Hola Dolls! Today I can’t wait to share some details with you about our recent trip to Barcelona. It was actually my first time (and Jason’s) in Spain, so there was almost too much to see, eat and experience! Every year we usually take a mini family vacation with Nigell and Robie, having spent a couple of days with them in Dublin. Last year was Amsterdam, the year before – London, so sunny streets of Barcelona were quite different!
WHERE WE STAYED:
Having been on a recent Soho House kick, we decided to give the Soho House Barcelona outpost a whirl. The private member’s club also doubles as a restaurant (we’ll get to that), spa and hotel. Because it is primarily for members, the clientele is exclusive and quite honestly…super chic! Everyone was beautiful, the décor was impeccable, service outstanding and we felt like we were in a dream. From vintage radios in the rooms playing Spanish guitar to a cocktail cart with nightly visits to your room for a “Getting ready treat,” Soho House delivers on ambiance and service. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay surrounded by Barcelona’s coolest customers, drinking frosé on the sunny rooftop and getting massages in the subterranean Cowshed spa.
WHAT WE DID:
The thing about Soho House being so cool is that you never want to leave! Believe me…we were torn between enjoying the sunshine and actually taking a moment to relax and getting out and soaking up every moment of our first trip to Spain. But as they say…it’s all about balance. Some of the things we did included:
Walking through Las Ramblas – We strolled down Barcelona’s iconic boulevard, taking in the sights, popping in to shops and drooling over ice cream cones.
As an Art History student, I always obsess over every museum in a new city. This time, I so exhausted that I didn’t make it to many, but I was sure to visit Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera), one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous architectural feats. We viewed the city’s beautiful cathedrals including the gothic Barcelona Cathedral, as well as La Sagrada Familia,a breathtaking (and still not complete) wonder!
To relax, we hit the W Hotel for a beachside cocktail. While we opted for a more low-key stay at Soho House we had to hit one of Barcelona’s most famous structures for some time to unwind. Of course, I also found time for shopping…a must in any city! Jason and strolled through L’Eixample, one of Barcelona’s largest and most modern districts. I actually got a new Maje dress that’s coming to the blog soon! Stay tuned!
Where We Ate:
Like I mentioned, the Soho House is actually home to an amazing restaurant that we’ve frequented in other cities: Cecconi’s. We recently went in Brooklyn, Miami and even London – but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dine there in Barcelona. We ate there on two occasions, one for the most extravagant brunch I’ve ever seen (highly recommended) and one for a casual and cocktail-full lunch before our departure. The fare is modern Italian and undeniably delicious.
Two of our other favorite dinner spots were Feroz and Boca Grande. The latter being my favorite, not only because of food, but because of the unique ambiance and multi-level cocktail bar. After a dinner of wagyu beef paella, and tapas we headed upstairs for cocktails with the city’s stylish crowd. But what was most surprising was the club-scene in the bathroom. A giant room filled with floor to ceiling mirrors of all shapes and designs, the bathroom had blaring music and a crowd that came for the restroom, but ends up staying to dance! So unique! Last but definitely not least, we dined at a local tapas and cava bar that we popped into by chance. The food and wine was so delicious we retraced our steps on another day to enjoy it again! Aren’t happenstance finds like that the best!
I know this recap doesn’t even do justice to the amazing city of Barcelona, but I hope you all enjoyed it. Let me know in the comments if you have any travel plans coming up!