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Known because of its outstanding cuisine, dynamic nightlife, and UNESCO world heritage sites, Barcelona is really a classic favourite with regards to fun and culturally rich European getaways. In the mood for a quick city break, Recently i spent three days within the Catalunan capital and discovered a house away from home at Almanac Barcelona.
Almanac: The Lowdown
A stone's throw from Las Ramblas and also the boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia in the central Eixample neighbourhood, this 5-star boutique hotel boasts views over the Sagrada Família, remarkable culinary credentials, along with a unique history.
Connecting a turn from the century building and a contemporary one, Almanac Barcelona is an architectural jewel with chic and modern interiors applying classic Art Deco style. The mission behind this European-wide hotel collection will be a living, breathing help guide to local discovery. At Almanac Barcelona, edge in the game by channelling the spirit from the city right into a number of bespoke experiences readily available for guests: a tasting and wine pairing menu at their recently-launched VIRENS restaurant, headed by Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle, a three-hour foodie tour of Barcelona, and a private visit of 1 of VIRENS' specialist producers, a household winery making organic sparkling wine.
From the very first moment I set foot in the lobby, I had been met with seamless service that struck an ideal balance between eager and relaxed, without ever feeling contrived. Along with my keys, the concierge host handed me a voucher for any complimentary drink at the hotel bar, and we started off on a great note.
Almanac: The Rooms
Spread over six floors, the hotel's 61 bedrooms are spacious and elegant, with large bay windows offering scenic views over the city -particularly suggestive at sunrise and sunset. Wanting to explore Barcelona and eat my body system weight in pan con tomate along with other delicious tapas, I did not spend long in my room, but whenever I'd a moment to relax, you could discover me sitting in the window nook and marvelling at the gorgeous sights. Your bed was ridiculously comfortable, the coffee maker stocked with complimentary capsules, and also the marble-and-golden bathroom fitted with double sinks along with a walk-in shower.
For even more comfort, you can test certainly one of their 30 suites: spanning up to 210 sqm, with private penthouse terraces and independent living areas, they redefine the meaning of just living in luxury.
Almanac: The Food
Starting with an excellent and wide-ranging breakfast, meals are the star from the show at Almanac.
Every meal is served in the large and modern dining area on the floor floor, where ceilings are high enough to accommodate a mezzanine floor and seats are covered in gorgeous dark velvet. The breakfast buffet is well stocked with homemade breads, cakes, cheeses and fruits, with ample choice for vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements in addition to hot dishes and fresh smoothies available to order. I've never seen chia pudding available in a hotel breakfast, however it am delicious I went back for additional -twice!
Lunch and dinner are prepared by Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo en Calle, who heads the hotel's VIRENS restaurant, and whose focus for an innovative plant-forward menu is on local, seasonal, and sustainable dishes inspired through the philosophy of organic farming. Barcelona was named World Capital of Sustainable Food 2022, and Almanac is wanting to helm the culinary revolution our planet badly needs.
At lunch, I tried the roasted cauliflower heart with black garlic aioli, that was tender and delicious, along with a suquet of fresh market fish with green tea bread: suquet is Catalan for 'small juice,' which perfectly describes this mouth-watering juicy fish stew. I topped everything served by a strawberry and chocolate charlotte, and went for any typical siesta right after. Much more Barcelona- do because the Spanish do!
My dinner highlights were a carrot salmorejo (cold soup) with crumbled mató cheese and fried sprouts, white asparagus from the region with black garlic demi glace and capers, and a creamy rice with green curry and sautéed vegetables. Each ingredient complemented others and melted within my mouth, and also the experience proved that vegetables do not have to be boring. When done correctly, they are exceptional and highly memorable.
The Chef's Table menu paired the bathroom with a range of homemade probiotic drinks such as passion fruit kombucha, apple kefir, and hidromiel, as well as organic wines from local Bodega Torelló: cava Torelló, corpinnat miranda d'espiells, do penedes and do tarragona.
Almanac: The Spa, Rooftop Bar & Pool
If you are in need of dealing with an extended travel journey or perhaps a flurry of tourist activities, professionals at Almanac's wellness centre can take care of you. With steam and sauna rooms, a 24-hour fitness space, along with a personalised choice of soothing massages and coverings, you'll instantly relax.
Then venture as much as the eight floor, and you'll find just a little slice of paradise. Azimuth Rooftop Bar is listed one of the best rooftops in Barcelona, and for good reason! It offers panoramic views over the city, a sleek and stylish lounge setting, plus some of the best craft cocktails within the city. When you're done exploring, you can catch some rays through the outdoor pool, a real oasis of peace far from the hubbub from the city. Live DJ nights turn up the heat on weekend evenings, when Azimuth becomes a popular hotspot for locals and hotel guests alike. I was sad to depart on the Friday and miss the enjoyment, however i are in possession of much more of a reason to go back!
Almanac: Our Verdict
I loved every minute of my stay at Almanac Barcelona. The sleek ambience and relaxing feel added an elegant touch to an experience that managed to combine luxury along with a deep sense of link with the city. Employees exceed from check-in to check-out, the views make you feel over the world, and Chef Rodrigo's plant-forward menu is truly incredible: Almanac is setting itself apart like a hospitality brand rooted in the middle of what it way to champion a place and it is history.
The Almanac Barcelona opened in February 2022 and it has 91 rooms (30 which are suites), starting from EUR300/night. The Almanac Barcelona Foodie Package costs EUR1,615 for 2 people and includes: a two night remain in an Almanac Room, breakfast, the Virens Wine Pairing Menu, a personal tour of Bodega Torelló, a bespoke three-hour foodie tour of Barcelona and airport gets in / from Almanac Barcelona. To learn more and also to book please visit almanachotels.com/barcelona/special-offers or call +34 93 0187000
BY Anna Myers
