Before embarking on a wonderful sail around the Mediterranean Islands aboard the Windstar Wind Spirit, my spouse and I decided to take some extra time to revel in the magnificence of Barcelona. We envisioned a leisurely weekend filled with exploration and moments of serene repose before setting sail.
Upon our arrival, we settled into the opulence of the Grand Hyatt Barcelona, a five-star sanctum nestled in the ritzy Pedralbes area. The splendor and comfort of our quarters, particularly the marble-clad bathroom and its inviting deep-soaking tub, tempted us to enjoy the entirety of our first day within the sanctuary of our hotel. A visit to the Oasis Spa stood out, pampering us with a hydrotherapy journey and a tranquil rest area. Our evening culminated with sundowners amidst the verdant hotel gardens followed by a sumptuous rooftop feast at MayManta.
The following day dawned and we indulged in a sumptuous breakfast spread at the hotel, a perfect prelude to a day filled with neighborhood wanderings and retail therapy along Barcelona’s bustling thoroughfare. After basking in the city’s wonders, we retreated to the Grand Hyatt for an evening of mixed drinks and flavorful tapas in the vibrant atmosphere of the lobby bar.
The weekend’s excitement continued as we checked into the chic Seventy Barcelona, situated in the storied Eixample district. The hotel’s fashionable decor and sophisticated lobby lounge immediately caught our affection. Our itinerary included marveling at Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces and unwinding at the hotel’s rooftop pool and bar.
As night fell, we joined friends for a delectable tapas journey through the enthralling Gothic Quarter, later mingling in the bustling ambiance of Seventy Barcelona’s lobby lounge. The highlight of the following day was a hassle-free guided tour of the iconic Sagrada Familia with The Tour Guy—an absolute Barcelona highlight.
Barcelona’s cornucopia of attractions and the importance of a lavish refuge for rest after days filled with discovery cannot be overstated. Both the Grand Hyatt Barcelona and Seventy Barcelona served as idyllic havens for our pre-cruise sojourn. #Barcelona #TravelDreams 🚢🌴🍹
Image Source: Agnieszka Gaul / Shutterstock
