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Places of interest across the Virgin destinations
Hesperia Tower, Gran Via 144, Barcelona, tel: +34 93 413 50 00 www.hesperia-tower.com
The striking new five-star Hesperia Tower hotel and conference complex, plus Metropolitan spa, might not be that conveniently located – 7km outside Barcelona on the side of the busy Gran Via – but it is close to the airport, which is ideal for business travellers. There’s more reason than that to make the journey though and that reason resides in the geodesic dome that seems to hover atop the 105 metre hi-tech Richard Rogers designed tower like a UFO. This futuristic eyrie houses Evo, an intimate 60-cover restaurant overseen by celebrated Catalan chef Santi Santamaria, whose restaurant Can Fabes in Sant Celoni, has three-Michelin stars. Diners should expect to pay around €130 and upwards for the privilege of dining from three gourmet menus; La Carte, The Gastronomic and the Grand Celebration in this sky high spot. The panoramic views are the only possible distraction from Santamaria’s exquisite food; up to 18km can be seen on a clear day. Book a table for early evening to witness the sun set over the mountains to the west.
tel: +44 (0)870 626 0002 www.trunki.co.uk
Ever wondered how to persuade your kids to carry their own luggage? Trunki, by design company Magmatic, is your answer. These brightly coloured mini-suitcases come in two different versions, Terrance and Trixie, cost approx. €37 and are suitable for children aged three years and over. Light-weight but durable, they can be ridden on too, allowing you to tow your offspring behind you. Although UK based the company will deliver throughout Europe for an additional €22.20.
Hotel Amerigo, Rafael Altamira 7, Alicante, tel: +34 965 14 6570, www.hospes.es
The Hospes group are blazing a trail through Spain with their contemporary boutique hotels. Most occupying historic landmark properties in major cities, sensitively refurbished and furnished with chic, contemporary furniture. At the five-star Amerigo in Alicante, formerly a Domenican convent, they’ve added a Bodyna spa on the roof top, where there is already an open-top pool with views of the impressive Santa Bárbara castle. Guests can indulge in various relaxing treatments including Thai and Shiatsu massage and ayurvedic treatments in sleek glass cabins and then relax on the terrace under the sun.
Passeig de Gràcia 106, Barcelona, tel: +34 93 445 4949 www.hotelomm.es
As if Barcelona’s hip Omm Hotel doesn’t already have enough going for it, with its one Michelin-star restaurant Moo, a rooftop terrace and pool with views of Gaudí’s La Pedrera and the popular Omm Sessions basement club. The new feather in its cap is the calming Spaciomm, a small but stylishly formed zen-like spa. Guests enter via a café area, serving herbal teas and infusions and simply furnished by timber tables and Sori Yanagi’s butterfly stools. A hydromassage pool features two reclining lounger set below waterfalls, guests can float in peace gazing out on an ornamental courtyard decorated by large red billowing banners. There are eight treatment rooms for the various beauty treatments and massages on offer and there is also a sauna, hamam and yoga/pilates studio. We loved the neatly wrapped swimming costumes and cool Camper sandals presented on arrival, and the genius locker room keys that doubled up as hair-bands. Whether staying at the hotel or not, Spaciomm is a great way to relax and pamper yourself whilst in Barcelona.
Calle Castello 18, Madrid, tel: +34 91 575 2866
The latest restaurant to take Madrid by storm is Citra, offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Latin food created by Venezuelan chef Eliás Murciano. Expect an array of rich, carefully constructed delights, with dishes such as Magret of duck served with a puree of dates and wine caramel, or Cappucino of scallops served with glazed boletus mushrooms and endive. Desserts are, by all accounts, fabulous – we like the sound of the chocolate soufflé. Indeed, Citra is so popular it’s even been recognised internationally, receiving praise in a New York Times article. Diners should expect to pay around €40-€60, the feast-like Iberoamerican Tasting Menu is €46.
Marienstrasse 26, 10117 Berlin, tel: +49 30 502 836 10 www.bungalow-club.com
Reclining dining has been all the rage since Amsterdam’s Supperclub first opened in the 1990s. So popular its spawned sequels in Rome, San Francisco and Istanbul.
Now Berlin has the Bungalow Club, a venue unrelated to the Supperclub concept, but offering a similar experience with its glossy White Bar and Dinnerclub where guests dine communally whilst lounging against huge pillows on bright white beds. Entertainment is provided by DJs and ambient visuals projected onto white walls. Great for taking it easy in style.
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