Standing among the modernist greats, Gaudí’s quirky buildings make the city a must for design enthusiasts. Though best known for bold buttresses and splattered mosaics, you’ll find just as much inspiration exploring his lesser-known works, Teresian College and Bellesguard. There are also dedicated museums for Picasso, Dali and Miro, so reserve a morning for private tours of these arty big-hitters: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, and Fundació Joan Miró.

Continue your creative adventure to Púbol where, next to the Gala Dalí Castle, you’ll discover delicate, hand-crafted dinnerware inside Caterina Roma’s ceramics studio. Elsewhere, La Roca Village, just 40 minutes from the city, is dressed and ready for spring. Wander the Village and admire the latest art installations before retiring to the Personal Shopping suites for an expert style consultation.

When evening falls, line up a late-night booking at Lasarte. The vision of gastronomic legend Martín Berasategui, the restaurant’s refined Catalonian menu is credited to his protégé Paolo Casagrande, whose cunning innovation secures them an exemplary rating on the emblematic Paseo de Gracia.

Though there’s plenty to occupy a day in the city, it’s when night falls that Barcelona really comes to life. While you can’t go wrong with a traditional flamenco show, the Gran Teatre del Liceu occupies a prime position on La Rambla and its ornate interiors set the scene for an esteemed line-up of ballets and operas this season.

When the evening festivities draw to a close, rest your head at the Hotel Arts Barcelona. A sanctuary towering high above the sea, it has all the amenities you seek in a luxurious city stay, including a two-Michelin-star restaurant, rooftop spa and secluded outdoor pools. Book one of their spacious penthouses and enjoy a private entrance and reception area – plus, access to your own Mini Cooper to get you around the city during your stay.

GlobeAir operates flights to Barcelona from €5,900

Before leaving the city, it’s essential to spend some time along the Costa Brava in one of VIU Empordá’s stunning residences. Rich in culture, gastronomy and landscape, many of the homes belong to the region’s best architects and designers, offering unique style and next-level access to the area. Whether it’s foraging through the wilderness with a perfumer, touring the Mediterranean coves or sampling local vineyards, their expert tours will connect you to the heart of these inspiring landscapes.