Barcelona

Te gusta lo que te gusta (you like what you like) – Vioko

by Kelly Sparkes on May 11, 2012

You can’t miss attention seeking Vioko, sticking out like a reindeer on a beach against the traditional restaurants of Barceloneta in Barcelona. We came across it on the way back from a lovely lunch at the port, where I’d abstained from dessert. My good intentions didn’t last long…

the two entrances to the shop, 'chocolate or ice cream madam?'

the two entrances to the shop, 'chocolate or ice cream madam?'

There are two entrances, one for chocolate and the other for ice cream, and the interior loops around in an arc to join them up. It’s a clever trick that makes the space feel larger and keeps you guessing what’s around the corner. I guess it will also be helpful in summer when hoards of people are queuing for ice cream.

curved interior with rainbow lighting

curved interior with rainbow lighting

The interior is sleek and white, with black and white landscape murals of mountains on selected walls. Floor to ceiling perspex tubes, full of layered flavoured sugar and colourful macarons add a vertical dimension to the design and place the emphasis firmly on the products.

minimalist display cabinets

minimalist display cabinets

I adore the typography and wording of the mural below, it translates to ‘you like what you like’ and I quickly realise that I ‘like’, and want to eat everything in the shop.

you like what you like (thanks google translate)

you like what you like (thanks google translate)

It’s like Aladdin’s cave, packed full of beautifully designed, gourmet treats in an array of unique flavours.

extravagant truffles

extravagant truffles

intricate and colourfuly decorated chocolates, the ones that look like planets on the orange line are amazing!

intricate and colourfully decorated chocolates, the ones that look like planets on the orange line are amazing!

The branding has a distinct Nordic feel, with pared down design, snowy mountain murals and a reindeer logo, and seems out of place on this sunny street near the beach. I thought they must be a Nordic brand, but nope, Argentinian, perhaps it’s swiss chocolate (would explain the snowy mountain murals) but no, it’s a mystery…

Macarons

macarons get a snowy backdrop

The ingenious ice cream flavour display has a backlit circle of coloured resin to represent each flavour. I bet it looks fantastic at night. Not that it makes it any easier to choose, they all sound delicious.

Ice Cream Flavours

Ice Cream Flavours

The chocolate we bought is long gone, but I’m the proud owner of a jar of tangerine and mint flavoured sugar that I’ve yet to find a use for…

Hotel Pulitzer – Barcelona, does it get the Prize?

by Kelly Sparkes on April 19, 2012

Location, location, location.  This hotel has it.  A short stroll from the sights of Barcelona, Placa Catalynia, and Las Ramblas but just far enough away to escape the hubbub of the city.

The hotel façade is unassumingly confident, with stylish grey awnings and potted olive trees flanking the front door.

Facade

street view of hotel

Inside, the lobby is cosmopolitan and welcoming, I particularly like the detailing on the reception desk and the oversized light shades.

Lobby area

the impressive reception area

The rest of the vast room is equally striking and comfortable and cosy. I love the pared down, contemporary design, the lacquered furniture and the bold art, in black, white and primary colours, framed in gold.

Bar & Lounge Area

dark wood and cream leather, yum

Day Beds

perfect place to laze the day away and drink cocktails...

Fabulous lamp and artwork

fabulous lamp and artwork

The hotel roof terrace is a little sun trap and a genuine treat with an expansive view of the city.

Roof Terrace

lush tropical foliage on the roof terrace

The room is long and thin, and a bit of a disappointment initially but the fabulously comfortable bed, dimmable lights, and free wifi (yay why do some hotels think it’s OK in this day and age not to have it?) helped me to get over it. I also like the room deco, the monochrome scheme, ebony wood flooring and geometric art work well.

Just a couple of gripes, the wardrobe doors clash with the bathroom door and to get to the safe you have to open the cupboard, then fold down a table flap, totally impractical and a bit of a faff!

Bedroom

room complete with divider style headboard, how great is that lamp?

The polished stone bathroom is spacious and modern with a generous bath, perfect after a long day sightseeing.

Bathroom

luxurious bathroom with own brand toiletries

I do like to laugh at the flowery language in hotel brochures and the Pulitzer peeps did not disappoint.

“Our rooms are conceived as spaces dominated by an ’intellectual spirit’ aesthetically pleasing and relaxing enabling the guest to forget they are sleeping in a hotel.”

Whoa ‘intellectual spirit’, dominating the room, scary…

“The rooms are equipped with everything to ensure a pleasant stay”

Well not quite everything, where are the tea and coffee making facilities? I’d like a cup of tea without having to deal with room service first thing in the morning thanks.

Overall the hotel is a pleasant mix of design and charm and has a great vibe.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (well next door)

by Kelly Sparkes on April 8, 2012

Tiffany Window Display

Tiffany window display

Easter Sunday morning in Barcelona and we venture out to find a traditional little café.

We find Tiffany’s, luckily for Mr S it’s closed, so I take some photos of the window displays (I take A LOT of photos these days). I’m hungry, Mr S is hungry, and quaint little restaurants are thin on the ground in the very posh area we’re standing in, so we go next door to the Mandarin Oriental.

We nearly stayed at the Mandarin, but decided against it in favour of the more intimate Hotel Pulitzer (I’ll cover that in another post), so we were both quite keen to have a nosy inside. It’s a very classy place; I’ll let the photos do the talking…

Mandarin Oriental Entrance

The impressive entrance ramp, complete with gorgeous carpet and lighting, oh and Mr S tapping his foot impatiently

The geometric ceiling hanging separates the restaurant from the floor above but retains a bright and airy feel.

Restaurant

Inventive contemporary table decoration, bet it looks lovely in the lamplight.

I totally fell in love with these linen wall panels and the humongous rug.

Walls and Floors

Great mix of geometrical and floral patterns, giving the room a nice oriental twist

The breakfast is amazing, but this is a design blog so I won’t go into too much detail, instead, take a look at these gorgeous hand made Easter Eggs.

Easter Eggs

nope, they wouldn't let me eat them...

Finally, some photos of the loos, look at those gold Axor Citterio taps, ooo and the mosaic mirrored tiles… Am I alone in my love for posh bathrooms?

Ladies Loos

Glamour all the way baby, even the sign with its laser cut geometric shapes. (can you spot the self portrait?)

and the gents (taken by Mr S)

Mens

Dark, moody and masculine. Not quite sure what the stools are for, apart from catching drips from the soap dispenser, but they do finish it off...

The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a feast for the eyes and the stomach with it’s excellent breakfast.  Check out their (ugly) website for photos of the rooms and the rest of the hotel.