Trading Paris for Paella: ¡Vamos a España!
My First Spanish Adventure with the World's Best Guide
For someone who usually makes a beeline to Paris, I'm doing something completely different this time—and I couldn't be more excited. I'm heading to Spain with Mabel, my favorite person and designated translator, who graciously let me handle the planning while she'll handle all the talking once we land. (Thank goodness, because my Spanish extends to "hola" and enthusiastic hand gestures.)
The Journey Begins: Barcelona Bound
We're starting with an overnight flight to Barcelona, where we'll spend two nights at the charming La Pau Boutique Hotel in the heart of the city. I'm already dreaming of that first Spanish coffee and the energy of the Catalan capital.
Barcelona Must-Dos (Because It's My First Time):
La Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (Gaudí's eternal masterpiece)
Park Güell (for those Instagram-worthy mosaics)
Las Ramblas (tourist trap? Maybe. But still essential)
Casa Batlló (more Gaudí magic)
Off-the-Beaten-Path Barcelona Gems We're Considering:
El Born Cultural Center - A fascinating archaeological site beneath a beautiful iron and glass structure
Bunkers del Carmel - For sunset views without the Park Güell crowds
Gracia neighborhood - Local squares, indie boutiques, and authentic tapas spots
Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria) - A legendary cava bar where locals go for cheap bubbly and ham sandwiches
Seville: Cathedral Views and Flamenco Dreams
Next, we're off to Seville, where we've scored an Airbnb overlooking the cathedral. I mean, how do you beat waking up to that view? This is where we'll slow down the pace and soak in some serious Andalusian culture.
Seville Essentials:
Real Alcázar - Moorish architecture that puts fairy tales to shame
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) - The wooden "mushrooms" with panoramic city views
Barrio Santa Cruz - Getting lost in the narrow, flower-filled streets
A proper flamenco show at Casa de la Guitarra or Los Gallos
Foodie Finds for Seville:
Eslava - Modern tapas that locals actually frequent
Bar El Comercio - For the city's famous churros con chocolate
Taberna Coloniales - Multiple locations, incredible montaditos
Countryside Interlude: Hacienda de San Rafael
After city life, we're treating ourselves to a night at Hacienda de San Rafael outside Seville. Olive groves, countryside quiet, and what I imagine will be the best sleep of the trip. Sometimes luxury is just space to breathe.
Vejer de la Frontera: Living the Tower Dream
This might be the part I'm most excited about—we're staying in an actual tower in Vejer de la Frontera, one of Andalusia's famous white hill villages. It's like stepping into a postcard, complete with narrow cobblestone streets and views that go on forever. This is where I plan to perfect the art of doing absolutely nothing while pretending to be very sophisticated about it.
Marbella: Pretending to Be Fancy
Because every Spanish adventure needs a little glamour, we're ending up in Marbella at La Fonda Heritage Hotel. Beach clubs, waterside drinks, and some serious people-watching are on the agenda. I'm already practicing my "I totally belong at this exclusive beach club" face.
Beach Club Plans: We're planning to hit up a couple of the legendary spots. Ocean Club in Puerto Banús looks incredible—right in the heart of the marina with a stunning saltwater pool surrounded by Balinese beds, plus their themed parties with live music and dancers sound unforgettable. For something a bit different, Nikki Beach has been the place since 2003, bringing "barefoot luxury" to one of Spain's most stunning white sandy beaches with their globally-inspired menu and vibrant energy.
Restaurant Must-Tries:
Cascada - Can't wait to see what this spot is all about
Diblu or Stuzzikini - These came highly recommended, so we're definitely adding them to our list
Madrid Finale: High-Speed Style
We'll wrap up with the high-speed train from Málaga to Madrid for our final hurrah. There's something poetic about ending a trip in Spain's capital, and honestly, after all those small towns and beach clubs, I'm ready for some big city energy before heading home.
Madrid Insider Tips (Thanks to Some Excellent Advice!):
Since we're staying in a loft Airbnb near Puerta del Sol, we'll be right in the heart of everything. Beyond the obvious Prado Museum visit (going early to beat crowds), I'm excited about some hidden gems I've discovered:
Art & Culture Off the Beaten Path:
The Museo del Romanticismo with its enclosed garden café for a peaceful breakfast
Kikekeller Gallery in Malasaña, which apparently has a secret trendy bar in the back room
La Neomudéjar, an arts center in an old train car storage building
Food Adventures:
Panem Bakery for their famous Saturday-only "cube croissants" (it has been reported that locals line up for these!)
Mercado de la Cebada on Saturday mornings, where seafood stalls transform into pop-up bars
The tiny La Violeta shop that's been selling Madrid's signature violet candies since 1915
Taberna la Catapa in the Retiro district, which recently got a Repsol sun (which is a big deal!)
Sunday Plans:
El Rastro flea market for treasure hunting (apparently, the side streets have the best antique shops)
Maybe stumbling upon that "beach bar" inside Ojalá Restaurant in Malasaña—because who doesn't want to pretend they're at the beach while in the middle of Madrid?
The advice I got was brilliant: avoid restaurants with big photos of their food outside (locals don't need pictures to know what they're ordering), and listen for Spanish chatter to find the authentic spots (Mabel’s job since I will not catch any of what they are whispering about).
The Real Goal: Slow Travel with Good Company
While I've packed this itinerary with the greatest hits, the real plan is to move slowly, eat incredibly well, drink excellent wine, and let Mabel work her magic with the locals. This isn't about checking boxes—it's about falling in love with a country I've somehow never visited, guided by someone who makes every adventure better.
I'll be posting updates as we go, sharing the food discoveries, the hidden gems we stumble upon, and probably way too many photos of that tower in Vejer. Because really, when do you get to live in a tower?
¡Vámonos!
Any suggestions? Drop them in the chat. I am anxious to hear what others have experienced and loved.