“It looks like the summer sun,” he said.

My father, a relatively well-known painter and sculptor, once remarked how beautiful the hibiscus is. A bearded man with a strong personality, he is easily awed by the world around him. Therefore, it was no surprise that he fell in love with this magical place where getting lost in thought just seems natural.It was also no surprise that he decided to rehabilitate the two-hectare property abutting the Ebre Delta Natural Park. Was it the centuries-old olive, almond, and fig trees? Or perhaps the sense of tranquillity that seems to permeate the air here?

The house is nestled among thousands of olive trees—some 700 years old—that rustle in the warm summer winds. The grounds offer panoramic views of the sea to one side and of the mountains to the other. And the views are nothing if not breathtaking.

At sunset, my father settles in under one of the olive trees with a book and a glass of one of the area’s wonderful wines or an excellent whisky. There’s just something about the place that seems to make time stand still for life’s simple pleasures. With characteristic passion, my father threw himself into the task of transforming the house into a peaceful oasis in perfect harmony with the lush natural environment that surrounds it. He found in the spirit of the property—quiet, knowing, some would say—the perfect inspiration for the house’s interior decor. His choices included some extraordinary pieces from India to complement the building's Spanish architecture while adding a Moorish touch that harkens back to centuries past. A love of nature spurred us to use natural, renewable resources like solar power and well water.

Like all people with a certain zest for life, my father is an epicurean. He made sure that every corner of the property indulges the senses in a way that is unique and different.The terraces, with their sun beds, are devoted to soaking up the Catalan sun and enjoying the warm breeze.The swimming pool is the perfect place for a refreshing dip or an invigorating swim—and of course, for relaxing.However, the best place for just doing nothing is perhaps among the olive groves. As my father says, they are “heavenly.”

Guests who wish to wander further afield may use the house’s two mountain bikes to explore the olive groves that dot the nearby mountainside.The area also offers a number of gourmet pleasures, and your hosts will happily provide you with local dining recommendations from the homespun to the upscale. Don’t hesitate to ask for sightseeing recommendations as well!For those who prefer to simply rest and relax at the guest house, the terrace is equipped with a high-end Boretti grill from Belgium, the ideal centrepiece for a relaxing dinner spent contemplating the sweeping views of the delta as the sun goes down.

And for romantic getaways, your hosts can arrange for a catered candlelight dinner with music or anything else to make your evening a memorable one. After waking up to yet another beautiful sunrise, a leisurely organic breakfast with home-made jams awaits you on the sun-bathed terrace adjoining your room. Linger to your heart’s content on one of the lounge chairs as the cicadas and birds lull you into total relaxation.The guest room at El Hibiscus offers one luxury travellers are hard-pressed to find in southern Europe—space. The sleeping and living area measures a generous 8 x 5 meters; the bathroom 4.5 x 6 meters, and the walk-in closet 5 x 3 meters.As my father says, “Space is a luxury.” We couldn’t agree more.The interior decoration echoes the rest of the property, with pieces from around the world lovingly selected by my father. Each object tells a story, giving yet another dimension to this magical place. Of course, the guest room offers all of the modern amenities, including a sound system, large flat-screen TV, and refrigerator. El Hibiscus enjoys a unique geographical location in a stunning natural environment among centuries-old olive trees.

We hope that your stay at El Hibiscus will create lasting memories.El Hibiscus—the perfect setting for an unforgettable romantic getaway.