Casa Nereta: A modern hotel with historic roots

Perched above the quaint streets of Cadaqués, Casa Nereta offers a unique, design-conscious retreat in the heart of Catalonia’s Costa Brava.

This petit hotel captures the essence of the region, blending modern design with historic charm to create a home-like atmosphere for guests. The hotel occupies a historic building with deep artistic roots, originally home to avant-garde painter Joan Ponç in the 1950s.

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This heritage is at the core of Casa Nereta’s appeal, as the space honours the artistic legacy of Ponç while embracing contemporary comforts.

Cadaqués itself is a timeless village of whitewashed fishermen’s cottages, steeped in Mediterranean charm with its deep blue shutters, terracotta roofs, and narrow stone streets. The town, known for its artistic history and beloved by Salvador Dalí, has retained its traditional allure while evolving into a haven for creatives and design enthusiasts alike.

Casa Nereta embodies this spirit, having undergone a thoughtful transformation in 2016, spearheaded by Romy Ponç and Barcelona-based Conti, Cert Studio. Their approach was inspired by the organic shapes of Rudolf Steiner’s Goetheanum in Switzerland, bringing soft, flowing curves and natural materials into the interiors. The result is a calming, minimalist aesthetic that complements the ancient stonework and the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. The hotel boasts thirteen rooms, including a penthouse with a sunny terrace, offering guests a serene escape from the bustling streets below.

James Ponç, Romy’s son and current manager, has infused the space with an experiential focus. Communal areas on the ground floor double as a gallery, bistro, and boutique, featuring curated furniture, art, and design pieces, including Ponç and Dalí’s works. Here, art and photography books line the shelves, and botanical skincare products fill the air with soothing fragrances. The hotel even hosts wellness workshops, outdoor yoga sessions, and natural wine tastings, making it a sanctuary for mind and body alike.

Dining at Casa Nereta’s Bistró Nereta adds to the sensory experience, with Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion cuisine and a rotating chef residency. On select evenings, the tranquil garden transforms into a lively DJ set, melding Cadaqués’ quiet charm with a modern edge. Fittingly, the hotel’s name — Nereta — is Catalan for “swallow,” a symbol of renewal, perfectly capturing this retreat’s spirit of tradition and fresh inspiration.

Images by Kate Berry via Designboom

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