The ME Barcelona, with its prime location in this Catalan capital, along the Passeig de Gràcia is a source of inspiration and creativity for locals and visitors alike, bringing together the best in art, design, fashion and music.
From the swimming pool and rooftop bar, perched on the eighth floor of the ME Barcelona, we enjoyed a chilled, relaxed ambience under the bright Mediterranean sun. So much so that our long lazy afternoon soon turned into happy hour craft cocktails as the fiery sunset made the city appear to glow golden. While this sounds all rather idyllic and resort-like, the spectacular views over Plaça Catalunya and the Barcelona skyline reminded us firmly of where we were, in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and spirited seaside cities.
Many hotels talk about being on the zeitgeist when it comes to being a contemporary social hub, but here in Barcelona, the ME Barcelona embraces this ethos as its core value. The ME by Meliá brand is, after all, discerning in its approach to luxury and lifestyle, providing guests with carefully curated experiences, from avant-garde lifestyle partnerships to the seamless integration of technology and design with art exhibitions, immersive events, and parties, and extensive cultural programming in each of its destinations. Examples of such campaigns include ME Barcelona’s partnership with Sonar Festival, a pioneering cultural event rooted in world music, creativity and technology, celebrating the ME brand’s affinity with music and storytelling. If you happen to be visiting Barcelona in the one week of June when the festival is on, tying your stay in with the Sonar Festival will bring this all to life.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Culturalist | BCN | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Barcelona is a city that abounds in both history and trend-leading style. Through the hotel, we booked a delightful tailored city-immersion experience, including a visit to a local winery. We toured the city’s underground art and photography galleries with an art expert. We then popped into the atelier of homegrown (but internationally renowned) designer Anthony Sánchez and shopped for leather loafers at La Manual. All this, before heading for a snack at Pastisseria Escribà and drinks at a speakeasy bar, so ‘clandestine’ that we’ve sworn not to write about it. |
This spirit extended to more than just the vibe and aesthetics. We also found the food and beverage offerings to be based on innovation. We sampled the hotel’s two Mediterranean restaurants that offered healthy and sustainable dining concepts, including the flagship BELBO Terrenal, the flagship eatery serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine within a verdant garden.
There is also a fully equipped gym and NURE Spa, an organic and vegan spa offering beauty, wellness, and disconnection from the hustle and bustle just outside the ME Barcelona’s doors.
At ME Barcelona, the urban-inspired rooms and suites take on individual, special personalities, reflecting those of the vibrant city they’re in. Ours exuded avant-garde elegance, seamlessly marrying Catalan charisma with the sophistication that modern OutThere travellers would expect. We best described it as a sanctuary, where meticulously crafted Scandi-esque style – sleek lines and muted tones accented by bold soft furnishings and bespoke fittings –invited us to relax and revel in luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed breathtaking views of the bustling city, ensuring the outside world is ever within sight, yet comfortably distant. The living area, adorned with plush seating and contemporary art, seamlessly flowed into a workspace, for those who may have to continue work-life hustle while on holiday, as per the 21st century way. High-tech amenities were subtly integrated, ensuring every convenience was at our fingertips. The bathroom was nothing short of a private spa and featured luxurious marble finishes, a deep soaking tub, and a rain shower. Thoughtful touches, from bespoke toiletries to ambient lighting, created a zen and tranquil environment.
And like many other ME by Meliá properties, the ME Barcelona is proudly a Queer Destinations Committed entity, offering a safe, authentic, personalised and immersive space for LGBTQ+ travellers to the city.
Photography courtesy of Meliá Hotels and Resorts
