Everyone visiting Barcelona wants to enjoy Gaudí’s architecture and decorative arts but… not many get to visit the beautiful Cripta/Church at the Colonia Guell. It will be appropriate to describe it as “Gaudí’s best kept piece of art” or “off the beaten path Gaudí”
This Church of Colonia Guell is an unfinished work by Antoni Gaudí. It was built as a place of worship for the workers of the textile factories of Mr. Guell. However with Güell losing profits from his business, the money ran out and only the crypt was completed.
The Colonia Guell is located 15 kilometers away from Barcelona city center. It is an Industrial colony and as such was conceived as a socio-economic organization that had industrial production as their primary purpose. Eusebi Güell improved social conditions for his workers and sponsored cultural activities. He provided cultural and religious amenities at the Colònia Güell, which were built in Modernista style by various architects whom he commissioned, notably Antoni Gaudí, who was responsible for the church.
Despite remaining unfinished, the church represents a high point in Gaudí’s work. For the first time, almost all of his architectural innovations are combined in this building.
Next time in Barcelona don’t forget to call us so that we can organize a visit to this wonderful gem with one of our top guides. www.madeforspain.com
Posted by admin | Posted on 10-01-2012
Category : Art, Food and Wine, Hotels, Made for Spain Staff, Spain, Spain - Barcelona
Tags: architecturally, barcelona, bathroom, city, cool, Gaudi, Hispanc, hotel, room, spa, striking
Set apart and towering above the rest of the hotels in downtown Barcelona, the architecturally striking Hotel Arts is the upshot of acute competition that has pushed hotel innovation here to new heights. From the voluminous lobby the hotel’s immediate vibe stands for endless cool in all its senses. The sleek interior displaying modern sculptures and art becomes the perfect antidote to the intense tempo of the vibrant city. The design in calming pebble-tones is streamlined with ‘un- Gaudi’ restraint, exuding nonetheless the artist’s Hispanic flair.
Elevated above the city my room was a generous retreat with touch-pad technology, an expansive bed and geometric furnishings placed with graphic precision. The extravagant double bathroom, hydro- shower and dressing area created a spa-like ‘chill-out’ zone. Electronic blinds revealed a panorama of the sparkling Mediterranean and the hotel’s unique beachside location, with the prospect of an ocean-dip before breakfast.
Intriguing dining options are many for one short stay, either in leafy settings ‘alfresco’ or at the chic and ultra-pristine venues offering inspired interpretations of local gastronomy. The cocktail bar is solely cocooned in a plush and dusky fusion of traditional upholstery and contemporary accents. A tranquil spa suspended high with airy platform terraces and incorporating a glazed sauna, provides stunning vistas of both the city and the sea, and in a hotel that is all about ‘outlook’ proves to be the ideal vantage point for a spectacular sunset.
Spain has a rich wine culture. Wine flows on every table throughout the country and there are so many varieties to choose from. I want to let you know about a fruitful region just 1.5 hours drive north of Madrid. Ribera Del Duero is an authentic winery haven. These sun lush hills produce a grape intense in flavour that gives rise to a variety of deep and heady wines. Bodega Lopez Cristobal http://www.lopezcristobal.com/LopezCristobal_en is nestled in the picturesque village of Roa de Duero. Its owner Galo López Cristobal is keen to give his visitors an intimate insight into the workings behind an operational winery that distributes wine all over the world. I can recommend the Crianza, bottled in 2008, but why not decide for yourself which is your favorite? In the tranquility of the winery garden you will taste and sample a selection of the very finest wines on offer whilst chatting over a light tapas with Galo. As he explained to me, whenever wine is involved it’s a social occasion, it lets you see the world in a different color. Whether it be at home or out with friends and family wine brings us together and it is this element that has made him such a fan as well as a real expert in the subject. This experience is not only for wine buffs, it would suit anyone looking to get a sense of Spanish life and culture. A great opportunity to get out of the city and visit the beautifully, green, open spaces of the Spanish countryside whilst learning about a rural occupation spanning thousands of years, a bedrock for Spanish economy and customs.
Made for Spain has been nominated for the “Best Local Destination Management Company Award” at the “Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence 2011”
We will truly appreciate it if you vote for us. You can do so at http://www.luxurytraveladvisor.com/awardsofexcellence11
”Family meal“… Spanish traditional recipes by Ferran Adriá (good food to feed the soul) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSpBzXQorWg&feature=player_embedded
Posted by admin | Posted on 21-07-2011
Category : Uncategorized
Now we are on Google+
You are kindly invited to become one of our contacts there!
Posted by admin | Posted on 05-07-2011
Category : Food and Wine, Hotels, Spain - Mallorca
Tags: abac, art, bailio, barcelona, cordoba, cortesin, decoration, furniture, hotel, mallorca, mediterranean, palace, palma, rooms, sevilla, suites
I am truly impressed with Can Cera Hotel.
This recently opened hotel in Palma de Mallorca has absolutely catch the Mediterranean and Mallorcan spirit! Housed in a 17th century palace in the heart of the old city of Mallorca Can Cera offers 5 rooms and 7 suites. Furniture, decoration and art are a dream. To round it all up I should mention the excellence of the gastronomy in this wonderful property.
Don’t miss this gem in our collection of favorite hotels. www.cancera.com
p.s.: Are you wondering what other properties are our favorite??? Well this is very personal but if you ask me… I will speak about Abac Hotel in Barcelona, Palacio del Bailio in Cordoba, Hacienda San Rafael in Sevilla, Finca Cortesin in southern Andalucia near Gibraltar and a few others… More to come!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/15/dining/el-bulli-is-closing-but-spain-looks-forward.html?_r=1&ref=dining
Don’t miss this article if you want to learn about “What is now now” in Spanish Gastronomy…. Loved reading it and felt I must share the delight with my friends… ENJOY!!
