Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, The Majestic Hotel & Spa stands out as a beacon of luxury and sophistication. Its historic façade hints at the grandeur within, inviting travelers into a world where opulence meets modern comfort.

My arrival was met on streets filled with a parade of dancers dressed in colorful costumes and masks in celebration of a cultural holiday. Red is the color of Spain, which dominates costumes, building décor, and artwork everywhere, and in the lobby of The Majestic, a blend of classic and contemporary design greeted me, right down to the ornate chandeliers that illuminated the marble floors. I entered an atmosphere of timeless elegance in a hotel with courteous staff who welcomed me with warm smiles, setting the tone for a memorable stay.

My room, tastefully furnished and adorned with two windowed balconies with breathtaking views of the street below, lured me to marvel at the mass of people enjoying life, and the promise of exploring the city’s architectural wonders, including Gaudi’s masterpiece I could view from my perch. Once unpacked, I opted out of immersing myself in the crowded streets where locals danced along with the parade participants, while others lined up to shop at the Chanel store located next to The Majestic. Instead, a wind down in the Majestic Spa for its Signature Treatment began with a half hour of private hydrotherapy. The Jacuzzi jets helped to loosen my traveler’s muscle knots and the sauna air dried me before an indulgent body scrub, massage, and facial left my skin soft and squeaky clean before I made my way back to my room. It was late, so I spent the end of my evening snacking on complimentary small bites and sipping Corpinnat Torelló Brut, the hotel’s signature sparkling wine.

Exploring the surrounding neighborhoods was effortless, thanks to the hotel’s central location. From the bustling La Rambla to the artistic allure of El Born, each day unfolded with exciting discoveries. The next morning, the hotel’s restaurant presented me with room service of a sumptuous breakfast with a few traditional Spanish delicacies, such as jamon, before I headed to the lobby to meet my tour group. We were headed to the Born neighborhood to Vila Viniteca, a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts.

This charming wine shop and bodega, founded in 1932, features an extensive selection of local and international wines. Time slowed down during my visit to the lower level, where we enjoyed plate after plate and pour after pour of Barcelona specialties. The wines were meticulously curated, each bottle telling a story of its Catalonian origin as we made our way through a tasting journey of crisp whites to robust reds.

Vila Viniteca is more than a wine shop, but a haven for those seeking to explore and appreciate the nuances of wine. We were in a perfect setting to savor the wines that were paired with plates of thick-sliced bread schmeared with tomato jam, artisanal cheeses featuring Manchego, Iberian ham (Maldonado), anchovies, sardines, white asparagus, tuna carpaccio and tuna belly in olive oil (Condor). The standout wines we tasted included an elegant 2014 Ca N’Estruc L’Equilibrista Blanc with exceptional minerality. The grapes were harvested from two different regions, including the Penedés area we would visit in a few days. Another mentionable wine is a 2015 Flor de Pingus that was a balance of Tempranillo grapes with a luscious red licorice on the palate.

We departed satiated and ready for a siesta before heading to tour Casa Batlló, a modernist masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí (cover photo). We entered a world of whimsical architecture, from the undulating façade to the vivid colors and intricate details where every corner tells a story. As we wandered through the uniquely designed rooms, it felt like stepping into a surreal dreamscape – all crafted by Gaudi’s genius. Finally, we reached the rooftop terrace, which was a welcome respite from the crowded tour. After climbing numerous steps at the Casa, we were ready for dinner at Michelin-star gastronomic restaurant Caelis.

Caelis is a renowned restaurant in Barcelona, known for its exquisite culinary creations. The chef, Romain Fornell, combines traditional Catalan ingredients with modern techniques, offering a unique dining experience. The menu showcases a blend of flavors, presenting a culinary journey that reflects the rich gastronomic culture of the region. From meticulously crafted dishes to a sophisticated ambiance, we sat at a bar that overlooked the kitchen crew as they prepared each of multiple courses served. But first, a glass of Champagne Bertrand-Delespierre Premier Cru with an amuse bouche that looked like two red holiday ornaments with a gold top. When you pop one in your mouth, it bursts into a light flavored liquid. And what appeared to be a hot dog was actually a beet-dyed bun with a white puree down the middle with a long-stretched anchovy on top. Each dish required an explanation as this was truly a molecular gastronomic experience paired with wines of the world, including a Sybille Kuntz Mosel-Riesling Qualitatswein 2021 trocken. Some dishes were surrounded by foam, and some were served a la dry ice effect. The roster of Spanish wines included Le Fieq Pinot Noir, a 2022 Rias Baixas Albariño, and a Fino en Rama La Inglesa – every wine paired exceptionally well with the dish served, thanks to an expert sommelier on staff.

Our next adventure would be in the morning, with a visit to Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, once a modernist hospital designed by architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner. It now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with hospital beds intact. We wandered through its corridors into what felt like a bygone era, stopping in awe at vibrant mosaics and sculpted stone facades. Each building within the complex reflects its functionality and aesthetic brilliance.

And then there’s the most popular tourist stop at Sagrada Familia, the ever-in-construction iconic basilica (construction began in 1882 and continues to this day). This symphony of architecture, spirituality, and perpetual evolution was conceived by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí and is a symbol of Catalonia. This basilica is a living canvas that tells the story of both divine and earthly narratives. Adorned with intricate sculptures that depict scenes from the bible and elements of nature, the sacred and the secular are blended through a kaleidoscope of colors filtering through stained glass windows. Towering columns inside resemble a mystical forest and are possibly meant to evoke a sense of reverence and wonder. This Gothic and Art Nouveau style breaks the barriers in architectural genius.

From a new perspective, we lunched by the Mediterranean Sea, where the fresh sea breeze inspired our thirst for white sangria and seafood, which takes center stage. Locally sourced catch includes octopus, paella infused with the flavors of the sea, and fresh seafood skewers. At sunset, patrons of Camping Mar can head to the beachfront to gather around bonfires and toast marshmallows.

A post-lunch shopping spree burned off some calories to make room for dinner at Restaurant SOLC, located up the historic staircase within The Majestic Hotel. We dined on the terrace, where we were served seafood aplenty and a delicious chocolate-drizzled ice cream on a bed of meringue crust.

Evenings at the Majestic were a symphony of sophistication. The hotel’s bars exuded glamour, and the cocktail menu was a testament to mixology expertise. Whether enjoying a drink indoors or on the terrace, the ambiance was a perfect blend of cosmopolitan chic and Mediterranean charm.

A few in our group spent Saturday on a guided tour to the Penedés area outside of Barcelona. But first, we stopped to check out the Vilafranca farmers market where jamón legs, blood sausages, and pig’s heads hung over tables, and buckets of Spanish olives in green, rust, and black were ready for scooping. Bacalao, a.k.a. salted cod, is a specialty here and there was plenty to be sold.

We visited a wine collective where The Hotel Majestic sources its Corpinnat, a sparkling wine born in the heart of Catalonia. As I stepped inside, the aroma of aged oak barrels and the rich scent of fermented grapes filled the air. Corpinnat tells a story of tradition, terroir, and a commitment to excellence. The various labels within this collective are crafted by a group of passionate winemakers who sought to elevate the status of sparkling wines from this region. Corpinnat emerged as a distinctive appellation in 2017, and sparkling wines are made in the méthode traditionnelle. We tasted Recaredo with notes of citrus, floral undertones, and subtle minerality in a symphony of bubbles. Interesting to note is the first fermentation for the sparkling isn’t crowned, but corked, and the sediment normally frozen at the neck of the bottle before it’s removed – is manually released. Corpinnat is more than a sparkling wine, but a sense of place and commitment to quality. In fact, the wines must be produced with grapes sourced in the Penedés wine region, organically farmed, and 100% indigenous varietals. During harvest, the grapes must be hand-picked before in-house vinification takes place, and the fermentation requires the use of the region’s own yeasts. The wines we tasted proved outstanding, as was our homemade lunch of Spanish omelet with thin slices of potato served at room temperature.

Back in Barcelona, we headed to Palau Dalmases, a palace tucked away amid myriad boutiques selling authentic hand-stitched espadrilles, olive oil, and clothing. It’s also where the MOCO art museum is sited along the cobblestone walkways. Dating back to the 17th century, Palau Dalmases’ courtyard has been adorned with Baroque and Rococo elements – a transport to a bygone era. But at sunset, the palace transforms into a haven for the arts, hosting nightly flamenco performances that echo the passion and rhythm of Spanish culture. The shows are captivating and evoke strong emotions, and the stomping is loud, yet invigorating.

As my stay at The Majestic Hotel & Spa came to an end, I left with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the intersection of luxury and cultural richness. It was not just a hotel; it was a gateway to the soul of Barcelona.

Charlene Peters is a travel writer and author of “Travel Makes Me Hungry.”