From tapas and cava to art and architecture, there
is no question Spain has a strong identity that sets
itself apart from the rest of Europe and the world. Even
more so, Barcelona in particular is in a league of its
own when it comes to thinking outside the box and
putting a distinctly Catalonian twist on everything.
El Palauet, a boutique hotel on Passeig de Gràcia in
Barcelona’s famed shopping district, is certainly no
exception. The building’s architecture is a stunning
example of the Modernism style made famous by
the Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudi. Best known
for his contribution to the design and construction
of La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi played a major role in
the development and solidification of the Catalonian
Modernist architectural movement throughout Northern
Spain and the rest of the world.

The building that now houses El Palauet was designed and constructed in
1906 by Pere Falqués, one of Gaudi’s contemporaries
during the Modernist Era.

A tasteful meeting of old world style and modern chique,
El Palauet seamlessly blends modern furniture and
white décor with dynamic architectural designs favoring
flowing curves over sharp right angles. Everything from
the semi-circular floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows
in the suites to the sweeping staircases in the foyer,
beautifully carved out of wood, are symbolic of the
“Modernisme” style as it’s referred to in Catalan.
Even the small elevator is an original piece, ornately
decorated in brass and steel.
The luxuriously appointed suites boast two bedrooms
and two baths, a living room and working space as

well as a dining room and kitchen. The rooftop terrace
is an open air green space that has an array of spa
treatments on offer like a Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi tub
and massage room as well as beverage service. The
terrace is not only for pampering, it’s also the perfect
place to take in panoramic views of the city after a long
day of shopping or sightseeing. To the East the terrace
overlooks the Passeig de Gràcia, the city and the sea
beyond, while the Westward view is the ideal setting to
watch the blazing Catalonian sun rest quietly behind
the mountains while you sip a freshly popped bottle of
cava and soak yourself in the Jacuzzi.

www.elpalauet.com/en

Hotel Xcaret is designed and owned by the same group that brought the activity nature parks (Xenses, Xel-Ha,
Xplore) to the Yucatán. Xenses, Xel-Ha, Xplore…Tucked between the cenotes and the Caribbean Sea is Xcaret the
hotel, a 900 rooms resort complex. As massive as that sounds, they manage to create an intimate feel at the
resort. The theme is also nature—the nature of the land enjoyed by the Mayans centuries ago. By redirecting some
of the formerly underground rivers, known as cenotes, the families that own these thousands of hectares have
created nature parks and now a similarly themed hotel.

Each of the rooms is well-appointed with marble flooring and basins. The shower tiles are crafted by local artisans as are the furniture and decorative elements throughout. Water is in abundance around the property. It lines the walkways that appear to float as they connect each of the six buildings. There are 11 restaurants with Japanese, traditional Mexican, Mexican fusion, seafood and light tapas, bar food and more. Days here at Hotel Xcaret can be spent by the infinity pool, lounging at the rooftop glass pool with a Mezcal by one’s side, kayaking the onsite river or get that core engaged by doing stand-up paddle boarding. The activity level is up to you. Through the same ingenious redirecting used in the parks is also used to create continuous connected flowing rivers at the hotel. There is even a man-made beach inside the confines. Explore, indulge, be at one with nature…this is Hotel Xcaret.

www.HotelXcaret.com

Grow old gracefully and never let them see you crack. This could be the tagline for the National Hotel. For 75 years, this Collins Avenue jewel has welcomed guests to the shores of Miami Beach. Grace comes more easily to some than it does to others and as they say, “location, location, location.” Surely the painstaking maintenance of a beachfront hotel must be an ongoing affair and they do it well at this property. A true beauty with its classic Art Deco lines and sleek pool, the hotel envelopes guests in a blanket of nostalgia as soon as they enter the lobby. The design and décor of are immediate ques that set the context of what once was and can very well be again, if only for vacation. With their 116 guestrooms and 36 cabanas and suites, they’ve done more than keep up appearances. The National has partnered with some of today’s hottest artists and creative minds, and taken on initiatives that also keep it vibrant and youthful. By utilizing the space that would be a traditional gorgeous room or suite and allowing these artisans the use it as their canvas. Albeit a juxtaposition to the nostalgia of the rest of the feel of the hotel. The idea brings the space to life.

The fusion of past and present is also found at Tamara Bistro and in their refreshing poolside cocktails at Aqua Pool & Lounge. If surrounding yourself with the décor of the mid-twentieth century ambiance is what you crave, while remaining au courant, then handcrafted libations at the indoor Blues Bar is a great place to be and be seen. If it’s out and about you want to be, then simply step outside of the hotel onto Collins Avenue, and the best of South Beach is at your feet. Dancing, dining, clubbing, bar-hopping and people watching are yours, once you hit this infamous thoroughfare, as you open the lobby doors.

We trust you’ll be back to rest and recover on the sands of what can only be described as one of the world’s most popular beaches. The hype may lead one to believe that there are throngs of people and few seating options to be had. The hotel has you covered on this front as well. Slip out the wooden gate behind the pool and step unto what is an extension of The National with sand beneath your feet. The service on the beach is also provided by the hotel, so sit back, relax and soak in the sun, in moderation of course, you want to look this good in 75 years as well. Add the National Hotel to your South Beach list of places to stay. You’ll be glad you did.

www.nationalhotel.com

Hotel Eden is just a short stroll from the legendary Spanish Steps and picturesque Villa Borghese. This elegant city oasis dates back to 1889 and throughout its illustrious history has welcomed royalty, dignitaries and numerous celebrities. The beautifully redesigned 98 rooms and suites offer a luxurious and classical feel with fine fabrics and elegant artwork. For the ultimate experience, choose from a series of signature suites including the exceptional Bellavista Penthouse Suite, with its great expanse of windows overlooking magnificent cityscape views, or opt for the Aurora
Terrace Suite complete with spacious terrace, sun loungers and al fresco dining area. The hotel’s exquisite rooftop restaurant boasts spectacular views of the majestic St Peter’s Dome and across the Eternal City.

www.dorchestercollection.com/en/rome/hotel-eden/