Camiral, A Quinta do Lago Resort

Camiral, A Quinta do Lago Resort, Girona: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Luxury and Golf

Camiral, A Quinta do Lago Resort, in Girona, Spain, stands out as a luxurious 5-star destination, distinguished by its Michelin Key selection, signifying an exceptional hotel experience. Guests consistently praise the resort for its stunning design, world-class golf facilities, and outstanding service, making it a highly recommended retreat for both golf enthusiasts and those seeking refined relaxation.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Camiral is overwhelmingly positive, with an average "wonderful" rating of 9.1 based on over 300 reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as "exceptional," "perfect," and "top-notch," highlighting a sense of being "blown away" by the overall experience. The sentiment is one of quiet luxury, elegance, and a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Camiral for several outstanding features:

• World-Class Golf: The resort is home to two championship golf courses, the challenging Stadium Course (ranked among the top in Spain and a future host of the Ryder Cup 2031) and the more forgiving Tour Course. State-of-the-art practice facilities at the Golf Hub are also a significant draw.
• Stunning Design & Atmosphere: The hotel boasts a modern luxury aesthetic, with a stylish, elegant design by Lázaro Rosa-Violán that promotes relaxation. Earthy Mediterranean color palettes, contemporary art references, and thoughtful details like bespoke mood lighting create a high-end yet relaxed atmosphere. Communal spaces like the lofty library are particularly noted for their beauty.
• Exceptional Amenities: Beyond golf, the resort offers a superb wellness center with state-of-the-art treatments like cryotherapy, photobiomodulation, red light therapy, oxygen chamber therapy, and traditional spa services including massages and beauty treatments. There's also a well-equipped gym with Technogym machines, tennis and padel courts, and both a large outdoor pool and a separate kids' splash pool. Activities like bike tours, hiking, and a Forest Park are also available.
• Impeccable Service: The staff and service are frequently described as "outstanding," "incredibly helpful," and "top-notch" by guests.

3. Room Quality

Camiral offers 138 spacious and quiet rooms and suites, including deluxe and family options. Rooms are elegantly decorated with a modern aesthetic, featuring wooden floorboards, neutral palettes, and elegant artworks, often with nods to Spanish art.

Key features include:

• Comfortable pillow-top mattresses and Egyptian cotton linens.
• Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, and air conditioning.
• Illy coffee machines.
• Elegant and spacious bathrooms with bathtubs, separate rain showers, and complimentary Miriam Quevedo or The White Company toiletries. Hand-painted Spanish tiles and gilded mirrors add character.
• Many rooms and suites boast private balconies overlooking the pool, gardens, or golf course. Suites offer additional luxuries like four-poster beds, fireplaces, and advanced lighting controls.

4. Dining Experience

The resort provides a diverse and high-quality dining experience with five different options that emphasize locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting Catalonia's renowned gastronomic scene.

• Origin Restaurant: This fine-dining establishment offers a memorable experience with an intriguing tasting menu that celebrates local ingredients, complemented by an impressive wine list featuring excellent local options. The atmosphere is described as clean, modern, and vibrant.
• Camiral Bistro: A more relaxed option, the Bistro offers gourmet Catalan cuisine, often spilling out onto the veranda by the pool, serving very good seafood.
• The Lounge Bar: Provides light bites and a well-stocked bar in a laid-back setting, ideal for al fresco lunches.
• The Club Café: With a sunny terrace overlooking the Stadium Course, it offers informal dining for golfers and families.
• Breakfast: The buffet breakfast receives high praise for its amazing choice, including artisan bread, local cheeses, and an egg station.

The resort also has its own vineyard, producing excellent and reasonably priced white, red, and rosé wines.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on the service and staff is consistently excellent. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "super friendly and helpful," "professional and charming," and "absolutely outstanding." The concierge and guest relations desk are noted for their helpfulness and genuine passion for the guest experience. Staff are described as invested in the hotel's evolving journey.

6. Location & Accessibility

Camiral, A Quinta do Lago Resort, is ideally situated amidst the picturesque Catalan countryside, offering a serene environment.

• Airport Proximity: It is exceptionally convenient, located just 10-15 minutes from Girona Airport (GRO). Barcelona Airport (BCN) is also an option, approximately an hour's drive away. The resort offers airport transfer services.
• Nearby Attractions: The elegant city of Girona, known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant food scene, is a short 20-minute drive away. The spa town of Caldes de Malavella is also very close. The resort is well-placed for exploring the Empordà Wine region and the beaches of the Costa Brava, which are about 20 minutes away.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges are not widely available in recent reviews, older information indicates doubles from €175 for bed and breakfast. The overall sentiment suggests that guests find the exceptional quality and comprehensive amenities justify the cost, with "Value for money" scoring 8.8 out of 10 in one review aggregation. It's noted that a resort fee per room, per day, is charged during Easter and summer, granting access to daily activities.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Service Speed: Some guests have mentioned that while staff are friendly, ordering food and drinks can occasionally be a little slow, though once ordered, items arrive promptly.
• Spa Size: One older review described the spa as "cosy" for a hotel of its size, suggesting it might be smaller than expected for some guests.
• Vegetarian Options: An older review from 2016 mentioned a limited range of vegetarian dishes on the Catalan-influenced European menu, with seafood often paired with meat-based ingredients. It's important to note that dining options may have evolved since then.
• Coffee Quality at Breakfast: One older critique mentioned consistently bitter coffee at the buffet breakfast.

Sources

1. golfbreaks.com
2. booking.com
3. yourgolftravel.com
4. camiral.com
5. independent.co.uk
6. thelittlevoyager.com
7. standard.co.uk
8. independent.co.uk
9. camiral.com
10. michelin.com
11. sharonsmurfit.com
12. camiral.com
13. golfbreaks.com