Welcome to the Tour de l’Amour travel diaries, a voyage series in collaboration with Love Stories. Embark on a journey far or near home with our guides: inspiring women that know about style, room service, and adventure.

A summer family escape to La Bionda in Begur: a beautifully designed hotel with breathtaking views to rocky beaches and to the fairytale town. Soesja Leugs invites us into her dreamy trip to La Costa Brava with the best company together with Love Stories Intimates.

HW – Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Soesja and I’m a Dutch Indonesian who lives in the suburbs of Amsterdam. My passions in life is my family, exploring new places, cultures, foods and music. I am a full time mom and a part time model and my dream is to someday own my own business.

 HW - Now tell us a bit about your fantastic voyage, where did you go? Who did you go with?

My journey started in Barcelona for two days. Only 1,5 hours driving away from the busy city life, we arrived in Begur, Costa Brava on our third day. A true oasis of well needed Mediterranean peace and tranquility. We are three together, my son Jonah and partner Jesse.

 HW - Where to wake up?

I noticed there are many cute boutique hotels situated in the town, but “La Bionda” in itself is a destination. The decor is just straight out of a Wes Anderson movie infused with some Spanish aesthetics.

HW- The thing you loved the most from the hotel?

All rooms have their own character but are equally beautiful in their own way. It’s interesting how the rooms interiors leave a big impression, but at the same time feel comfortable and relaxed. We loved the interior, service and location where it’s situated. In two words, peaceful beauty.

 HW- Something that surprised you?

The gastronomy of the town. It’s not just tapas and local food they serve here. They have mastered many international kitchens in the small town of Begur.

HW- What’s the best way to explore the area?

The area is very easy to explore by foot! We have walked most of our stay, but a little cab to the beach is highly recommended. The hills are pretty high and the streets are pretty steep.

 HW – You traveled with your daughter, any tips to share with traveling parents?

Traveling with a child can be challenging at times. We thought Barcelona was a little intense with a 1,5 year old who wants to explore the world. Begur on the other hand is practically traffic free, clean and child friendly with a playground and of course kids! Our golden tip for a relaxed flight is to go very early in the morning. We go around 6, so we wake up really early. By the time we sit down in the plane we’ll all be tired and ready for a nap so we can wake up at your holiday destination when we touch down.

HW – Where (and what) to eat? For a low key lunch? And for a romantic dinner?

For a low key lunch we went to El Tapas de Begur on our first day. It’s situated at the local square and I’d highly recommend you drink a Verdejo with the tapas in the shade of the plaza’s big olive tree.  

For a romantic dinner we went to Clara, recommended by Carla, our host. The building, colorful interior, cocktails and small bites to share definitely set the romantic mood for two (or 3 in our case).

 HW – What’s in your suitcase?

My suitcase was packed with shades of pink, mauve, whites and a hint of purple. Normally I don’t pack color-schemes like this, but when in Begur and La Bionda you will want to fit into the decor. My Love Stories lingerie and swimwear blended perfectly in this holiday love story.

 HW – What’s the dress code for a weekend at La Bionda?

Dress like you are the main character of the La Bionda hotel.

 HW – You can’t travel without…

Without my Olympus Mju II film camera. This was my first time traveling with it and it was just so easy to handle and pack. We didn’t miss one key moment of our travel and film always captures the soul of a holiday way better than a phone does.

 HW – What to bring home as a souvenir?

Pictures, memories

 HW – A place only locals know about?

Not sure if it's just the locals, but we loved the bakery’s magdalena’s de canela on the town square.

 HW – Any shops we can’t miss?

All the shops are equally lovely. It’ll be hard to miss any in a cute little town like this.

 HW – A book to read while we’re there?

La Bionda is female run and has some books and pictures with strong female characters. I’d say read the story of Camille Claudet, the genius mistress of Rodin.