Barcelona's Hotel of Marvels

Become a fan of the new Mandarin Oriental, a glittering new apex of art, architecture and design in Europe’s coolest city.

Barcelona is an extraordinary city blessed with historic architecture, some of the finest food in Spain, streets of fashion and a broad sandy beach. With its exceptional blend of the traditional and innovative, Barcelona has become a hub for Spanish design and a favorite destination for savvy travelers of all ages. Where better to set up residence than the newly opened Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona? Designed by award-winning Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola, this sleek and sexy modernist hotel reflects the dynamism and vibrancy of the avant-garde city.

Located on Passeig de Gràcia, at the epicenter of Barcelona’s commercial and entertainment district, guests can easily stroll amongst the city’s celebrated promenades and architecture and enjoy the attractions of the famous Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona’s many museums, churches and parks are all close at hand and two of the most celebrated buildings by the city’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, are just a stone’s throw from the hotel: Casa Batlló and his grand opus, the unfinished Sagrada Familia church. Gaudi introduced the world to creative modernism; an architectural movement that knew no boundaries beyond his imagination and Barcelona is filled with testimonies to his genius. The city has more Modernist buildings than any other city in the world.

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is housed in the re-development of an elegant mid-20th century building. There are 98 guest rooms–all exquisitely designed suites that showcase enduring contemporary design–incorporating subtle reflections of the group’s oriental heritage. Views are either over Barcelona’s most stylish boulevard, Passeig de Gràcia or the hotel’s landscaped interior Mimosa Garden. A number of guestrooms have a balcony or terrace, from which to admire the surrounding modernist façades.

The stylish interiors combine sumptuous fabrics of leather, velvet and exquisite silks along with elegant woods and a rich palette of green, black and gold to create a sophisticated urban living space. Urquiola’s eye for detail can be seen throughout the rooms from the beautiful Tai Ping silk and wool rugs to the Bassano ceramics and statement pieces of furniture that she has designed exclusively for the hotel working with renowned signature brands such as B&B Italia, Moroso, DePadova, Flos and Molteni.

Be sure to spend some quality time at the slinky 1,000 sq meters spa, which offers a wide range of holistic rejuvenation and relaxation therapies, as well as luxurious water and heat therapies in an ultra-cool setting. There are eight private treatment rooms, including two Thai suites and a further two Couples’ Suites, as well as a 12-metre indoor lap pool, hammam and experience showers.

There are two restaurants on the premises–Blanc and Moments, as well as the Banker’s Bar, all popular destinations in their own right. Take advantage of the temperate Mediterranean climate and enjoy al fresco dining in the hotel’s 660 sq meter spectacular Mimosa Garden or relax by the Terrat rooftop dipping pool with panoramic views over the city’s famous architectural skyline while quaffing a glass of the local libation, Cava.

As a cultural destination, you can’t beat Barcelona with its wealth of museums and fantastic historic buildings coexisting in happy unison with revolutionary architecture. Its other unique attribute is its proximity to the sea. Visit the lively Marina to get into the swing of the city’s late late nightlife, rent a boat on the lake in Parc de la Ciutadella, or go to Mercat de la Boquería on Las Ramblas and get a picnic to take to the beach. To read up on this fabulous city, pick up The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Barcelona by Robert Hughes and City of Marvels by Eduardo Mendoza. It is indeed a city of marvels and the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is no exception.

Rates: Start at $535 p/night. Reservations can be made by calling +34 93 151 88 88, or email: mobcn-reservations@mohg.com.