6 reasons to love Mallorca this Summer

Mallorca has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently but – outside the raucous party resort of Magaluf – discerning travellers will find plenty to love about the Spanish island this Summer. British chef Jamie Oliver and his family, racing driver Freddie Hunt (son of the late James Hunt), and former ‘Baywatch’ babe Pamela Anderson have all been spotted enjoying the beautiful Balearic island recently.

The Mediterranean’s only land art resort

Opened in June 2014, Es Revellar Art Resort is unique on Mallorca and in the Mediterranean, and is only the seventh privately owned land art resort in the world. With just 12 rooms, this adults-only property could be described as an art museum with accommodation, outdoor pool, gym, and restaurant (set amid the hotel’s vegetable garden).

Located on a 600-year-old country estate, just outside the southeast town of Campos, it has verdant gardens filled with sculptures, marble columns, fountains, and ponds, and is illuminated at night. Es Reveller Art Resort is home to an extraordinary private collection of classical, religious, medieval, primitive, contemporary and ethnic art. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the art at certain times with the hotel’s art advisor.

New hotel suites

Two established 5-star hotels on Mallorca have a new top suite for guests this summer:

The 93-room Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel was closed for most of 2013, for a total refurbishment costing 13 million euros. Overlooking the 18th hole of the adjacent Son Vida Golf Course, its 88m2 Hole-in-One Suite has large private terrace, bedroom and separate living room. Room rates include unlimited green fees.

The two-bedroom Suite Es Port is the latest addition to the Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa, on Mallorca’s scenic northwest coast. In a stand-alone ‘house’ in the hotel grounds, this suite is surrounded by pines and ancient olive trees for added privacy, with almost 360-degree views across the port and open sea. Suite Es Port has an open-plan dining and living area with fireplace, private terrace with BBQ, open kitchen with breakfast bar, maid’s room and separate bathroom for visitors. The master bedroom has a private terrace.

Great gastronomy

Mallorca has five Michelin-starred restaurants: Zaranda, Es Molí d’en Bou, Jardín, Es Racó d’es Teix, and Es Fum. In addition to these temples of fine dining, several young local chefs own restaurants offering ‘new Mallorcan’ cuisine: creative contemporary interpretations of the island’s classic dishes. Try restaurants such as Santi Taura, DaiCa, Joan Marc, Andreu Genestra and Miceli to appreciate why Mallorca is a great gastronomic destination.

Marc Fosh’s cuisine

His career began at The Greenhouse in London and brought him, via the Spanish peninsula, to Mallorca and Reads Hotel. Marc Fosh is still Spain’s only British chef to have gained a Michelin star. He left it behind to open his own restaurants – Simply Fosh and Misa Braseria – in the heart of Palma de Mallorca. Many restaurants in Mallorca’s capital are closed on Sundays, but the acclaimed Simply Fosh is open for lunch and dinner, and Misa Braseria open for dinner, on Sundays throughout this summer.

A new unique space with a view

The 5-star boutique Gran Hotel Son Net overlooking the village of Puigpunyent, in Mallorca’s southwest, is the first hotel on the island to offer a treehouse for small private functions. A unique space for a romantic dinner, marriage proposal, or drinks with friends, it has stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tramuntana mountains.

Superb shopping

Palma de Mallorca’s reputation as a luxury shopping destination grows with every new boutique and store. This summer’s new openings include Tara’s Art: luxurious leather bags for women and men, designed by Tara Salgado and artisan-made in her workshop in Inca, Mallorca.

Venerable Mallorcan luxury jeweller Relojeria Alemana – clients include the Spanish royal family – has just opened a new three-floor store in a renovated ‘palacio’ on the iconic Paseo del Borne; the store’s ground floor is dedicated to Rolex timepieces and, purchase made, you can head upstairs for a drink in the clients’ private bar.

Rialto Living – the Swedish lifestyle store opened in 2007 – has just doubled in size, following expansion within its 18th-century ‘palacio’ premises. Featured in the coffee table book Luxury Stores: Top of the World (te Neues), the expanded store includes a new art gallery, men’s and women’s fashions, books, gifts, and furniture/home accessories. The store’s sympathetically restored architectural features and new glass-roofed Café Rialto make this a must-visit for fans of casual elegance.

6 of the best Central American journeys

For those considering Central America for the first time, we offer a handy guide to six of the best Central American journeys. Discover the rainforest canopies of Costa Rica, snow-white beaches of Belize, old colonial towns of Guatemala and much more.

Guatemala

A breathtakingly beautiful country that is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in Latin America. Plan a Guatemalan itinerary on a bespoke basis, using private vehicles and guides and ‘boutique-style’ hotels located in some amazingly beautiful settings. Choose from an astonishing array of attractions, including such icons as the Mayan ruins at Tikal, the World Heritage Listed city of Antigua and Lake Atitlan, the country’s scenic jewel.

Belize

Cross the border into neighbouring Belize and you will discover an equally extraordinary world of jungle-veiled ruins, jaguar preserves and unbroken coral reefs. Most visitors divide their time between the coast, most popularly at the reef protected Ambergris Caye, where we recommend Victoria House, a grand colonial residence located on a quiet stretch of beach, and the jungle, where Chan Chich , part of a privately owned, 250,000-acre nature reserve near Gallon Jug, and Chaa Creek, a secluded riverside lodge in the shadow of the Maya Mountains, are two of the best places to stay.

The best time to visit Guatemala and Belize is during the ‘dry’ season from December to April.

Costa Rica

When Christopher Columbus came in 1502 he called it the ‘Rich Coast’, a term which could equally apply to the country’s lush, tropical vegetation or the gold jewellery worn by the local Indian inhabitants. Although gold is a lot thinner on the ground nowadays, the natural landscapes remain, with huge swathes protected as National Parks. Costa Rica’s statistics encompass 800 species of birdlife, 8,000 varieties of orchid and more than 10% of all butterfly species, bringing vivid splashes of colour to the jungles and cloud forests of the country’s volcanic interior. Costa Rica also has both a Caribbean and Pacific coastline and a history of peace and stability.

The best time to visit is from December to March.

Nicaragua

Now at peace after decades of conflict, Nicaragua is the welcome addition to our Central American portfolio. It is a charmingly un-commercialised country with a rich indigenous culture, some of the oldest Spanish settlements in the Americas, vast inland seas, spectacular volcanic peaks and a tropical Pacific coastline. We are particularly happy to recommend the beachfront Morgan’s Rock Hacienda which is the flagship of Nicaragua’s burgeoning eco-tourism.

Panama

This year is the 100th anniversary of the building of the Canal, a feat still ranked as the most important engineering achievement in history. But there’s more to discover here than just the ‘big ditch’, including the rich tropical forests of the Soberania National Park, remote mountain villages and coffee plantations. For wonderful beaches we would suggest taking a short flight to the San Blas archipelago of some 400 palm-fringed Caribbean islands that are home to the indigenous Kuna tribe. The lithe serpentine geography of Panama is divided by its most famous attraction, the 80km-long Panama Canal, but there is so much more to discover here than just the ‘big ditch’ – the rich tropical forests of the Soberania National Park, remote mountain villages and coffee plantations hidden away in the country’s volcanic interior, and the San Blas Islands, an idyllic Caribbean archipelago of some 400 palm-fringed islands that are home to the indigenous Kuna tribe.

The best time to visit either Panama or Nicaragua is from December to March.

Mexico

Most UK visitors focus on Cancun and the beach resorts to the south, with side trips to the Mayan archaeological sites within a day trip radius of the beach. Our approach is different; a journey from the Sierra Madre to Baja California, a route which will reveal some of Mexico’s most magnificent scenery and one of its most fascinating indigenous tribes, together with the delights of Baja California. From Mexico City you fly north to Chihuahua to board the Chihuahua al Pacifico train for a two-day 400-mile train journey that skirts the mile-deep Copper Canyons of the Sierra Madre, home to the Tarahumara Indians, then fly west to the tip of the Baja Peninsula for a three-night stay at a stylish boutique hotel.

The best time to visit is either Autumn (Sep/Oct) or Spring (Mar/Apr).

Nick Van Gruisen is Managing Director of The Ultimate Travel Company.

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7 of the best places for a Greek island holiday

Greece’s colorful and gorgeous islands are truly one of the biggest and most beautiful assets of the Mediterranean region. From the Dodecanese to the Ionian Islands, these lovely tourist destinations offer an intoxicating and one-of-a-kind vacation to its visitors. What’s more, every island group in Greek has its own unique charm and allure that would beckon all sorts of travelers. On top of it all, these islands have the most picturesque landscapes and seascapes on the face of the earth.

Best island on a budget: Serifos

A backpacker’s delight, Serifos is without a doubt one of the world’s best value island destinations. From accommodations to food, nearly everything in this Greek island destination is offered at a very affordable price. What’s more, the island has a plethora of attractions that keep you hooked and entertained for a number of days, such as the Archaeological Collection, great beaches and Livadi & Surrounds.

Best island for food: Crete

Foodies would surely please their gastronomic urges with Crete’s famous culinary specialties, such as myzithra and dakos. Furthermore, the island is known for its olive oil, yogurt, honey, olives, and cheese. If you love hearty and healthy Greek food, make sure to book a trip to this beautiful Greek island.

Best island for beaches: Mios

When it comes to beaches, Milos definitely tops the list of the best places for a Greek Island holiday. Boasting more than 70 fine pristine beaches, the island of Milos indeed has a wide and diverse collection of beaches that include local favorites like the Sarakiniko, Tzigardo, Papafragas, and Paliochori beaches.

Best island for luxury villas: Mykonos

Home of the finest and most luxurious villas in Greece, Mykonos showcases a dazzling array of world-class epicurean villas, such as Vila Kymothoe, Ioannis Retreat, Villa Ammos, Villa Sandy, Moonlight Villa, Starlight Villa, Villa Alegria, and a whole lot more. For the most part, the villas available in Mykonos offer great views of the stunning Kapari Beach. Moreover, these villas are equipped with the latest and most advanced facilities and amenities. As for their ambiance, almost every villa Mykonos has a tranquil and laid-back feel.

Best island for families: Trilos

Known for its agriculture and eco-tourism, Trilos is an ideal respite for tourists who are traveling with kids. With over 300 plant species and 120 wild bird species on display, this island will surely amuse children, parents as well as people who are fond of nature photography. In addition, the island has a load of family-oriented activities to offer to its visitors, such as donkey rides, seaside picnics, and tours around its archeological sites.

Best island for a romantic break: Santorini

With its gorgeous whitewashed houses, legendary sunsets and otherworldly scenery, it’s hard not to feel the romance on the island of Santorini. Aptly billed as the ultimate honeymoon destination in Greece, Santorini beckons newlyweds and romantic couples with its nostalgic and relaxing ambiance. Like a Greek god struck by the love arrows of Cupid, the island’s romantic vibe will certainly make you fall head over heels once again with your other half.

Best island for an active break: Naxos

For a heavy dose of island fun and adventure in Greece, head off to the island of Naxos. Here, you get to enjoy scenic and exciting trekking adventures with quick stops to several historic sites, such as Byzantine churches, Hellenistic towers and ancient temples.

Christos Hajipapas is Head of Business Development & Strategy at Cyplon Holidays.

Top 5 luxury hotels in Colombia

A country still in its infancy somewhat where tourism is concerned, Colombia may not jump out as a luxurious destination when compared to other areas of the world. But don’t let this fool you into thinking luxury can’t be found here. The cities of Bogota and Cartagena in particular are home to some wonderful properties, and with Colombia’s national airline now flying into Bogota direct from Heathrow four times a week, why not indulge? Here are my top 5 luxury hotels in Colombia:

Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

The Sofitel Bogota is a perfect start to a Colombia trip. The rooms are stylish, spacious and cosy, with the option of booking one of five private suites if you’re looking to indulge. The hotel itself is situated in the quiet, upmarket Chico neighbourhood. This is a great location for exploring the city, with a number of cosmopolitan restaurants and bars nearby. Alternatively, sample the gastronomic delights of the Sofitel’s own professional culinary team, who serve up tasty Mediterranean and Colombian dishes.

The Orchids Hotel

Situated in the heart of the Bogota, The Orchids Hotel is a unique neo-classical home lovingly developed into a boutique property. In my opinion, Orchids offers the ultimate in personalised service and boutique luxury in the capital. It has just eight rooms with butler service and little extras, including a tailor-made breakfast served when and where you like, a library and Jacuzzi. Around the house you will also see paintings, sculptures and handicrafts made by local artists, which are all for sale.

Casa San Agustin

Casa San Agustin is my favourite boutique option in the walled city of Cartagena, with original art work and architecture that give an insight into the city’s rich history as a 17th century Spanish stronghold. Just 24 rooms and 6 suites make up this small but perfectly formed property, which was developed out of three colonial buildings in the centre of Cartagena’s Old Town. Casa San Augustin has something of an exclusive air about it and with plenty of luxurious extras, including private balconies, plunges pools or jacuzzis you’d be a fool to give this charming property a miss.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Though the Sofitel chain is known for its luxury properties, the name isn’t synonymous with individuality, so to step into the beautiful colonial architecture of the Legend Santa Clara is a real delight. Original features abound and during the renovation process a number of archaeological artefacts were found which are now on display throughout the hotel. A huge pool and great views are at your disposal, and don’t forget to sample the cocktails in El Coro bar – an absolute must if you stay here!

The Charleston Cartagena

The Charleston is a grand restored 17th century convent that sits on the edge of the walled city. With gorgeous décor and a spacious rooftop pool, there are plenty of reasons to spend a night or two here. Take advantage of the excellent spa, or enjoy some down-time on the roof-top lounge area, before taking a dip in the property’s swimming pool. If you really must, the hotel also has a good gym. Impeccable service blends seamlessly with a stunning location, right on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.

Craig Burkinshaw is a Founder Director of Audley Travel.

The best luxury hotels in Hawaii

The best luxury hotels in Hawaii command high premiums, and for good reason: each has a loyal following that returns year after year, in addition to the many couples visiting for the first time on a special honeymoon or anniversary trip, or families splurging on a very special Hawaiian vacation. As a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor who was born and raised in Hawaii and has personally stayed at the top luxury resorts in Hawaii, as well as received feedback from clients who have stayed in these resorts, these are my top picks:

Four Seasons Resort Hawaii at Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu

Four Seasons Resort Hawaii at Hualalai is one of Hawaii’s most expensive resorts, but is consistently sold out or nearly sold out for much of the year, and it’s no wonder. The resort is the only AAA Five Diamond resort on the Big Island, and is expansively set in 32 oceanfront acres, including 7 different pools.

Families with kids naturally gravitate towards the Sea Shell Pool, with its lagoon shape, infinity edge and heated whirlpool, or to the Keiki (Children’s) Pool, which is shallow and perfect for very young children. Utterly unique is King’s Pond, a 1.8 million gallon saltwater aquarium carved out of lava rock and perfect for snorkeling with over 3000 tropical fish, plus an eagle ray!

Honeymooners and couples, meanwhile, can sip cocktails at the swim up bar at the adults only Palm Grove Pool, or lounge peacefully at the Beach Tree quiet pool.

But beyond the many pools, the Four Seasons Hualalai stands out with its attention to detail, from the personalized welcome amenity offered to kids, to restaurant hosts that remember your name and dining preferences, to complimentary snorkel equipment, sunscreen and chilled fruit offered poolside. Don’t miss at least one sunset dinner at ‘ULU Ocean Grill, which offers superb fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine. The flame grilled Hawaiian Hapu (Sea Bass) and Big Island Wild Boar with Poha berry chutney are especially succulent.

A complimentary Kids for All Seasons Kids’ Club for kids 5-12 means parents can also have a real vacation, and no one is likely to be bored given the many activities on offer, from Hawaiian hula to basketball pickup games to Eagle Ray feeding to Kona Coffee tastings. Complimentary washer and dryer stations also mean you don’t need to pack many clothes, since you can wash them anytime.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is the most popular Hawaii luxury resort among my clients who are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary trip, and looking to balance relaxation at the resort with Maui activities ranging from hiking to whale watching to viewing the sunrise or sunset at Haleakala. In my view, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers the very best service of any resort on Maui, together with the largest standard guest rooms, at 600 square feet, and a lovely golden sand beach for relaxing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and other water sports.

Snorkeling right off the house reef is good–we saw a number of tropical fish, including Moorish Idols, Parrotfish, a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (also called a Reef triggerfish, and the Hawaii state fish) and even an octopus.

The focal point of the property is its elegant Fountain Pool, but there is also an adults only Serenity Pool with a swim-up bar, perfect for couples, and a shallow Waterfall Pool for kids.

In addition to the complimentary Kids for All Seasons Kids’ Club, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea also offers a games room with ping-pong, billiards, board games and video games, so even older kids can keep entertained while you enjoy a soothing massage, a SUP Yoga class (combining yoga and stand-up paddleboarding) or invigorating outrigger canoe ride.

Andaz Maui at Wailea

The Andaz Maui is just a 5-minute drive from the Four Seasons Wailea, so it enjoys a similar lovely golden sand beach. It’s the newest Hawaii luxury hotel, featuring a striking, airy lobby with views of its tiered infinity pools and the ocean, along with a modern, spare design that is especially popular with my younger clients.

Since standard rooms here are much smaller than at Four Seasons Maui, at only 376 square feet, and standard rooms also only come with a shower, I definitely recommend booking a suite instead for more space and to have a soaking tub in addition to a shower.

Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk

The Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk is the absolute favorite of my clients with children who opt to stay in Waikiki, on Oahu. That’s because, even though it doesn’t directly front the beach, the beach is only a short walk away and the Trump offers spacious, modern suites, many with great ocean views.

A killer feature for families is that the suites offer fully equipped kitchens with Sub-Zero appliances, including a Wine Cellar and an in-suite Bosch washer and dryer. The suites can accommodate up to 6 guests, with no extra person fee. It’s basically a luxury condo with 5-star hotel services.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay

Lanai is one of the lesser known Hawaiian islands, but made the headlines years back when Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, rented all the available Lanai hotel rooms for his wedding, including the then Manele Bay Hotel. That hotel became the Four Seasons Manele Bay, which is currently renovating all guestrooms and suites. I’d recommend waiting to visit until the renovations are complete, but the renovated rooms do look sleek, with subtle Hawaiian accents. If you’re really looking to get away from it all, Four Seasons Manele Bay typically hosts fewer guests than the more popular Four Seasons properties on Maui and the Big Island, and there’s often great whale watching in the winter months, not to mention pods of spinner dolphins who frequent the resort’s Hulopoa’e Bay, a protected marine preserve.

Other activities on Lanai include golf (The Challenge at Manele and The Experience at Koele), tennis, horseback riding, and even archery and croquet if you visit the sister property, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lodge at Koele.

If you’ve stayed at any of these Hawaii luxury resorts, what was your experience?

Hilary Stockton is the CEO at TravelSort.

Flying Club Bauhinia and business class with Hong Kong Airlines

Increasingly in the modern market, an airline is judged not only by its business and first class, but also by its private or members’ lounge at various airports – most certainly for short-haul trips, where time spent in the aircraft itself is minimal. A new VIP lounge – Club Bauhinia – situated near Gate 23 at Hong Kong International Airport, opened in late June to provide service to Hong Kong Airlines business class passengers and frequent flyer members.

Prior to our 5-hour trip to Bali, we had the opportunity to try out the new lounge. As our flight was departing around noon, we arrived very early for some much needed breakfast. The lounge offers a very reasonable selection of local Cantonese dishes, from dim sum and egg waffles to steamed rice sets and noodles, complemented by a small pastry section and sandwiches. The selection certainly veers more towards local tastes than international, and while the range of dishes is very small, the Cantonese dishes, in particular, are very well made, providing a fulfilling start to our day.

The lounge is split into several sections, primarily with an open plan. The communal dining table takes centre stage, while the fringes of the lounge are lined with a much more comforting but standard seating arrangement of sets of four chairs around a coffee table. Thoughtfully, there is also a section for lone travellers to sit in privacy and peace, with high-raised back chairs arranged in a row and facing away from each other. Entertainment is provided in the form of digital (iMacs) and traditional (with a slew of magazines, newspapers and other publications, as well as a television broadcasting business news).

Further inwards, the lounge becomes darker and more discrete, appropriate for the sleeping pods that populate the area. While privacy could be improved, the pods are almost too relaxing, so be sure to set an alarm. Thankfully, the staff are alert to your departure time and would wake you with enough time to spare before your flight. While the official photos do not do the lounge much justice, we were pleasantly surprised by this unexpectedly serene lounge and by the food.

With no first class, business class offers Hong Kong Airlines’ most premium seats, presenting a 2-2-2 arrangement decked out in a rather calming red and grey-tinged palate. The seats have three preset positions: upright, rest and sleep, with the middle being extremely comfortable, while the latter is entirely redundant as the slightly raised angle is not conducive to a good sleep. Thankfully, the individual pads of the seat from head to toe are entirely customisable according to your preference, as I found a good afternoon’s sleep after toying around with the controls.

A tucked-in flip screen monitor provides the bulk of the entertainment, but sadly the touch screen is dated and difficult to operate as response to the touch and its remote control is slow. With a fairly short flight, there was only one meal onboard. The international menu offers a choice of mains, with set appetisers featuring a seafood salad and Häagen-Dazs ice cream for dessert. Unfortunately, even by airline standards, the food was rather bland, with not even the fish, doused in an overly thick, creamy sauce, being a particularly safe choice.

While the airline’s hard product could do with improvements to bring it up-to-date to modern expectations, the service throughout the experience, from check-in to the lounge to inflight, is exceptional: friendly, caring and very responsive to demands, and is probably the most luxurious aspect of the offering. Hong Kong Airline’s genuinely enthusiastic service standard is something we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing on many a trip, from economy to business class. While the hardware possibly leaves much to be desired in comparison to its competitors and more established airlines, the service continues to impress and has been a primary reason for my continued and consistent patronage of Hong Kong Airlines for short-haul flights, especially factoring in the airline’s fantastic rates.

The top 5 luxury experiences in Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s most cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage stretching back over 2,000 years. Set on the sea against a backdrop of rolling hills, Barcelona has a wonderful Mediterranean climate and is a perfect location for a luxury visitor. This vibrant city is the heartbeat of Catalan culture. Home to Picasso, Barcelona is known throughout the world for design, fashion and food and, of course the architecture of Antoni Gaudi and, in particular, the world famous gothic creation of the Sagrada Familia church. As for luxury experiences, there are plenty to enjoy.

Driving at Montmelo

Barcelona has its own motorsport race track called the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmelo. The Formula One Spanish Grand Prix and the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix are held here. But the racetrack is not the exclusive preserve of Lewis Hamilton and Dani Pedrosa anymore as now there is the opportunity to drive a Ferrari around the circuit for a day.

With a capacity of 107,000, Montmelo is considered a good all round track with long straights and multiple bends. Behind the wheel of a Ferrari, this is an experience not to miss, although don’t expect the stands to be full to watch you.

Football at the Camp Nou

The Camp Nou is the home of Futbol Club Barcelona. The capacity of the stadium is now ‘only’ 99,000 making it the largest stadium in Europe, so just to be in there on a tour is a site to behold with its cavernous feel as its three open sides stretch up several tiers all around.

To get a ticket though and watch Barcelona is a special experience. Some of the hottest properties in world football play there such as Messi, Neymar and now Luis Suarez (eventually) and so it’s no surprise that the Camp Nou is nearly always sold out. With nearly 100,000 people cheering on their beloved Barca, there is an amazing cacophony of sound that has to be experienced. The football’s pretty good as well.

Eating at El Celler de Can Roca

El Celler de Can Roca has just been voted the second best restaurant in the world and has been on the list of the world’s top restaurants for a decade, securing the top spot last year. The restaurant is located in Girona, just outside Barcelona, and is run by three brothers who bring their individual talents, literally to the table.

There is the outstanding chef, the world’s best pastry chef and the wine aficionado who proudly serve Catalan ingredients that play with the diners’ senses, complemented by a vast array of mainly Spanish wines and Sherries. The hospitality at the 55-seat dining room here is legendary. Get a table if you can.

Staying at the W

There’s an array of top quality 5 star hotels in Barcelona and one of the most interesting is the W Barcelona. Located at the water’s edge next to Barceloneta Beach, the W Barcelona is a remarkable structure, shaped like a sail, reminiscent of the famous Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai.

The rooms offer spectacular views of the sea or the city and the hotel provides small telescopes in each room as standard. There’s a Michelin stared chef in one of the two gourmet restaurants and a cool rooftop bar on the 26th floor offering panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean.

Sailing from Barcelona

A perfect way to see the city’s unique landscape with its resplendent Gothic architecture, and adjoining areas such as the Port Olimpic and Barceloneta beach is from the sea with a private sailing trip.

From Barcelona’s port, hire a boat and sail up and down the city’s coastline taking in the sights and sip a cold, crisp cava. Since you’re drinking, it’s probably best to hire a boat with a skipper.

Bruno Pires is Global Director at 360Experience.