Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises,…
The ever-popular ME Sitges Terramar resort frames one end of the famous Passeig Maritim. From here, you can walk, jog, cycle or even skate your way to the Old Town of Sitges. Several miles to the southwest of Barcelona, this beachside destination has been charming visitors for decades.
As part of the MeliáRewards program, ME Sitges Terramar is the more social (read: party-time) property of the two in Sitges. If you are deciding between Melia Sitges and ME Sitges Terramar, they sit on opposite sides of the coastline. These are the five reasons that make the more upscale ME Sitges Terramar so special.
The location
There is no beating the location. Just in front of the hotel is a relaxing bay area with minimal waves and a protected area for families to swim. While beaches here are not private, it feels as if this one is just for ME Sitges guests. There are cushioned day beds, umbrellas and towels to enjoy (just don’t forget your towel card that you need to show).
The walk to the Old Town takes about 20 minutes, but the city’s tourist train stops just in front of the hotel. From here, you can ride for around $3 anywhere along its oceanfront path. This is the quietest end of the beach, and for partygoers this can prove a nice respite. Still, there is a lot of fun to be had here.
Once you check-in, staff quickly offer a glass of Cava or chilled water while you complete the sit-down reception. It’s hard not to be wowed by the collection of art and photography, all of which are hallmarks of the ME by Melia brand. And if you like the distinctive fragrance, that’s another link that all ME properties share.
The rooms
Designed in beachy style, the rooms here show off a bright and airy style. This includes polished hardwood floors with white-washed walls and colorful design pieces. Beds are large with easy-access power outlets, including all of the latest USB options. Side tables are often positioned for views, but that matters less since almost every room and suite at the hotel has a furnished balcony.
The entry-level category looks back towards the hotel’s gardens and the cityscape. It’s an entertaining view, but it also works well for most people who tend to spend their time on the beach or out for the day. Other rooms have angled views of the sea and city, but the majority face the water and famous boardwalk.
Open-plan closets make it easy to unpack, and there are modern coffeemakers, minibars stocked with local products from Sitges and laptop-sized safes. All come with bright baths with vanities that open to the guest room to allow for natural light. High-quality Pharmacopia toiletries in large pump bottles, and suite guests receive extra goodies like face cream, face wash and other toiletries.
Families will appreciate the connecting rooms, but there is also a sizable number of suites that start at the junior-style studios. They feature spacious foyers that lead into the bedroom. In between, the gigantic bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, separate rainfall showers and water closets. Some have two bedrooms and tubs positioned by the oceanfront windows for panoramic views.
Larger suites separate the living room completely and come with extra perks, like exclusive access to a private pool on the rooftop.
The dining
Beso is the main dining room here, and is one of the most popular features of the hotel. Foodies are familiar with its famous beach club atmosphere and Spanish menu that encourages lingering for true “sobremesa” (the idea that people gather over great conversation long after a meal). There are two separate meal seatings, and live music is sometimes part of the fun on weekends.
The restaurant opens for three meals a day, which starts with an impressive Cava-fueled breakfast and made-to-order omelets. The al fresco terrace is a popular spot each morning.
Later in the day, the menu switches to authentic paellas, grilled seafood and other seasonal items. There’s also Beso Beach Club where live music entertains and patrons spend just as much time drinking and eating as they might dancing.
Up on the top floor is the adults-only Radio Rooftop. This is the perfect perch from which to survey the entire Sitges coastline and old town center. It is arguably the best of the few rooftop bars and eateries in Sitges. Aside from a range of tempting rinks, there is also a delectable food menu. Especially popular is the Korean barbecue-style options where guests can grill their own food tableside.
The pool, beach and spa
While not enormous, the pool here has perfect beach views and a multi-level terrace. Guests can lounge on chairs by the plunge or purchase access to one of the cabana day beds that come with extra perks like drinks and snacks. Guests that book top suites can also enjoy access to these cabanas.
The beach itself sits in a private cove making it ideal for families as there are fewer crashing waves and a more serene atmosphere to sit and soak. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for guests. While the beach itself is not private, its location makes it seem so and there are rarely any crowds. Beso Beach Club staff make the rounds to keep the atmosphere extra lively with flowing drinks and snacks.
Back inside, the hotel has an impressive fitness center with natural light. Regular aerobics and yoga classes take place there or in the gardens. A daily calendar of activities provides all kinds of workout and family-friendly things to do during the warmest months.
The spa has several treatment rooms, including some for couples, and uses a special line of vegan products for its beauty and massage treatments.
The parties
ME is the lifestyle brand of MeliáRewards, and here you will find a lot of entertainment and happening vibes. Its rooftop terrace is home to almost nightly activations, many of them with DJs, and all of them with high demand for a table overlooking the coastline.
The menu includes an Asian-inspired barbecue menu that allows guests to prepare their own meats and veggies tableside. There is nothing else like it in Sitges, and few hotels have their own rooftop terraces. What makes this property so special is its position along the end of the boardwalk giving it the most panoramic of views.
Throughout the year, the resort also hosts a wide range of parties and events. They include everything from New Year’s Eve bashes to private functions that take advantage of the resort’s position. It benefits from waterfront views, but also ballrooms and boardrooms with natural light (many of which open to residential-style garden terraces).
This property used to close during the winter months. Its popularity during the slow beach season has kept it open for the past few years. This is a Sitges favorite for conferences and events. But, no matter when you visit, the food, service and views will win you over.
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines, and loyalty programs from around the globe.