Vinita Chaitanya’s Barcelona

To stay

A luxurious five-star retreat, Hotel Casa Fuster is situated along Barcelona’s emblematic Passeig de Gracia, in the heart of the cultural district of Eixample. Constructed in the late nineteenth century in the style of Catalan Modernism, the heritage building is complete with neo-Gothic notes and curved lines to evoke elements of the natural world.

TOP TIP: Take in panoramic views of Barcelona from the rooftop pool and terrace. Or, sample cocktails under the vaulted colonnade of Café Vienés, then enjoy a medley of local and international artists on Thursday evenings when the café transforms into a jazz club.

To explore

As you wander through the streets of Barcelona, you’re sure to encounter the influence of the great Antoni Gaudí, immortalised through his unmistakable union of architecture and craft.

Just down the road from Hotel Casa Fuster on the Passeig de Gràcia, you’ll find his last – and arguably greatest – civic work, Casa Milà – combining geometric and naturalistic elements in a rippling stone façade that lends it the moniker La Pedrera; the stone quarry.

TOP TIP: Today, the iconic building is home to the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation and hosts a variety of unmissable art exhibitions and cultural events.

To visit

Venture inland to the diminutive medieval village of Púbol and you’ll find the Gala-Dalí Castle – a Gothic Renaissance structure, reimagined through Salvador Dalí's uncanny vision. A gift to his wife and muse Gala, the artist honoured her through the details of the intricate interior and would only enter the castle with her written consent.

TOP TIP: This summer, you can explore Gala’s cultural legacy as part of a collaboration between La Roca Village and the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí. The initiative begins at Púbol Castle, with a tribute to her fashion collection, and continues at La Roca Village with a reflection on the muse’s influence through the perspective of contemporary artists.

To shop

Just 40 minutes from Barcelona, in the verdant Vallés Oriental region, lies La Roca Village – an open-air setting of bright ornamental façades, drawing on local architectural motifs and the vivid aesthetic of the Modernista movement.

Explore celebrated restaurants and cafés and more than 150 boutiques from Catalan, Spanish and global luxury brands amid tree-shaded squares, sculptural water features and vibrant mosaics inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s work.

TOP TIP: Enrich your experience with a curation of luxury guest services, including Hands-free Shopping or a private styling session in The Apartment with one of our expert Personal Shoppers.

To eat

The dynamic spirit of 1980s Barcelona informs the all-day kitchen and philosophy of connecting around the table at Atmósferas Mordisco in La Roca Village, sister restaurant to the iconic Mordisco in the Catalan capital.

A light-filled oasis, replete with lush botanicals and an outdoor terrace, it’s the perfect place to unwind during a day of shopping. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is equally inviting, featuring a variety of thoughtfully sourced and seasonal dishes to share or enjoy on one’s own in the beautiful, flagstone-paved square.

TOP TIP: The Burratina with cream of roasted tomato, black olives and croutons, alongside braised carrot hummus and signature Churros Bravos Mordisco, are just some of Vinita’s favourite dishes to try.