Villa Mas Mateu: Soul in the game

Villa Mas Mateu: Dreamy Place, Golden Hospitality

While the villa itself is exceptional, the initial welcome at Mas Mateu sets the tone for an unforgettable stay. Hospitality begins in the entrance hall, adorned with Catalan traditions. The greeting is truly impressive: all staff members line up in front of the house, creating a memorable arrival. Alfred, the villa owner and his wife are always present, ensuring a warm reception. This first impression is crucial, especially after a long flight, helping guests connect with the staff and establishing a personal touch.

Beyond its meticulous attention to detail, Mas Mateu offers sweeping views of the Pyrenees and Emporda due to its location in the heart of Catalonia. The estate, celebrated for its ceramics and mediaeval architecture, is situated in the capital of the region and includes the stunning 18th-century baroque church of Santa Maria. Just a short drive from the beautiful Costa Brava, the estate maintains its historical allure with thick walls, ceramic floors and vaulted ceilings. Mas Mateu boasts a heated infinity pool and vast terraces, perfect for starting the day with a delicious breakfast while soaking in the morning sun and the breathtaking scenery.

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Connection, Bond, Trust

The staff at Mas Mateu is crucial to its operation, providing the invisible touch that makes it all happen. The full team consists of 24 members (for a standard group of 15/20 guests), including a head chef, a sommelier/butler, and a patissier, all with backgrounds in Michelin-starred establishments, and each having been with the villa for over 11 years. The staff strives to break down barriers with guests, forging personal connections and customising experiences based on individual interests. This approach not only enriches guests’ stays but also creates meaningful relationships that extend beyond typical hospitality.

Understanding guests is a priority, with the team investing significant time in learning their preferences even before their arrival. This proactive approach ensures that the time spent at Mas Mateu is dedicated to experiencing gastronomy and enjoying the villa. The team excels in anticipating needs and providing surprises that delight guests, particularly effective when activities engage both adults and children alike.

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Moreover, a collaborative spirit defines the staff culture, where team members support each other across departments. If a chef is busy preparing for a themed dinner and falls behind in decorating for a Mexican night, another team member steps in to help, enhancing the overall atmosphere and fostering camaraderie. This teamwork extends to every aspect of service, whether it involves preparing intricate recipes that require hours of slow cooking or ensuring the villa is immaculately stocked and ready to receive guests.

Relationships are paramount at Mas Mateu, not just with guests but also with suppliers. The villa actively hosts suppliers to maintain strong partnerships and enhance guest experiences. Alfred emphasises the efficiency gained by hosting suppliers on site, such as organising activities like hot air balloon rides directly from the villa grounds. This approach minimises travel time for guests and ensures seamless, memorable experiences right from the start of their day.

At Mas Mateu, attention to detail and a commitment to collaboration and relationships elevate every aspect of the guest experience, making each stay truly exceptional.

Golden Triangle, Spain

Mas Mateu is nestled amidst the stunning nature reserve of Les Gavarres, with the Mediterranean Sea less than 10 kilometres away. Located in Emporda’s “Golden Triangle”, Empordà is celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural richness, and as a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians. The iconic painter Salvador Dalí’s house and museums offer insights into his imaginative world and are a testament to his profound influence on the region. Empordà cherishes its traditions and mediaeval castles and has earned the nickname “Spanish Tuscany” due to its green mountains and rugged coastline.

Situated just 10 minutes from the Costa Brava coastline, Mas Mateu provides easy access to some of Catalonia’s finest beaches, including Calella de Palafrugell, Aigua Blava, and L’Escala. Nearby Girona is renowned for its mediaeval architecture, fortified Old Quarter, and the Roman ruins of the Força Vella fortress. Each year, the region’s well-preserved mediaeval villages attract visitors eager to explore their rich history and culture.

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Gastronomy: “Never Trust a Thin Chef”

Mas Mateu is passionate about gastronomy. The entire team views the dining table as a sacred space where memories are created. They offer over 30 gastronomic experiences, each meticulously detailed and personalised to suit the tastes of their guests. From basics to the highest service levels, every detail is crafted to perfection.

Both chefs at Mas Mateu have a deep love for travel. They spend over two months each year exploring different regions to discover new aromas and flavours, enriching their culinary repertoire to surprise and delight guests. Many guests return to the villa year after year, some for six or seven years running, ready to try themed dining experiences such as Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Texas-style barbecue, Argentinian barbecue, Peruvian-Japanese fusion, and traditional Spanish tapas, among others.

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Guests are invited to engage with the culinary experience on a personal level, whether that’s watching a chef prepare a recipe or enjoying a morning coffee at the chef’s table during breakfast preparation. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive – guests are treated as if the house were their own.

Mas Mateu offers the opportunity to create an exclusive cocktail experience by inviting renowned mixologist and Sips Barcelona co-founder, Marc Alvarez. His unique creations tell a story with every sip, elevating your event and making it truly unforgettable for your guests.

Set against the backdrop of Les Gavarres nature reserve, Mas Mateu offers stunning views, particularly during sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colours. It’s the perfect setting to savour cocktails and hors d’oeuvres specially prepared to complement the drinks, making each sunset a memorable experience.

Experiences: "Quiet Luxury"

“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.” - The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Alfred aims to “immerse guests in the local area and community." Mas Mateu values authentic experiences that are deeply connected to the region, contrasting with artificial offerings lacking local ties. They foster relationships not only with partners but also with the local community, granting guests access to exclusive, serendipitous experiences that unfold naturally through these connections.
Guests often define Mas Mateu as embodying “quiet luxury”, distinguishing it from the vibrant scene of places like Ibiza. For instance, during a trip to a mediaeval village, guests were accompanied by a village representative who unexpectedly offered them a rare glimpse into local history. He led them to a church where they viewed ancient remains, including a 12th-century skeleton of a noble person from the village. The experience continued with a climb to the church bells, where guests were invited to ring them—a moment of unexpected delight.

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Other remarkable experiences at Mas Mateu include a dessert “drawing” featuring a two-metre display of desserts crafted before guests’ eyes, private tours of Barcelona and its surroundings, exclusive shopping tours, fishing expeditions, and private yacht charters. For art and sports enthusiasts, options include private dinners in castles, art experiences with descendants of Dalí, mindfulness sessions, yoga retreats, equestrian centre visits, and attending the International Show Jumping Finals in Barcelona. The area’s renowned Michelin-starred seafood chefs offer specialised sessions where they share their expertise and prepare various shrimp dishes using different methods, providing an enriching culinary experience. Another highlight is the Enrique Thomas experience, where guests learn about the world’s largest ham chain’s meticulous selection process and indulge in tasting sessions that leave them captivated.

In our conversation with Alfred Cabanes, the owner of Villa Mas Mateu, we discovered more about his luxury estate.

Interview: Alfred Cabanes, Owner of Villa Mas Mateu

What is one unique aspect of Villa Mas Mateu?

Mas Mateu is a destination unto itself, making it difficult to single out just one standout feature. We are not just a villa rental; Mas Mateu offers a unique experience, a destination in itself that is difficult to define by one characteristic alone. I would describe it as the culmination of many. This has been achieved through years of refining our methods and protocols to ensure our guests have a valuable time with their loved ones. Since 2008, we have mastered several guidelines that make holiday planning simple but execution challenging. The three key principles that we prioritise are gastronomy, experience, and wellbeing.

Every guest is unique and has their own preferences and dislikes. Therefore, the most crucial aspect of a villa rental is to quickly understand each guest and deliver what they expect in these three main areas:

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• Gastronomy: Our culinary offerings are unparalleled in the industry. We categorise gastronomy into sub-areas such as salt cuisine, sweet cuisine, non-alcoholic beverages, wines, and liquors. Our staff, with expertise from Michelin-starred restaurants, ensures exceptional dining experiences.
• Experience: Each individual has their own hobbies and preferences, whether it’s sports or culture. In sports, for instance, activities range from easy hikes to adventurous sports, covering a wide spectrum of interests. Similarly, in culture, guests can explore art, history, architecture, and museums.
• Wellbeing: We cater to mental, physical, and energetic wellbeing. Physical wellbeing includes nutrition, massages, and stretching. Mental wellbeing options include mindfulness and breathwork. Energetic wellbeing is also addressed through various methods.

A term that resonates with us is ‘quiet luxury,’ where we combine a high-end estate with a team of professionals trained to top standards, all underpinned by a meticulous methodology.

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What inspired the architectural design of Villa Mas Mateu?

Mas Mateu Estate is a traditional property in our region, Empordà, dating back to the 17th century. Recently, it underwent a comprehensive renovation to incorporate the latest facilities. This renovation covered architectural design, interior design, landscaping, and lighting. All professionals involved were selected from Barcelona and are known for their expertise in their respective fields. This blend of historic charm with modern amenities has led many clients to describe Mas Mateu as a temporal fusion, seamlessly combining the past with the future.

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How do you assemble and manage a team of staff to maintain such a high standard of luxury and service?

Back in 2008, we were far from meeting these standards. It was during our journey that I established a strong relationship with a yacht charter company. They taught me how to select and train staff to meet the highest expectations of discerning clients. By 2012, we had adopted a similar approach, providing round-the-clock, highly professional service. The key to our success lies in motivating and retaining key staff roles. Since 2013, our head chef, patissier, sommelier/butler, and head of housekeeping have been dedicated members of the Mas Mateu team. Additionally, our staff reside on the grounds, ensuring a swift response to any unexpected events during rentals. Each team member, including myself, takes responsibility for specific guests; one may focus on the children, while I personally attend to our main guests. We strive to engage guests with memorable experiences, such as accompanying them to fish auctions or organising motorbike outings and hikes, all of which foster a sense of camaraderie within the group. These shared stories provoke conversations and enrich our guests’ enjoyment of their stay.

We emphasise that the atmosphere among our staff reflects the experience our clients will have, and we take pride in fostering a familial environment at Mas Mateu.

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What’s a benefit of the villa’s location that is completely unexpected or quirky?

It’s a great question. The Empordà region isn’t widely recognised internationally, which has posed challenges for Mas Mateu in gaining attention from luxury travel companies. However, domestically, Empordà is celebrated as a preferred destination for affluent Spaniards.

Empordà is often likened to the Spanish Tuscany or the French Côte d’Azur, just an hour away from Barcelona. Mas Mateu is situated in the “Golden Triangle” of Empordà for three compelling reasons: nestled within a natural reserve, surrounded by mediaeval villages designated as UNESCO heritage sites, and only 10 minutes from a coastline recommended by National Geographic.

Is there a signature feature that holds special significance to you?

Mas Mateu is a family estate, and it was a dream created by my parents when they could afford it. My father passed away just a week before finishing the full renovation. So I would say that having found a business for our family house and being able to retain it is the signature feature.

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Are there any upcoming projects planned to enhance the property or the guest experience?

Always! Non-stop! We have planned the Mas Mateu Experiences (gastronomy, equestrian, motor, golf, tennis, cycling), Mas Mateu corporate retreats, and as Mateu events (combining weddings and rentals). We want to divide the Mas Mateu year into 45 weeks and create concepts for all the weeks away from the peak season.

What is the trademark of Villa Mas Mateu?

Several clients have expressed that Mas Mateu possesses a soul of its own, documenting their sentiments in our guest book. We try to create a methodology of the rental, with long-standing staff and try to look into every detail to enhance the guest experience. So it is a sum of lots of things, not as simple as just one. The best proof is that we have lots of repeat clients. As an example, we have 7 weeks already rented for the 2025 peak season. We normally get our peak season booked a year in advance.

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What insights have you gained from working at Villa Mas Mateu?

Human relations: being able to meet and become close to interesting people from all over the world, with different backgrounds, and listen to their stories.

How do you handle guests’ requests for additional services?

We are 100% guest-focused. So we work on what they need, when they need it. Bear in mind we are with them 24/7, so whenever they want an extra service, we liaise straight away.

Can you share the most memorable feedback or review you’ve received from guests?

- It’s difficult to choose just one. Here are some of the most special comments:

• Mas Mateu has a soul
• Mas Mateu will always be our second residence
• Mas Mateu is the holiday home where my kids are happiest
• I can afford luxury anywhere in the world, but I haven’t found anything that compares to Mas Mateu’s standards
• It’s my fourth time at Mas Mateu, and what surprises me most is that it still hasn’t appeared in the press

And many others that you could find in our guest books!

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Are there any nearby events for which Villa Mas Mateu is a great accommodation option?

Mas Mateu, located near Barcelona, is a sought-after venue throughout the year for various prestigious events. We have hosted renowned singers and bands for week-long stays following their European tours, provided exclusive accommodation during the Barcelona F1 and Monaco F1 events, and facilitated rentals for guests attending the FEI Equestrian World Finals. Our estate has also welcomed visitors for FC Barcelona matches and MotoGP events, and is a convenient pre-stay location for the Mobile World Congress. Additionally, we offer a unique experience for tennis enthusiasts prior to the Godo ATP 500 tournament. In our area, the most attractive thing that we have is the music festivals of Peralada and Cap Roig.

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What dish do you crave the most at Villa Mas Mateu?
Mas Mateu cannot be defined with just one dish. We have 32 tailor-made gastronomic experiences that we have worked out with the staff for over a decade. We focus a lot on the product as Spain is very rich in product. And we mix it from time to time. Here are some examples:

• Savoury Cuisine:

  Veal Jarrete, a masterpiece slow-cooked for 36 hours, awaits meat lovers; presented superbly on a silver platter with accompanying vegetables, it features a Spanish demi glace recipe crafted by our chefs

  For our Mexican-themed night, our chef and patissier immersed themselves in a three-month journey through Mexico to perfect the art of tacos al pastor

  Blue Mediterranean lobster on brioche bread

• Sweet Cuisine:

  The Chef’s Table Glass Dessert is akin to an intricate art piece, featuring over 40 unique variations

  The Tres Leches dessert

  The Italian tiramisu

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• Wines:

  With our sommelier, we curate a splendid wine cellar featuring a collection of wines from various vintages of Spanish regions. These wines are meticulously paired to complement our diverse gastronomic offerings. Alternatively, they can stand alone, perfectly accompanying delicacies such as Iberian hams with sherry wines from Fundador Distillery.

• Liquors:

  We have an agreement with Diageo Prestige in Spain, and we can offer signature cocktails from two of the world’s number-one bar tenders based in Barcelona or our own traditional cocktails from the villa. We also have a cellar with a nice selection of different liquors like whisky, rum, calvados, Armagnac, etc, to be combined with petit fours or Cuban cigars.

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From your perspective, what would a perfect day or weekend look like for a guest at Villa Mas Mateu?

Under the definition of quiet luxury, sometimes less is more. So, an example of an ideal day for me could be:

Early wake-up for a sunrise hike on a mediaeval castle in ruins, nestled in the middle of a natural reserve called Montgri, seeing the sun rise up from the Mediterranean Sea overlooking the marine reserve of Las Medas, and toasting with a glass of champagne rosé, red fruits and chocolates. Head back to the estate for the signature Mas Mateu breakfast buffet. After, take the famous Spanish “donkey nap”, and then chill at the swimming pool with some beverages and homemade snacks. For lunch, head to a traditional restaurant with sea views and have a swim in the Mediterranean at a beautiful cove. Head back to the villa again, and do a little bit of sport on the premises, such as tennis on the clay court or bocce ball or croquet in the shaded landscaped garden. Go to your room to get ready for the cocktail hour at the swimming pool with music, cocktails, and small bites during the sunset. Mas Mateu’s swimming pool is an elevated spot in the Emporda, facing the sunset in the natural reserve of Les Gavarres. After sunset, dinner on the main terrace with views to the main facade and the lightened olive grove, enjoying a meal by Mas Mateu chef. After dinner, it is time for bed due to the early start!

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How do you infuse local culture and traditions into the guest experience at your villa?

We are super proud of our area. It has beautiful natural landscapes—mountains, forests, and coastlines. It is a historical spot with over 100 mediaeval villages in the surrounding area, marking the access point of Greek and Roman civilisation on the Iberian Peninsula. This area boasts three Salvador Dalí museums and is renowned as the gastronomic reserve of Spain, with the highest ratio of Michelin stars per capita. It was also the base of El Bulli restaurant by Ferran Adrià and El Celler de Can Roca by the Roca brothers, which collectively held the title of the World’s Best Restaurant for six years. The breathtaking coastline, known as Costa Brava (translated into English as “Brave Coast”), is characterised by mountains meeting the sea, creating unparalleled paradisiacal coves and beaches.

On top of that, we have Barcelona just one hour away for a day trip.

If you could offer guests one piece of advice for making the most of their stay, what would it be?

Trust our advice. We engage with guests before their stay, learning about each person in the group and gathering information on their preferences. Together, we agree on a schedule template. Sometimes, guests plan too much, only to cancel many activities during their stay because they realise that being at Mas Mateu is valuable enough on its own.

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What are the most interesting experiences that you can offer to guests?

We have created various options at the villa and in the surrounding area: gastronomic, sporty, cultural, or shopping experiences.

Additionally, the choice will depend on the guest’s mood, whether they prefer a more elegant option or a more festive and informal experience.

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