5* Luxury on Girona’s Doorstep: an Interview with Hotel Camiral’s GM
As we look ahead to our first event of the year within the beautiful surroundings of Hotel Camiral, we step behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of the inside workings and all the hard work and dedication that goes into the smooth running of Spain’s No. 1 Golf Resort. Join us as we sit down with the mastermind behind it all, Jaume Donjo Rovira, General Manager, Hotel Camiral Golf & Wellness.
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Jaume Donjo Rovira
General Manager at Hotel Camiral & Wellness
inVOYAGE: Jaume, it’s wonderful to have you here and we’re incredibly excited to be bringing our inVOYAGERs to your impeccable resort in just 2 months’ time. What better way to start the year! Now, looking back over the years, what first drew you to become a part of Hotel Camiral, and how has your personal journey aligned with the growth and success of the hotel?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: When you enter the door, not only of the Camiral Hotel but also of Camiral Golf & Wellness, you already feel that it is a special and unique space. The calm, the natural light, the nature, the people who make you feel at home. These premises were what captured me from the beginning and since I started here at 2018, I’ve wanted to preserve and reinforce them. We are part of an exceptional destination, and our goal is that every guest who enters our doors feels comforted, relaxed, and ready to enjoy every corner of our resort. And that is how we have grown over the years and positioned ourselves as a unique golf and wellness destination.
inVOYAGE: Can you tell us more about what inspired the vision behind creating a hotel that seamlessly integrates golf and wellness?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: We started the project 25 years ago, in 1999 when we opened our first golf course (The Stadium Course). Year by year the golf courses (also with the Tour Course opened in 2005) have been recognised as the best golf courses in Spain and Europe hosting big events like 3 Spanish Open. In 2016 we opened Hotel Camiral -renovated by the Catalan designer Lázaro Rosa Violán with the aim of integrating golf and nature into the hotel. For that reason, we have created big windows in the lobby, so our guests can enjoy the nature and Spanish sun light all year round. In 2021 we opened our Wellness Centre, in which we combine high technology treatments, only available in elite sports facilities, with ancient therapies. The Wellness Centre is connected to the Hotel and guests can enjoy whole-body cryotherapy and Hammam or holistic massages while relaxing in our new Camiral Suites where every corner has been designed by Bryan O’Sullivan studio to offer a truly relaxing experience.
inVOYAGE: And what about day-to-day life. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment or story during your time as the General Manager that reflects the spirit of Hotel Camiral?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: Mexico’s National team stayed with us before the last world cup during their 17 days Europe acclimatisation period. I remember when they left the hotel all the team singing with mariachis to wish them good luck. Hotel Camiral is home to many different guests - from individual guests coming for leisure or golf to larger MICE and Sports events – sometimes sharing the facilities at the same time. I am especially proud that we’re able to offer all of them their very own personalised services so that everyone’s stay is as memorable as possible.
inVOYAGE: For the foodies among us, Girona is clearly a front runner when it comes to Gastronomy. How does the hotel showcase the local culinary scene, and what are some must-try dishes at its restaurants?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: Our Executive Chef David Vives, former head chef of the Celler de Can Roca, is working hard to develop a unique and varied gastronomic offering based on high quality local food and producers. We integrate all of our dishes using a combination of fresh ingredients from our own kitchen garden and local suppliers.
Our gastronomic offer continues with our Club Cafe which delivers a modern take on clubhouse classics. We also have Bella's - an Italian restaurant placed at Lavida Hotel where alongside our classic pizzas we also serve a variety of seasonal oven-cooked dishes, antipasti and varying daily specials. The 1477 Restaurant at Hotel Camiral offers a more refined dining experience whilst not overly formal either. We showcase the very best from local artisanal food producers, offering European Cuisine with a distinctly Catalan twist. Our rice in summer by the pool are an absolute must!!!
inVOYAGE: And what about experiences? Can you tell us about any unique dining experiences or themed nights that guests often enjoy?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: In summer we have our sunset sessions out at the terrace of the Hotel Camiral, accompanied by live music. We combine music with gastronomy for oysters and champagne followed by our gastronomic menu in our 1477 restaurant and our exclusive cocktails, innovatively prepared by our talented bartenders in our lounge bar.
inVOYAGE: As the General Manager, what aspect of Hotel Camiral are you most proud of, and what do you believe sets it apart in the hospitality industry?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: The team, the people who ensure that guests have a memorable experience and go home with memories that we hope will last a lifetime. They are the essence of Camiral.
inVOYAGE: And what aspirations or goals do you have for the hotel's continued success in the years to come?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: The goal is to continue investing in unique facilities that offer exclusive experiences and position Camiral as a golf & wellness destination in Europe.
inVOYAGE: Finally, do you have any last words for our inVOYAGERs before they make their way to your hotel?
Jaume Donjo Rovira: We look forward to welcoming them and giving them one of our very best wellbeing experiences. I’m so happy to host this event and I hope everyone enjoys it!