Madrid, Europe’s new luxury destination 42
Captivating, cosmopolitan, and buzzing with energy, the Spanish capital introduces discerning travellers to a high-end lifestyle awash with premium experiences, from gastronomy and culture to shopping and stunning scenery, as our top 10 tips reveal
I
f we define ‘luxury’, it goes beyond what we typically consider to be high-end. Luxury in its purest form is walking through a vibrant city, strolling along its pedestrianised streets and enjoying its gastronomy, culture, shopping and scenery at an unhurried pace. Luxury is being pampered, and Madrid knows all about that, spoiling its visitors to make every trip unforgettable. Moreover, numerous internationally prestigious firms have chosen to open their flagship establishments in Madrid, adding to its extraordinary range of premium offerings, which include 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, centuriesold restaurants, artisan shops, stores by designer brands and a historical and cultural heritage that truly sets the city apart. All of this is evidence of a clear trend: the Spanish capital is becoming Europe’s new luxury destination. If you want a one-of-a-kind experience, head to Madrid and follow these top 10 tips:
M AY 2 0 2 2
1
Stay in the world’s most luxurious hotels Madrid is home to some of the world’s leading luxury hotels. 2021 saw the arrival of the Four Seasons and the reopening of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz and the Rosewood Villa Magna. This year they will be joined by new luxury hotels including The Madrid Edition by Marriott International, which will be located opposite the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales. What’s more, over the next two years, Gran Vía Avenue and the surrounding area will welcome at least five new hotels, some of them housed in iconic spaces like the Metrópolis building.
2
Admire Galería Canalejas, a new icon of luxury A host of exclusive fashion brands have opened shops in Madrid in recent years. The famous streets of Calle Serrano and Calle Ortega y Gasset in Barrio de
Salamanca, a benchmark for Madrid’s premium sector, have been joined by a new symbol of luxury: Galería Canalejas. Spanning some 15,000 metres and just a stone’s throw from the centrally located Puerta del Sol, the new avant-garde space contains some of the world’s top fashion, designer jewellery and accessories brands. New shops will continue to open in 2022, joining those that are already trading such as Hermès and Cartier. It’s a first-class experience that’s complemented by delicious culinary options in the spectacular Food Hall, which has more than a dozen restaurants that serve different styles of food from a range of countries.
3
Savour a Michelin-starred experience Madrid is a foodie’s dream, with 21 Michelin-starred restaurants including the three-starred DiverXo, run by innovative chef David Muñoz. Creative haute cuisine also features prominently at establishments with brand-new Michelin Stars like Smoked Room, run
ABOVE: El Retiro Park, part of the Landscape of Light, a new UNESCO World Heritage Site
