From Farmhouse to Five Stars: The Transformation of Mas de la Devesa into Camping Las Dunas

If you’ve ever wondered how a simple Catalan farmhouse could become a beloved family resort on the Costa Brava, the story of Mas de la Devesa and Camping Las Dunas is your answer. What began in 1968 as a reception and a small bar inside a traditional stone "mas" has evolved—step by step—into a five‑star seaside destination designed for modern campers and families.

In this post, you’ll discover how visionary decisions, thoughtful expansions, and guest‑focused upgrades turned a beachfront plot between l’Escala and Sant Pere Pescador into the contemporary Camping Las Dunas. You’ll also find practical tips for experiencing that living heritage today—from dining in the original farmhouse to splashing through the Aquapark.

Where It All Began: Mas de la Devesa, 1968

The late sixties marked the first wave of tourism on the Costa Brava. Recognising the region’s potential, the Suñé family acquired Mas de la Devesa, a typical Catalan farmhouse with 6 hectares of surrounding land in a wetland area between l’Escala and Sant Pere Pescador. The site’s beachfront location—and a long‑term vision—set the foundation for a holiday complex named Camping Las Dunas.

In those early days, the reception and a small bar operated right inside the historic farmhouse. The stone facade, emblematic of rural Catalonia, anchored the campsite’s identity in local tradition from day one.

The 1975 Leap: Infrastructure for a Growing Community

As guest numbers rose, so did the need for better infrastructure. In 1975, Camping Las Dunas expanded decisively:

• A new reception was built at a new entrance
• A supermarket opened on site
• A new bar was added
• A second sanitary building was constructed
• The overall surface grew from 6 to 12 hectares

These investments transformed the property from a pioneering campsite into a well‑serviced holiday destination that could welcome more families with greater comfort and convenience.

The 1980s: From Campsite to Resort

By the 1980s, the large campsites of the Costa Brava were evolving into full‑scale leisure resorts. Camping Las Dunas moved with the times, building its first swimming pool, the first minigolf course, tennis courts, and the nightclub Fata Morgana. Recreation, sport, and nightlife arrived together—broadening the experience beyond the beach.

From Vision to Reality: A 5‑Star Family Resort Today

In the last decade, the campsite has delivered major upgrades across the board. Today, Camping Las Dunas presents itself as a 5‑star family resort that meets the expectations of the modern camper while staying true to its seaside roots.

Aquapark with Waterslides

The Las Dunas Aquapark is a favourite for families:

• Five waterslides for endless fun
• A bubblebath and a gentle "river" with waterjets
• A toddler’s pool (shallow, 40 cm at its deepest) with a central tower, four small slides, and a giant tipping bucket
• A spacious sun terrace with deckchairs
• Approximately 5,000 m² dedicated to water and play
• A lifeguard team ensuring safety and hygiene

Family Entertainment and Kids’ Culture

• The Laladu Miniclub (hosted by the campsite’s turtle mascot) offers supervised play, arts, dancing, and minidisco sessions.
• Live entertainment takes place on the big stage by the swimming pool bar, where the entertainment team and guest bands bring classic favourites to life.

Dining in History: Restaurant Mas de la Devesa

Set inside the original farmhouse, the Restaurant “Mas de la Devesa” blends heritage and comfort. The stone facade preserves its Catalan character, while the air‑conditioned interior offers modern comfort. Expect signature Costa Brava flavours such as Arrós negre (black rice), Fideuà, and Suquet de peix, alongside pasta, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes—a delicious way to taste the region’s culinary identity.

Nature and Setting

Camping Las Dunas sits in the Bay of Roses, within reach of the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà natural park. It’s a setting of beaches, wetlands, and migratory birdlife—an inspiring backdrop for bike rides, morning beach walks, and sunset strolls.

Comforts and Accessibility

• Asphalted internal roads for smooth navigation with cars, wheelchairs, and strollers
• Wheelchair ramps for step‑free access to main facilities
• Five large sanitary blocks featuring modern amenities and the use of renewable energy
• Controllable hot showers in individual cabins
• Electronic sliding glass doors for easy, touch‑free entry
• Baby and toddler facilities with child‑friendly fittings and changing areas

Connectivity and Convenience

• Camping pitches are equipped with fibre‑optic cabling for high‑speed wired internet access; Wi‑Fi also covers the site (access available for a fee)
• On‑site shops and services, including a staffed laundry where you can drop off washing and rent bed linen, towels, and toddler accessories
• E‑bike rental available on site
• The on‑beach FaseWind surf school offers windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand‑up paddle (SUP), SUP‑yoga, skimboard pool practice, and dinghy sailing courses

Signature Upgrades That Mark the Journey

• 2013: A new minigolf course built to resemble a real miniature golf course
• 2014: A striking bar and terrace added, featuring a sail‑like roof supported by a single pillar—an architectural highlight that nods to the sea

The Transformation Timeline at a Glance

Quick Answers About Mas de la Devesa and Camping Las Dunas

When was Camping Las Dunas founded?

1968.

What is Mas de la Devesa?

A typical Catalan farmhouse ("mas")—the original building on the site, whose stone facade still stands and now houses the main restaurant.

What changed in 1975?

A major expansion added a new entrance with reception, a supermarket, a new bar, and a second sanitary building, doubling the site to 12 hectares.

What entertainment and activities are available today?

Families enjoy the Aquapark with slides, Laladu Miniclub, live shows by the pool bar stage, and watersports with the FaseWind surf school (including windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP, SUP‑yoga, a skimboard pool, and dinghy sailing).

Are there bungalows by the beach?

Yes. The bungalows are fully equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, living room, terrace, air conditioning, and internet—ideal for a comfortable beachside stay.

Is the campsite accessible and modernised?

Yes. Expect asphalted roads, wheelchair ramps, and five large sanitary blocks with renewable energy use, touch‑free glass doors, and child‑friendly spaces.

Practical Tips to Experience the Legacy

1. Dine in the farmhouse: Book a table at Restaurant Mas de la Devesa and sample local classics like Arrós negre, Fideuà, or Suquet de peix.
2. Plan kid‑friendly fun: Check the Laladu Miniclub and minidisco schedule when you arrive.
3. Beat the heat at the Aquapark: Visit early or late afternoon for gentler sun and easier slide access; little ones will love the shallow toddler area.
4. Explore nature nearby: Pair a beach morning with an Aiguamolls de l’Empordà wetland walk or bike ride.
5. Stay connected your way: Use the fibre‑optic wired access on pitches for high‑speed work sessions; Wi‑Fi is available across the site.
6. Make mobility easy: Use the asphalted paths and ramps for smooth movement with strollers or wheelchairs.
7. Try a new watersport: Book a session with FaseWind—from SUP to kitesurfing or dinghy sailing—to see the bay from a fresh perspective.

Conclusion: Heritage You Can Feel—And Enjoy

From the stone walls of Mas de la Devesa to the laughter in the Aquapark, Camping Las Dunas blends history and modern hospitality in a way few seaside resorts can. The vision that began in 1968 now lives on in a 5‑star family resort where comfort, entertainment, and nature meet on the shore of the Bay of Roses.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your stay, explore our Bungalows by the beach, dive into the Aquapark with waterslides, and see why families return year after year to this landmark Family resort in Spain.