Words Anji Connell Images Edition Hotels
Barcelona might be Spain’s second largest city after Madrid, but its historic centre is compact, walkable, vibrant, and an absolute delight to explore and immerse in the history, culture, architecture and indulge in the fabulous cuisine this city has to offer from buzzy tapas bars, to Michelin starred restaurants and innovative modern gastronomy, (the newly awarded top spot in the World’s Best 50 Restaranrs, Distrafur, is in Barcelona, and three of the top five are in Spain — prepare to be wowed! This is foodie heaven) and this fabulous location is precisely where you will find the Barcelona EDITION, in the historical El Born district, the creative epicentre and heart of the city, and just steps away from most of the city's beloved landmarks, nestled between the sun-kissed beaches and l'Eixample neighbourhood. Right in the thick of the city, with the best of Barcelona on your door step. spending time here is a joy as you will discover.
The Barcelona EDITION a modern urban oasis culminating in a lush sky garden nestled amidst a bustling metropolis.
The Style and Setting:
A once dull 1970s office block is unrecognisable after a complete revamp by the multi award-winning Carlos Ferrater Studio. The facade's projecting geometric windows gloriously reflect the surrounding gothic architecture, (adding a really cool day bed to the rooms) and the adjacent Santa Caterina Market's Gaudiesque undulating, fantastical, polychrome mosaic roof designed by local ceramic artist Toni Cumella, of famed Ceramica Cumella, founded in 1880, (the go to company for any Gaudi restoration work). The crowning glory is the stunning rooftop with breathtaking views over the city.
The Aesthetic:
Under the creative direction of Ian Schrager, the hospitality guru, and pioneer of the boutique hotel experience, the acclaimed Spanish interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, and co-founder of the multi-award winnin Carlos Ferrater Studio flawlessly embraces Edition's understated luxury with an injection of Catalan heritage in a bold modern design that merges the timeless aesthetic of Ian Schrager and the buzz of Barcelona, incorporating signature Edition details with local touches.
The stylish Lobby Lounge:
First impressions are the ones that last, and Lázaro Rosa-Violán has created an exceptional one. Upon entering the spectacular double-height lobby space, a striking suspended sapphire blue globe by Eric Schmitt catches your eye, followed by a mix of contemporary and classic design pieces from Christian Liaigre and Catalan masters Salvador Dalí and Antoni Gaudi set the stylishly timeless scene for the lobby along side a show stopping illuminated iconic blue art piece by Carlos Coronas to the rear boldly contrasting with the warmth of the panelled walnut wood wall finish and off-white fabrics, all set the scene for the buzzing lobby. Connecting to the lobby and with a separate entrance to the corner of the building, Bar Veraz's vibey bar and restaurant with alfresco terrace dining.
Rooms and suites:
The rooms are chic and cocooning. The mellow hues of the rich walnut panelling and embossed Spanish leather headboards imbue a cosy and refined essence. The projecting windows enticingly lined with squishy linen cushions beg you to sink into them. A sensuous soft fox, faux fur throw with beige ultra suede inner exclusively made for The Barcelona EDITION is artfully placed across the foot of each sumptuous bed dressed smartly in Edition's hallmark crisp white 300-thread count sateen bedding to ensure you sleep well. Diffuse light filters softly through the luminous folds of sheer curtaining, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. When it's time to dream, curtains swiftly block out the light at the touch of a button. Rooms feature the iconic Gaulino chair designed by Òscar Tusquets with art from the surrealist Spanish photographer Chema Madoz. Signature single hydrangeas are a wonderful touch that adds a dynamic pop of colour.
Boldly contemporary, stylishly chic and inviting with fabulous views. Rooms feature the iconic Gaulino chair designed by Òscar Tusquets with art from the surrealist Spanish photographer Chema Maddox.
The spec tops it off perfectly with a Bang & Olufson bluetooth speaker, a minimalist Jacob Jensen phone and a range of lighting to set the mood.
The luxe bathrooms are lined in clean white Sivec marble and adorned with a lavish baroque gold mirror and brass fixtures. A clever glass and louvre walnut wall between the shower and the bedroom adds visual interest, allowing natural light to permeate the bathroom. The rooms are considered but understated design and manages to achieve the difficult balance between cool and comfy – it’s just the kind of place to retreat to and enjoy a couple of hours with a book before heading back out on the town.
At the same time, EDITION's signature scent of black tea and bergamot invokes a sense of exoticism. The tech spec’s tops it off perfectly with a Bang & Olufsen bluetooth speaker on the bedside table, a minimalist Jacob Jensen phone and a range of lighting modes to set the mood.
Two magnificent penthouses boasting private terraces, designed for leisurely lounging and dining in the open air under the Mediterranean sun, establish a new benchmark in luxury.
Dining:
There are four exceptional restaurants and bars in which to sample Executive Chef Pedro Tassarolo's masterful creations.
Veraz:
Veraz showcases mellow wood, feathery palms, and black and white photography capturing artists, dancers, actors, bullfighters, and musicians by Spanish photographers, Joana Biarnes Colita Xavier Miserachs and Chema Madoz, one of Spain's most influential photographers working today, and an EDITION signature Edition Bar, a stunning floor to ceiling affair brimming with backlit liqueur bottles creating an ambient focal point. Expect honest, market cuisine showcasing the essence of Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomy, using the freshest ingredients from the neighbouring Mercat de Santa Caterina, alongside locally produced vermouth, craft beer, sherry and a regionally focused wine list.
Breakfast at Veraz features a range of à la carte options from shakshuka to banana waffles, with plenty of healthy fruit-based dishes. Plus there’s a buzzy Sunday brunch with live music.
The stunning signature “Editon Bar” takes centre stage at Veraz.
A seperate entrance to the street and an alfresco dining terrace. Black and white photography set the mood at Veraz with candid captures of, dancers, actors, bullfighters, and musicians by Spanish photographers, Joana Biarnes Colita Xavier Miserachs and Chema Madoz, one of Spain's most influential photographers.
Collaborations:
EDITION seeks the most talented individuals for collaborations to enhance the EDITION experience.
Les Cols X Veraz is the much anticipated collaboration with the 2 Michelin-star Les Cols restaurants in Olot, Catalunya. The talented young chef Martina Puigvert, recognised by the 2024 Michelin Guide known for her balanced and bountiful cuisine, is presenting her exceptional culinary artistry in six exclusive dishes until August 6. Expect exciting and unusual dishes with happy-making surprises, such as the "Paletilla de Cordero", a moreish lamb dish with sheep's milk, "wool", a coney floss cloud that theatrically dissolves as with the additon of the jus. The onion royale with breadcrumbs and liquorice is sublime.
The Punch Room:
A vast spiralling white semi-conch marble and staircase, another EDITION signature, tylishly transports you to a fresh incarnation of the London EDITION's award-winning Punch Room. A cosy clubby space with leather and velvet furniture, elegant oak-panelled walls, and a golden bar, boldly contrast with a rich dark oak checkerboard floor. The statement piece, is unquestionably the impressive Castilian-style billiard table with a golden cloth. Andrea Torres atmospheric photographic portraits add an intriguing moody flourish, but, the main event here is punch and sangria presented in vintage silver bowls and cocktails. The Punch Room is perfect for a cocktail or late-night game of pool.
The Edition collaborative approach extends to the clubby Punch Room, with visiting mixologists manning the silver punch bowls, creating innovative cocktails..
The Clubby Punch Room perfect for an after dinner drink and a game of pool serving naughty but nice punches, sangrias in vintage silver punch bowls and inventive cocktails.
Stairway to heaven, via a signature “EDITION” heavenly staircase in white marble.
The Roof:
Arriving on the 10th floor feels like you've landed in a sky garden. Verdant green walls are entangled with vibrant bowers of scarlet bougainvillaea and lush planing billows in the welcome cooling breeze. The Iroko wooden deck, with dining, lounge seating and sun loungers, envelopes a travertine cocktail bar. To the side, stairs take you to a small but welcome lap pool for cooling dips. Enjoy breathtaking city views as you indulge in light, flavourful Latin-American dishes with an Asian twist or sipping and refreshing drinks.
Day or night the views are stunning.
Up high, the serene rooftop oasis overlooking the city. The Jean Nouvel Tourre the tallest building in Barcelona is a symbol for Barcelona and a benchmark for bioclimatic architecture. A beacon in blue.
Everything you need for a restful day in sunny Barcelona.
Cabaret:
For those not ready to sleep, Cabaret is a sultry and opulent lounge, cocktail bar, and dining experience and performance space centred around a tasting menu with courses themed by colours, think purple octopus with beetroot or yellow desert with yuzu and mango, discreetly tucked away in the basement, adorned in lavish red velvet. Low lighting crafts a seductive vibe, and a state-of-the-art sound system keeps guests dancing while mixologists get to work busily mixing cocktails. The venue takes inspiration and pays homage to the city’s 1970s iconic discothèque Bocaccio, and New York’s legendary Studio 54, which was co-founded by the hotel chain’s creator, Ian Shrager. Studio 54-inspired cocktails are served with ingredients like gin, cava, hibiscus, mezcal and more. The venue transitions dramatically as the main courses conclude. The striking scarlet drapes unveil the stage for a heady lineup of DJs and entertainment, with dancing late into the night.
Another fabulous bar awaits at Cabaret the place for late night revelry.
Deliciouos libations, a tasting menu with colour co-ordinated courses, followed by eclectic entertainment, as the sumptious velvet drapes reveal the stage beyond. Followed by dancing till late. Its a holiday, after all, lie in’s are OK, and breakfast in bed is always a treat.
The Barcelona EDITION epitomises an urban resort with an intimate and sophisticated boutique-style environment and a destination for fabulous entertainment, gastronomy, and service, which is super friendly and personal without a hint of pretension. Its cool you may not get to see the sights!
But you can always revisit!
Take it home Shop the look. Shop the Edition Edit https://europe.shopedition.com
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