The Crème of Barcelona – Unique Luxury
Heading to Barcelona? Live there? Be sure to check out the BCN ProjecTravel Blog for things to do, places to go, and to learn more about this brilliant city.
BY JACINTO VIDRÓ
EATS
When you think about the best restaurants in the world, Catalonia definitely isn’t the first place that pops into your mind. Some may say New York with Per Se is at the top of the list, Londoners will claim the Fat Duck to be the top restaurant globally, but the reality is that a small restaurant just outside of Barcelona has been holding “World’s Best Restaurant” for four years in a row. With Spain being home to four of the top ten restaurants in the world, two of which are in Catalonia, you can rest assured that your culinary desires will easily be well met.
In first place globally you’ll find the world-renowned elBulli, brainchild of Ferran Adria and located outside of Barcelona in Roses. A typical meal here will set you back €250. Pricey yes, but well worth it, and if planning to go make sure that you book your table well in advance. Typically reservations are open up to six months in advance.
elBulli : Apartado 30, Roses en Cala Montjol, Spain : +34 972 150 457
In second place you’ll find El Celler de Can Roca, which has just recently shot up the global restaurant list to take 5th place globally – a restaurant founded by the Roca family in the eighties and now run by three brothers, it offers a dining experience that is truly innovative. As with elBulli, if you’re planning to go be sure to book well in advance.
El Celler de Can Roca : Ctra. Taialà, 40, 17007 Girona, Spain: +34 972 222 157
Inside Barcelona you have plenty of choices as well, but following the New Catalan theme set by Ferran Adria we can recommend Alkimia. Located in Eixample Izquierda, this restaurant’s tasting menus will set you back up to €74, but are well worth every cent – again don’t forget to book.
Alkimia: C/ Indústria 79, 08025, Barceona Spain: +34 932 076 151
BUYS
No doubt about it, the food in Barcelona is some of the best in the world, but what about other luxury goods? Unsurprisingly enough, this European cultural hub has some exceptional things to offer the luxury consumer with a refined taste.
TIMEPIECES
To start with, we have a watch company that has been making some serious waves in the world of watches. Pita Barcelona is a boutique that not only makes its watches by hand, which in today’s day and age is a rarity, but also offers a truly unique experience for the owners of their products. Each watch is fully customisable, and comes from a limited series. So while your cousin, uncle and golf partner may all have the same factory-made Rolex, you’ll know that your timepiece is truly unique if you go to Pita. Notwithstanding, the company has also patented a technology that allows for their new model, the Oceana, which is water-resistant up to 5,000 meters. Yes, you read that right, five thousand metres. While overkill for any diver, the simple fact that it can go that deep is cool enough in itself, and best of all you can look stylish whilst diving in the Seychelles.
Watches range from a few thousand euros up to €20,000 – for more information on Pita head to their website.
PITA BARCELONA – Av. Meridiana 223, E-08027 Barcelona : +34 933406346
CLOTHING – WOMEN
Yes you can go to el Corte Ingles, yes there are malls and the big global names you would expect, but elegance and clothing are something unique and so is the way we present ourselves to the world. For those who want designer fashions but not the same old trite names, we’d like to present you with Folclore.
A boutique shop located in el Born that specialises in haute Portuguese fashion. Their clothing ranges from smart to funky and the owner is more than happy to talk with potential customers about the current movement in Portuguese fashion. If you drop into this store, you will not be disappointed.
FOLCLORE – C/ Canvis Nous 1, 08003 Barcelona : +34 93 319 56 94
CLOTHING – MEN
While Spanish tailors may not be as globally renowned as their Italian counterparts, this for the most part has to do with the effective international seclusion of Spain up until the death of Franco.
And while Barcelona does not have its own Saville Row, there is most undoubtedly a bespoke men’s tailoring solution that goes by the name of Señor. Founded in 1961, this now small chain of men’s wear will make you a suit within two weeks and for a very reasonable fee. By reasonable we mean €250+ for super 120s and better that you simply don’t get anywhere else.
SEÑOR – Psg. de Gràcia 26, 08007 Barcelona : +34 93 317 69 67
Know of any special places in Barcelona? Let us know in the comment section.
Les Dos and Don’ts When Vacancing en Provence
BY VERITY DOUGLAS
Picture Provence and one conjures images of sunflowers and lavender; old men playing Pétanque in the evening, sporting berets and lighting one cigarette from the end of another. However, whilst this Provence can still be found if you know where to look, the Côte d’Azur is home to a very different breed of frenchman, where berets and Gauloises are replaced with Speedos and mega yachts.
In other words, the French Riviera is the home of excess. Or, in even more words; a recessionista’s worst nightmare. I thought I’d done well by remembering to paint my toenails ‘Rouge Noir’ until I realised that head to toe Chanel is de rigeur and my vintage jumpsuit drew the sort of pitying expressions usually reserved for orphans and the illiterate. I was a North Sea fish in some almost tropical water and it was time to up the ante…
This is my guide to navigating the world’s sartorial minefield and not looking like you’ve strayed too far from your goldfish bowl…
• Don’t drive a crap car
Driving in France is like the Wacky Races, so unless you’re Penelope Pitstop you’ll be run off the road by Dick Dastardly before you can shout “Merde!” Plus, judging by the state of the average native Renault, cars on the continent are not treasured the way they are en Angleterre. Vehicles compete to squeeze through gaps a pedestrian would balk at so steel yourself for honking, cursing, gesticulating and sadly, a myriad of minor accidents and lost wing-mirrors.
Alas, with little choice in the matter, I arrived in Nice to meet my seven-seater Citroën, complete with British number plate and right-hand drive. Hooray! – I thought, somewhat prematurely, failing to realise that one thing French drivers hate more than other French drivers; is English drivers. My (massive) Citroën was a red rag to some already impatient bulls; a state that was further aggravated at toll booths and ticket barriers, where I examined currency and squirmed over the passenger seat, before wrangling with my not-so-electric windows. It would seem no-one likes queuing as much as we do.
My advice? Get a yacht, or at least blag your way aboard one. Which brings me on to…
• Don’t go to St. Tropez
The Datai, Langkawi
BY ANTONIA PEARCE
Eco-luxury at its most divine and a percentage of your room fee goes towards saving the rain forest…
The Datai hotel, on the island of Langkawi, has all the marks of an imperial residence. Baroness Thatcher is a fan and the hotel has since remained a beacon of luxury for over fifteen years. Away from the dynamic, yet increasingly western, magnetism of Kuala Lumpur; Langkawi is an island with a gentle almost mythical appeal. Few locations in the world can boast such an exotic mix of virgin rain forest and tranquil beach. However, this is exactly the juxtaposition that has made the Datai; the place to vacation. The hotel’s grand interiors are off-set by two Trojan style horse statuettes and a lily-pad pool in the open-plan lobby. Upon which, the architecture opens up to reveal the pool, a variety of tree tops and the misty Andaman Sea.
The private beach at The Datai
It is quite extraordinary that a place as beautiful as Langkawi is not completely overcrowded with tourists. Instead there is a quiet, loyal (albeit, rather glamorous) visitor who returns year after year. Romantics and nature lovers should stay in the villas nestled deep within the rain forest. Standing high upon wooden stilts, with cozy interiors and dark wooden shutters; they act as cosy, private retreats. That said, the sound of the rain forest takes a little getting used to. I was reduced to calling the reception and asking nervously for someone to check for creepy crawlies under my bed!
However, I awoke to the sound of the stream and careful beams of sunlight shining through my window and soon felt ready to explore the island. To get a feel for the landscape and culture of Langkawi, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the islands two great passions; nature and gourmet cuisine.
For the natural world, I turned to the Datai’s resident naturist: Irshad. He is a man adept at inspiring wonder in even the most cultivated of urban dwellers. With a hypnotic tone he makes the rain forest come alive with colourful birds, numerous creatures and tales of miracle plants.
Irshad’s nature walks can be completed early in the morning or at dusk and should be followed by a meal in one the hotels excellent restaurants. For an unforgettable taste-bud experience try the cooking lesson (held every Friday) in the Pavilion restaurant. Here guests can learn the art of Thai cooking. Finally, one of the hotel’s greatest joys is the spa. Located deep within the rain forest and by a freshwater stream. Loose yourself in tranquility baths filled with rose petals and enjoy expert Abhyanga massages.
As a result of good food, sunshine, Irshad’s education and lots of walking: I felt full of energy and happiness. Bliss achieved, I set off for a walk on The Datai’s private beach and moved into the crystal clear ocean delighted in a paradise found.
Loading ...