2nd – 4th December was a weekend when I realised once again how much fun it is to work in Travel PR! I took a group of four journalists on a press trip to Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona. Having stayed at the hotel once before, I was particularly excited about arriving at the hotel at night as it meant all the journalists would get the full effect of the hotel’s stunning views when waking up the next day. The hotel is set 500m above the city on Mount Tibidabo and has the most outstanding views of the whole of Barcelona and the Mediterranean beyond.
We were greeted by the hotel’s General Manager, his team and most importantly a cold, crisp glass of Spanish cava before a quick freshen up and tour of the hotel. To some people a tour of a hotel may seem boring but I just love the opportunity to have a peek at the luxurious hotel suites; and at Gran Hotel La Florida they do not disappoint. Huge beds with the plumpest of pillows, throne-like chairs, artfully designed décor and terraces much bigger than my London flat, with Jacuzzis and those stunning views!
The next morning, after excited exclamations over the city views, we spent time relaxing in the hotel and experiencing the ZenZone spa, which offers a unique treatment: the Sparience Oxygen Bubble treatment sees you lying on a sculpted bed, while inside a giant bubble that is filled with 99.5% oxygen, breathing pure air for ultimate physical and mental relaxation. The journalists that tried this treatment seemed to float into reception, where we were met to go and explore the city.
Our day of VIP treats started with a visit to a brand new bar and restaurant owned by the Barcelona beer brewer – Moritz, called Fabrica Moritz, which hadn’t even opened yet. For anyone planning a visit to the city it is a must for lovers of beer but more importantly lovers of architecture. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the venue is a treat for the eyes with the most amazing use of mirrors and it promises to offer not one, but three restaurants, ranging from tapas to fine dining with the addition of a Michelin star chef as well as an artisan bakery.
Lunch at Velodromo was packed with delicious tapas dishes and a selection of desserts that just kept coming, including a traditional Catalan dessert of chocolate mousse served with olive oil and sea salt – an unusual mix but surprisingly moreish. After lunch we whizzed through the city to one of Barcelona’s most iconic sites, La Sagrada Familia, where we had a VIP tour. Our knowledgeable guide took us through the history and future plans for one of Gaudi’s most well-known works, before allowing us exclusive access to the choir gallery where we marvelled at the whole structure from up high. We were also able to visit the crypt where Gaudi himself is buried and being the only people in there really did make this tour feel like an extra special experience.
The evening was spent exploring the Born district of the city, with its stylish boutiques and hidden wine bars before a last stop at Boadas, a bar just off the Ramblas. The bar men have the most captivating way of mixing cocktails that involves pouring the cocktail from a great height from one shaker to another to create an amazing spectacle as well as a very good drink! We had dinner at the hotel’s L’Orangerie restaurant and enjoyed modern Mediterranean inspired cuisine while watching the twinkling lights of the city.
With such a quick flight time from the UK and so much on offer in the city, I’ve already been back on the Monarch website to plan my next trip!
By Caroline Peers, PR Account Manager