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We arrived at Villa St Joseph knowing that it’s intention is to offer “a place to be” more than simply a place to stay. 

Waze did not do a good job with the address, and we were not paying attention on the left side of the road on our way up, so after a few tries Michel, the owner, met us in person on the road.  There is a sign that announced Villa St. Joseph quite clearly!

After settling in with luggage, we were offered a tour of the beautiful gardens, the heated pool, and the views to Palamo on the Costa Brava below. Then we met Garvo, the Villa’s young Chef. His pride and joy is to provide all the seasonal and regional context for every dish.  We sampled the well curated cheeses, olives and wine pointing to the bounty of local sources, including their own olives, as we sat overlooking the magnificent view all around us.

We were invited to do as much or as little as we wanted: lounge by the pool, relax without doing anything—-and when we were ready for some exercise: hike the amazing Camino of Ronda that borders the Costa Brava all the way to France or the 4 acres of land and forest of the property. Depressurizing did not take long!

For dinner we were seated under a bougainvillea trellis in the front of the Villa. We had no need to figure out any menu! Garvo took care of all the experience.  He produced his own take on the gazpacho for starters explaining the process and sourcing. His face light up with excitement for us to try each course of his tasting menu.  I am sure that the taste of his frozen yogurt, served on a family platter to share, easily makes my top 5 list as best ever.

Hiking in the early morning, floating on the pool, soaking in the wild nature and low humidity... I could go on with the events and adventures and tasting menus that awaited us at Villa St Joseph, but then it would only serve to tell you about our experience.  And I left convinced that every person that is lucky enough to spend time in this magical place will walk away with their own magical moments without needing any help from us. We left restored and certain that we had been revitalized!