Mas la Boella Boutique Hotel -- spectacular Catalonia resort incorporates history, wine, nature, olive oil and modern amenities

The view from our balcony at Hotel Mas La Boella: tranquil, at sunset, welcoming, quiet, serene and beautiful. The resort sports a noted restaurant and convention center, with an imposing 12th Century home as its centerpiece.

STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

and courtesy Hotel Mas La Boella

Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated September, 2026

If you are looking for a special place to stay while exploring the Tarragona region of Spain, Mas La Boella should top your list of possibilities.

The unique property offers a delightful combination of history, tranquility, and modern comfort. Located in La Canonja, just outside Tarragona in the heart of the Costa Daurada, this beautifully restored property dates back to the 12th century and has been transformed into a boutique hotel with just 13 elegant suites.

From the peaceful gardens and swimming pool to the beautifully designed accommodations and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Mas La Boella provides travelers with the opportunity to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of Spain.

We discover the charming boutique hotel because of our interest in history. There's plenty here, along with elegant suites, beautiful gardens, Mediterranean cuisine, and peaceful surroundings

Our stay at Mas La Boella offered an authentic experience in the peaceful setting of a historic Spanish estate. It's an easy drive to attractions of Tarragona. Its natural surroundings and tranquil atmosphere guarantee true relaxation, with Roman ruins minutes away.

The estate's thoughtful design incorporates elements of the 12th Century home and mill, honoring southern Spain's  legacy of producing some of the world's finest olive oil.

ONLY AN HOUR-PLUS drive from bustling Barcelona, we pulled our rental car into an oasis of calm and pleasure.

Hotel Mas La Boella's suites -- each distinct and artfully decorated -- are named after the estate's bountiful variety of grapes and olives.

We discovered this paradise while researching unusual places to stay, a tradition in many years of visiting southern Spain with its enticing array of boutique hotels and paradors.

A simple, delicious appetizer olive begins the feast at Espai Fortuny.

DRAWN TO picturesque and historic Tarragona province, we were intrigued by the allure of La Boella. Foodies and olive fanciers, we loved that we'd douse our bread with oil made from the estate's own trees.  We appreciated that one of southern Spain's famed chefs creates the restaurant's delicacies.  Fragrant Tarragona wines and 300 other global offerings complement Manuel Ramirez' beautifully presented plates.

New, Old Merge -- Best of Both Worlds

BEAUTY AWAITS the beholder everywhere, each touch inspired by nature.  The place contains elements of its 12th Century roots as a country house, yet it is equipped with the latest technology. Both pampering and serene, it is completely modern.  Our balcony offered stunning views of the olive groves, gardens and vineyards. 

Mas La Boella's stunning beauty extends inside and outside the estate. Everything is constructed with the highest standards. The estate is popular for weddings, parties, luxurious events and conferences.

Our suite was enhanced with pleasing nature paintings. Yet we were able to access high-speed internet to catch up on work.

Lauded Catalan chef, Manuel Ramirez, sets the tone for exquisite meals,  artfully prepared with quality ingredients, including the estate's own olive oil.

We strolled the grounds, admiring the mill where La Boella's famous extra virgin olive oil is made; and we toured the factory, enjoying a tasting after our hike. 

At Mas la Boella the olive oil is serious business.

• We'd be hard pressed (no pun intended) to  find more delicious olive oil than that produced at La Boella.  We poured it over our beautifully cooked eggs. 

• We dipped our bread in it.  We became olive oil junkies in our several days there. 

Breakfast at La Boella features freshly made muffins and warm rosquilla, tasty Spanish donuts.

• And we came home with bottles which we keproudly and sparingly use, remembering a special time in a peaceful place.

THE LOVELY HOTEL  -- while recently remodeled -- retains the feeling of  age with lacquered wood, huge windows, gorgeous giant beds ("more for dreaming than sleeping," our concierge told us.)

And it's true.)

Service is an art at a La Boella meal. Here, Cookie chooses cheeses for dessert.

Leisurely meals with a flair

Service is an art form at restaurant Espai Fortuny, where we capped the day with elegant, tasty lamb and fish, handsomely presented, accented with the resort's tasty grown-on-the-property greens.

WE ENJOYED leisurely meals at this highly regarded restaurant, which even in late autumn was frequented by locals as well as other lucky travelers.  

Olive oils, made on the estate's mill, and other condiments await guests. La Boella's fine wines and extra virgin olive oils are sold in a lovely shop.

For more information or to enquire about a booking:

website: laboella.com;

email: info@laboella.com 

Stairway to the stars (and our suite) with a leather covered hand rail. Modern amenities await in a remodeled 12th Century country home at Mas la Boella near Tarragona, Spain.

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Photo at right The property's dramatic stairway leads to a peaceful night's sleep. The handrail is covered with leather.