TRAVELLERS TALES
Barcelona Inspires Veronica Rodriguez, Director of Marketing,Turisme Barcelona
Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago - its original name Barcino - Barcelona is many cities rolled into one. Traditional and modern, vibrant and relaxing, gothic and contemporary, but above all, inspiring.
The Eixample is one of many walkable areas of the city, touched by unique and amazing architects - Antonio Gaudi to name one of them. Today this neighbourhood can be considered a destination in itself. Burn off some of the tapas and wine by walking around this area created by the engineer Ildefons Cerdà in the 19th century, following the demolition of the medieval city walls.
Paseo de Gracia, the heart of the Eixample and one of the most glamorous avenues in the city, offers a great cocktail of culture, architecture, gastronomy and shopping; and is the perfect getaway from busier areas like the Gothic Quarter or Las Ramblas.
The wide avenue is full of amazing palaces and houses that once belonged to the Catalan bourgeoisie, competing at the time between them to see who could get the best architect and the most advanced design. Most of these buildings are located in the so called Block of Discord, just to name three, Casa Ametller, from Puig i Cadafalch, Lleó Morera by Domenech i Muntaner, and of course Casa Batlló from Gaudi, one fairy tale come true. It only takes a couple of minutes to realise that everything around you has being touched by modernism; not only buildings, but also street furniture,
lights, tiles, benches and sculptures. There is so much to look at it’s difficult to know where to start!
One of the jewels in Paseo de Gracia is the Majestic Hotel and Spa, with a neo-classical façade from 1918 that has just been fully refurbished, headed by the prestigious interior designer Antonio Obrador. Preserving the buildings’ classical architecture, but introducing contemporary elements has given the hotel a timeless, comfortable and exquisite atmosphere.
Go for a drink to the Dolce Vitae terrace with 360º views of the city or enjoy a refreshing dive in the pool. Pamper yourself in the spa which is one of the few in town, to only use the exclusive Natura Bisse products.
If your inspiration tends to appear after midnight, do not miss the DJ sessions at the dance floor of the Bocagrande bathrooms. Organised in different levels and ambiences, with a great Mediterranean restaurant and a couple of bars, it is the ideal gathering point for locals and visitors. You will find it just a few blocks away from another Gaudi legacy: La Pedrera or Casa Milà.
It is said that the Sagrada Familia will be completed in 2026, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. I cannot think of a better place to follow this than from my terrace on the spectacular 9th floor of the Majestic Hotel and Spa, enjoying some of the local specialties, and hoping to one more time, relive my passion for Barcelona.
For more information, please see
www.hotelmajestic.es or visit them at ILTM Americas 2013. JULY2013 11
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