Elite Traveler May-June 2017

elite traveler MAY/JUNE 2017 123

The only book to read while in Barcelona… The Shadow of theWind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Not a sunny, culture-rich city break destination read, admittedly. Zafón’s gothic novel is a darkly atmospheric portrait of Barcelona set in the aftermath of the Spanish civil war. A time of Franco’s dictatorship, shadows and secrets, it follows the obsession of a young man and his quest to discover the author of a forbidden book. Murder, ghostly intrigue and star-crossed lovers bind a compelling plot that leaves you breathless.

WHERE TO STAY

THE PENTHOUSE SUITE Mandarin Oriental

THE EXTREME WOW SUITE W Barcelona This striking, sail-shaped five-star by the sands rises from the beachfront of Barceloneta. Earmark an evening for sunset cocktails at the hotspot rooftop bar, Eclipse on the 26th floor. The Extreme Wow Suite offers panoramic views of the brilliant blue Med from the contemporarily decorated three-bedroom suite. Personally designed by Ricardo Bofill, the suite has an expansive terrace with a private Jacuzzi. $12,000 per night Contact Gabriel RufÍ Domingo, concierge, whateverwhenever.wbarcelona@whotels. com, +34 932 952 800, w-barcelona.com

ARTS SUITE Hotel Arts Barcelona Hotel Arts Barcelona is an impressive landmark of steel and blue glass, reflecting perfect harmony with the sea. The Arts Suite claims an entire seafront vista across the 30th floor. Impressive picture windows are the main attraction, boasting vertiginous views of the Med, Olympic Port and marina. Minimalist decor of calming creams and delectable taupes completes the clean, elegant space that gleams with luxurious charm. Club level from$9,550 per night Contact Brunella Zinato, hotel manager, artsreservations@ritzcarlton.com, +34 932 211 000, hotelartsbarcelona.com

THE PENTHOUSE SUITE ROYAL Majestic Hotel and Spa The Penthouse Suite Royal at Majestic Hotel and Spa reflects sheer class, delivering its own unique style of five-star luxury. It’s one of the largest suites in Barcelona. Elegant upscale decor gives a nod to the opulent orient, with a stylish black and red lacquered bathroom. Exquisite beds, silky cotton sheets and luxurious details await, plus a terrace with views over Gaudi’s golden city. A chaffeur- driven car and butler are at your service. From$3,110 per night Contact Dmitry Prosyanik, guest relations manager, reservas@hotelmajestic.es, +34 934 967 703, hotelmajestic.es

The Penthouse Suite at Mandarin Oriental is possibly the most luxurious in Barcelona, occupying the entire top floor of this iconic hotel. Enjoy breathtaking terrace views across Passeig de Gracia and the vibrant city beyond. It’s the ultimate in opulence, exquisite decor favoring ash greys and mink to create a palette that breathes seriously sensuous style. A lavish suite so close to the gods you can almost taste the nectar. $15,000 per night Contact André Devillers, hotel manager, mobcn-reservations@mohg.com, +34 931 518 888, mandarinoriental.com/barcelona

TAKE THREE/// RESTAURANTS

1. ABAC Two-Michelin star sophistication shining brightly at one of Barcelona’s finest — intimate, luxurious, elegant. Decor is whimsically white with a caprice of neutral tones. Try two exquisite tasting menus with a wine list showcasing almost 1,000 labels. +34 933 196 600, abacbarcelona.com 2. CINC SENTITS Michelin-star, premier dining experience celebrating a unique haute take on Catalan cuisine. Chic and luxuriously sleek with unique minimalist surroundings. Famed for its scrupulously sourced ingredients. Inspirational, inventive, trending the latest tasting menu concept. +34 933 239 490, cincsentits.com 3. DISFRUTAR Three former head chefs from el Bulli are setting the Barcelona food scene ablaze with their new restaurant, Disfrutar. An unforgettable, avant-garde journey of gastronomic delights. Sublime tasting menus. Fun and totally innovative. Decor is iconically stylized, glitzy and fresh. Pure culinary art. +34 933 486 896, en.disfrutarbarcelona.com

Clockwise from left: View fromMandarin Oriental’s penthouse terrace; sun deck at theW; Arts Suite at Hotel Arts; Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall

Photos Eric Laignel, Francesc Guillamet