Barcelona: The Gold Standard Guide

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and one of the many jewels of the Mediterranean, is a city alive with life and brimming with culture.  From world class-architecture to gastronomic wonders, this slice of the Iberian coast boasts the best of the best.  Here’s our gold standard guide to a city that Batur no limits.     

Where to Stay 

Cotton House Hotel 

History and modernity melt together beautifully in this most stunning hotel.  Part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the Cotton House Hotel, housed in 19th-century neoclassical structure, was once the city’s cotton guild headquarters.  Now it hosts 83 gorgeous rooms complete with huge beds, rain showers, walk-in closets and a Nespresso machine, perfect for that pre-breakfast pick-me-up.  The Batuar, a cosmopolitan bar, and restaurant with its magnificent tiled floor serves up top-notch cuisine from 7am till midnight.  But, if you’re only after a quiet drink, head to the library.  Here, you can sit amongst first editions and original copies of old books. 

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Located amidst the modernist facades of Passeig de Gracia, shoppers and families alike will love the luxury treatment here.  Housed in a former bank, the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is opulence yet chic.  Taking center stage is without a doubt the fabulous mimosa garden on the first floor and the rooftop bar with its panoramic views and pool.  Although the standard rooms are nothing in comparison to the size of the suites, they breathe, are light and far from claustrophobic.  For those with a taste for the finer things, but traveling with families, the Mandarin Oriental is incredibly accommodating, offering up kids menus and a play zone.

Soho House 

Sitting across from the Park Placa del Duc de Medinaceli with the blue waters of Port Vell to its left is Soho House.  A stone’s throw away from La Ramblas, stay here for a slice of the English country house.  Everything here feels classy and comfortable, from the pale olive paneling to the leather upholstered sofas and porcelain light switches.  The rooftop terrace is a Mediterranean wonder in warm weather.  Rooms come in a variety of sizes with those larger coming with a separate sitting room.  Cecconi’s on the ground floor knocks up fantastic Italian cuisine, and the members' bar (open to guests) and rooftop bar are great for a late night drink.

Where to Eat 

Lasarte 

For those after an experience they will never forget, Lasarte is where to start and end.  Owned by world-renowned chef Martin Berasategui, Lasarte is the only restaurant in Barcelona to have earned itself three Michelin Stars.  The cuisine here is Catalan take on Berasategui Basque cuisine.  Every meal is a culinary journey, and the dishes are prepared according to the season.  The multi-course tasting menu showcases the head chef, Paolo Casagrande’s, creative ability through stunningly delicious refined dishes.  Be sure to book well in advance as the wait list is often two months and longer. 

Enoteca 

Catalan chef, Paco Perez two Michelin Star restaurant, Enoteca, is located on the first floor of a luxury property in the Port Olimpic Marina.  Seating only 38 guests, this is an intimate venue that takes inspiration from its seafront setting.  Rustic wooden floors and white linens give the place a subtle nautical vibe.  In the summer it is a bright spot that boasts beautiful sea-views from the terrace.  The emphasis here is on contemporary and inventive Mediterranean dishes that lean towards fish and seafood.  Guests are welcome to pick from a tasting or a la carte menu and can choose from a wine list that boasts 750 different kinds.    

Roca Moo 

Boasting one Michelin Star and coming from the brothers behind El Celler de Can Roca, Roca Moo is a fine dining experience with a twist.  Here, the cooking is done on display.  Guests can sit at a counter in front of an open kitchen and watch the chefs hard at work.  Don’t worry though, the slick setting and theatrics don’t outshine the food.  There is a fixed price lunch menu  Tuesdays to Fridays, but the showstopper is the Menu Joan Roca which balances exciting flavors with contemporary technique brilliantly.  On the other side of the restaurant, separated by bookshelf is Roca Bar, a stylish gastrobar that serves up great drinks and delicious snacks.

What to Do

Shop til you Drop 

Barcelona boasts some of the best shopping in all of Europe.  So, while you’re in the city make for Passeig de Gracia where the streets are lined with the best of the world’s high-end fashion brands.  From Chanel to Prada to Gucci and everything in between, the Passeig de Gracia is your one-stop spot for a full day shop.  Pack your plastic.     

Enjoy a Luxury Sail 

Climb aboard a luxury sailboat, that dates back to 1932, and tour the Mediterranean coast in style.  Feel the breeze in your face and pop a bottle of bubbly while you toast to good health and great living.  Set down the anchor and enjoy the sun set slowly behind Barcelona’s skyline.  Whether in a group, with a family or on a romantic getaway, a luxury sail along Barcelona’s beautiful coast is a magnificent way to spend an afternoon.  

Winery and Wine Tasting Helicopter Tour

Some fantastic wine country and wineries surround Barcelona.  The Penedes region in Catalonia just south of Sitges boasts some of the best cava in all of Spain.  So, why not enjoy it in style, jump on a helicopter and be flown from winery to winery.  All you have to do is sit back, relax and sample fantastic wines.

Barcelona Food Tour

Tour Barcelona in a Vintage Car 

Pick from a series of vintage cars that date back to the 1950s and 60s and tour Barcelona in a wholly unique way.  Sat on plush leather seats and with the wind whipping through your hair, you’ll be the talk of the town as your speed past some of the city’s most iconic sights.  After all, if you’re going to visit the city, you may as well be doing it in style.