SPANISH SPLENDOR

WHERE TO GO NOW

This summer is a great time to viva España

BY CHRISTINA OHLY EVANS

FROM TOP: The Chinese Lounge at Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel; the courtyard and main entrance; the bedroom of The Duke’s Royal Suite

MAS MADRID

SANTO MAURO, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

Set in the stylish residential area of Chamberí, Santo Mauro offers an opulent step back in time—to an 18th century mansion with a mix of period styles and global influences. Interiors have been overseen by noted designer Lorenzo Castillo, whose preference for rich fabrics and elegant antiques makes the 49 palatial rooms and suites—as well as libraries and a bijoux bar—feel like a welcoming home away from home. Three historic buildings—one a horse stable that has been turned into light-filled rooms—are surrounded by lush gardens and make Santo Mauro a truly unique find. In public spaces guests are surrounded by plush furnishings in rich green and gold velvet, Chinoiserie wall coverings, as well as touches of the black lacquer and Qing Dynasty portraiture favored by the property’s past owners. The hotel’s El Jardin is the ideal spot for casual dining al fresco, while epicures will love the tasting menus at La Biblioteca Gresca. Be sure to enjoy an after dinner drink at El Bar where the clubby setting and convivial bartender make for a perfect end to any day. marriott.com

From the bustling plazas and trendy tapas bars of Madrid, to the bustling port city of Barcelona, to the architectural gem that is Seville, Spain is really having a moment. The combination of medieval towns, beautiful beaches, a vibrant art scene and endlessly creative cuisine make this country an appealing destination

FROM LEFT: A Deluxe Room at the Edition; kalamata octopus at Jerónimo

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A piña margarita at Jerónimo; the hotel’s Portico entrance; chilaquiles verdes at Jerónimo MADRID EDTION

The winning combination of hotelier Ian Schrager and British architect, John Pawson, is in dazzling effect once again at this 200-room, 23-suite property that’s set on the historic Plaza de la Descalzas. A mix of the sleek lines, muted lighting and natural finishes that Pawson is known for contrast with an 18th-century Baroque portal that’s been restored by Spanish architect Pedro di Ribera, to create a dazzling, yet authentic destination. Decorative touches range from bespoke sofas with dramatically back-lit shelves to JeanMichel Frank armchairs to recycled bronze stools from Maison Intègre, as well a sculptural pool table by Emmanuel Levet Stenne sculpted from a single slab of white Bianco Neve marble.

One of the hotel’s main draws is Jerónimo, a Mexican-influenced restaurant by noted chef Enrique Olivera of Mexico City’s Pujol and Cosme in New York. Using the strong cultural ties between Spain and Mexico as well as local ingredients, guests can dine in a double-height, vibrant dining room or outside on the hotel’s verdant private terrace. The second gourmet offering is Oroya, helmed by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz and where Pisco Sours and ceviches are the orders of the day. And last, but certainly not least on a hot summer day, is the hotel’s sprawling rooftop pool—Madrid’s largest—surrounded by chic cabanas with views of the red-roofed city skyline beyond.

editionhotels.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ

The grand dame of Madrid, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz has just undergone the most extensive renovation in its 112-year history courtesy of architect Rafael de La-Hoz, and with interiors by French firm Gilles & Boissier. The result is a timeless Belle Epoque gem in keeping with hotelier César Ritz’s original aesthetic, all while incorporating modern leather, brushed brass and marble touches throughout. Centrally located within the Golden Triangle of Art— home to the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art—the Mandarin Oriental Ritz remains a bustling hub, with its five restaurants and bars drawing a discerning international clientele throughout the day.

Under the guidance of multi-Michelinstarred chef Quique Dacosta, Deessa offers fine dining with an avant-garde twist, while the Champagne Bar and Pictura Bar are the places for serious cocktails, live music and a buzzy vibe. The highlight, however, is the iconic El Jardin del Ritz—a chic oasis in the middle of the capital, complete with the perfect gin tonic (no “and”). After the vibrancy of the hotel’s public spaces, the 100 sumptuouslyappointed guest rooms and 53 suites offer a bit of serenity with the terraced Turret Suites and the sprawling Presidential Suite with its hand-painted mural among the

standouts. mandarinoriental.com

FROM LEFT: Pictura bar; the Palm Court at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz

AND IN ANDALUSIA…

LA ZAMBRA, COSTA DEL SOL Originally opened in 1984 as the uber-chic Byblos, the Málaga hotel has counted The Rolling Stones and Diana, Princess of Wales among its glittery guests. After a refresh by father-son architectural duo Esteva i Esteva of Menorca’s Torralbenc fame, La Zambra opens this summer and promises a contemporary take on relaxed Andalusian style. The property’s 197 lightfilled rooms and suites are swathed in neutral hues, while furniture hewn from light wood and stone add to the soothing ambience. Multiple swimming pools,

a state-of-the-art spa, a Turkish bath, sauna, and a hammam are just a few of the luxurious amenities on offer, while golfers can take advantage of neighboring worldclass courses. Food and drink take center stage with an emphasis on Andalusian seafood and light, healthy cuisine by day and shifting to a more indulgent The lobby at approach at sundown when La Zambra the spit-roast becomes the focal point. With its white-washed buildings, coastal setting, and killer sangria, La Zambra promises to bring back 1980s Mediterranean glamour. lazambrahotel.com A view of the property from one of the guest room terraces

FLAVORFUL FINDS

True gourmands and the casually hungry alike will find something to savor in Spain this summer

TASTING NOTES WITH DWANI LOPEZ

Serious foodies take note: Black Tomato, the U.K.-based travel insiders, specializes in planning trips focused around excellent, hard-to-find Spanish cuisine. Far beyond your standard sangria and tapas (though they’ll find you the best), you’ll be in the hands of three of Spain’s best chefs—Dani

Vineyards in Rioja Lopez, Aitor Arregui, and Elena Arzak— who hold five Michelin stars between them—who have co-curated an itinerary that includes a private pintxos tour in Bilbao, a Michelin-starred meal at the impossible-to-book Azurmendi, followed by winery tours in Rioja. Demonstrations, access to private culinary clubs, and more Michelin stars await at Arzak in San Sebastian followed by cooking classes in Cantabria, all capped off by a seat at the Chef’s Table at Aito Arregui’s Elkano for delectable Basque bites. blacktomato.com

Pintxos

San Sebastian Wild thyme anchovies at El Silencio

EL SILENCIO

Ibiza is heating up this summer with the residency of three Michelin star chef Mauro Colagreco at the iconic El Silencio, overlooking Cala Moli and the Balearic sea. Partnering with friend and fellow Argentine flame master Federico Desseno, the pair will specialize in Mediterranean cuisine—just-caught seafood including shrimp aguachile finished with coriander and chile, Peruvian ceviche with fresh melon and lime and asado-inspired steak onions finished with chimichurri and rustic salad. A day spent here promises to be a gourmet (as well as people watching)

delight. elsilencioibiza.com

The restaurant at Jacqueline

JACQUELINE

The ultimate epicurean city, Barcelona, is about to get even better with the opening of Jacqueline—so named for Pablo Picasso’s second wife and muse, Jacqueline Roque. The three-story restaurant has been designed by Rockwell Group and is inspired by its namesake’s colorful life and portraits, including “Woman in a Turkish Costume Seated in a Chair” and “Jacqueline with Flowers.” A grand vestibule swathed in blue velvet welcomes guests into the chic entry bar followed by a grand dining room complete with stunning metal palm trees, which were Picasso’s favorite. Upstairs features a bijoux cocktail bar, while the lower level is home to a club clad entirely in rich red. For Catalan cuisine complete with live music, join the waiting list

DESIGN PORTRAIT. DESIGN PORTRAIT.

Ray, seat system designed by Antonio Citterio. www.bebitalia.com

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summer 2022

Katie Holmes on her second directorial outing; the most exciting new talents emerging from the Cannes Film Festival; the genius of designer Ken Fulk

Rebecca Hall photographed in Cannes