Luxe Beat Magazine February 2014 | Page 48

You might even see a Catalan hat called a barretina, which is a traditional hat that was frequently worn by men living on the Mediterranean. What man wouldn’t love that? Cuisine is varied. A current trend is for pop-ups and hidden restaurants. Have your concierge check out to see what The Supper Club and Urban Secrets is up to. Or consider La Caseta restaurant on a Wednesday for grilled sardines. There is live rumba on Wednesdays. It’s in the middle of Montjuic Wood overlooking the harbor, so it’s a real insider destination. Most people would do anything to get a reservation at Tickets bar but I also recommend the two Michelin starred Enoteca at the Hotel Arts Barcelona. Get the Concierge working on this for you before you leave the states. Guide To Barcelona ...Activities Continued Sign up for a private cooking class at Cook & Taste including shopping beforehand in the lively Boqueria market . This is a good way to understand the secrets of traditional cuisine and bring home new recipes that you have personally tried. Learn how to cook some of Spain’s authentic, typical dishes like paella, gazpacho and tapas. Minimum of two people. Five-star rating from TripAdvisor. The school is located on Carrer Paradís, which is in the heart Barcelona. http://www.cookandtaste.net To buy a unique souvenir, stop off at the very cool Concret. It’s a small but inspiring shop hidden not far from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Concret belongs to Andreas Kyburz a well-known interior and shop designer. Walk past the bulky items like chairs, lamps, lightings and head off to the gifts easier to get home like jewelry, candles, purses, molds made from real sardines fished locally, teapots, mugs, and lovey cherishables of all sorts…truly irresistible. 47 FEBRUARY 2014 • LUXE BEAT MAGAZINE If you’re thinking about cocktails try Paspartu in the quarter of Santa Caterina. Next to it is a tasty place for beer lovers called Ale and Hop. Boca Chica lounge is the hands down winner where you will enjoy great cocktails and very interesting, chic people. Take a moment to experience the rooftop terrace. The staff will relay your order up to the bar below to reserve whatever wherever you want. Rent a private boat Private Yacht from the Vilanova Grand Marina, one of Spain´s most beautiful Marinas. It’s just 35 minutes by car or train from Barcelona. Sail off to the coast, perhaps towards Sitges. This private and intimate sailing experience is remarkable at sunset. Whatever your luxury preference is as you travel, I hope I’ve added some spice and emotion to your Barcelona trip through my luxe guide. So until we meet again in the best places this world has to offer, I wish you the best in your travels far and near.