SimplyAbuDhabi XLVI

The Rooftop is another highlight, offering panoramic views of the Barcelona skyline alongside creative tapas and signature cocktails. It is one of the largest rooftop terraces in the city, with 360 degree views. Domingo mentioned, “we often make use of it as an outdoor movie theatre, or an outdoor fitness space for directed classes. We offer Rumba nights on Thursdays, brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and the best DJs in town to attract a wealthy, young and vibrant clientele.” The Great Hall Restaurant, meanwhile, is the quintessential place in Barcelona forAfternoon Tea. Working your way through a selection of delectable mini sandwiches and sweet pastries, while a pianist reinterprets classic songs on the same grand piano where Freddie Mercury andMontserrat Caballé performed their love-song to the city, is an afternoon well spent! Finally, the Bluesman Cocktail Bar channels British tradition with its hardwood interiors and live jazz performances. The bar’s mixologists craft classic and contemporary cocktails, providing the perfect setting for a nightcap or pre-dinner aperitif.Across all venues, service is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every meal is a memorable occasion. Wellness &Leisure Inspired byMayan culture, where body, mind, and spirit become one, the Mayan Spa is exceptional. Sounds, rituals, and traditional Mayan treatments are combined with high-quality French cosmetic products fromAnne Semonin, and the incredible talent of the therapists, to make your visit an unforgettable experience. Manuel De la Garza, twenty times winner of the “Best Luxury Hotel Spa” awards, has designed a unique space as a Signature Spa that honours his ancestors and the ancient traditions of the Mayan Culture. My treatment began with a “Temazcal” traditional sauna and I sat inside a dome with heated volcanic stones in the centre, which were doused with aromatic water containing medicinal herbs that released steam to purify. Next, the massage treatment entailedMayan healing techniques of energy flow, combined with aromatherapy methods. Focusing on the abdomen, an area which stores and processes many of our human emotions, the massage reopens blocked energy paths and releases negative energies. My therapist, Laura Fernandez Mengual is genuinely gifted. Laura has been a masseuse for just a few years but you’d be forgiven for thinking she had decades of experience, such is her talent. Finally, the sixth-floor rooftop pool is a serene oasis, offering panoramic views and a tranquil setting for a morning swim or afternoon sunbathing. Fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the compact and well-equipped gym, with personal training services upon request. The hotel also organises yoga sessions and wellness workshops, fostering a holistic approach to guest well-being. Essence El Palace Barcelona is more than a hotel; it is an institution that embodies the spirit and history of the city. Its alliance of architectural grandeur, impeccable service, and world-class amenities make it a destination in its own right, appealing to discerning travellers seeking both authenticity and luxury. The hotel’s ability to honour its past while embracing the present ensures that every stay is both memorable and meaningful. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or a special occasion, El Palace delivers an experience that is as rich in history as it is in comfort and style. For those seeking the quintessential Barcelona experience, there is simply no better address. 160 | Simply Abu Dhabi