavender essential oil workshops, private guided tours of local towns, cocktail workshops, and much more.
With stunning topography, 5-star amenities, outstanding cuisine and some of the world’s best wines, Mas d’en Bruno is the perfect Spanish country escape for all guests looking for a truly unique, tranquil, and luxurious experience.
Contact:
Mas d’en Bruno
Priorat, Spain
Reservations: reservations@masdenbruno.com
Website: https://www.masdenbruno.com/en/