Located a stone’s throw away from Plaza Mayor, the Edition is one of Madrid's finest design hotels. Charlotte Hogarth-Jones explores the sumptuous spa for Barcelona-bound owners...
Where is it?
The city’s leading design hotel, the Edition makes a big impression in the heart of town and boasts the two biggest penthouses available anywhere. You’ll find it just a stone’s throw away from Plaza Mayor, a 15th-century town square that used to house the capital’s markets. It’s also a 10-minute walk to the enormous Royal Palace of Madrid, with its 3,418 rooms, manicured grounds, and Puerta del Sol, another historic town square and the centre at which all of Spain’s roads originate.
Of course, astute readers will note that there aren’t many superyachts to be found in the landlocked capital of Spain! But, as refit season looms, many Barcelona-bound owners may find themselves searching for a pit-stop enroute to the yard – not to mention legions of Real Madrid fans stopping over to catch a game.
With its vibrant dining scene, wealth of rooftop bars, and one of the world’s most significant art collections packed into The Prado museum, there can’t be many better places to linger in than this bustling, beautiful city.
What’s the hype?
Edition is a name that many readers will be familiar with, and Madrid’s version of the famous boutique hotel chain strikes the right note. It feels luxurious inside, with a spacious opening lobby filled with languorous cream bouclé couches, shelves decorated with ceramics and curios, and a bustling bar, while rooms feature dramatic fur throws on the beds and neon backlit headboards and mirrors. The vibe isn’t “see and be seen” here though – despite the well-heeled and noteworthy clientele, the atmosphere is relaxed and discrete.
The spa itself is nestled away in the basement of the hotel, a small, tranquil space, where many retreat to recover from long flights or simply enjoy a little R&R. There’s a high-tech Finnish sauna, steam room and spacious waterfall shower, along with a modern gym and five separate treatment rooms, and a comfortable, low-lit lounge to relax in. Guests often find they have the entire space all to themselves, and are encouraged to enjoy the facilities before and after treatments. A sunny pool on the hotel’s rooftop – and right by the Oroya bar – makes the perfect final destination.
What to have?
Keep it classic – the Edition Signature Massage is wonderfully restorative, and can be tailored to address your personal concerns, from sports injuries and tight muscles through to cellulite and dull skin. You can choose from five different massage oils, including one with eucalyptus to ease aching limbs. However, the one featuring the hotel’s signature Le Labo scent, Black Tea, is one you won’t want to wash off.
Where to eat?
In this area, you’re spoilt for choice. Of course, the Edition’s own bar and restaurant, Oroya is sublimely convenient, and is a beautiful scenic spot to relax in. Inside, the walls are adorned with fresh plants and greenery, and are decorated with coloured glass panels, giving the feeling of dining inside a glorious greenhouse. Outdoors, there’s a spacious terrace with lounge furniture to relax on, with live music or a DJ every night from 5pm giving the space a beach bar feel.
Here, award-winning Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz serves up fresh, sophisticated food, including dishes like sea bass ceviche, red prawn tiradito or grilled beef filet and salt crust potatoes with huancaina, a traditional Peruvian cheese sauce.
Elsewhere, you’ll find nearby Celso y Manolo for authentic tapas and seafood, and the La Campana hole in the wall, where locals and tourists alike queue round the block for “Bocadillos de Calamares”, a famous calamari stuffed baguette.
Top tip
Why not switch out your deck shoes for some traditional Spanish espadrilles? These colourful canvas slip-ons can be found in stores across the city and make the perfect gifts, too. Department store El Corte Inglès has the best selection, while the tiny Calzados Lobo, just down from Plaza Mayor, feels wonderfully authentic.
Best by boat
It’s a one-and-a-half hour flight to Barcelona, or you can be there in two-and-a-half hours by using the fast train service. Once back onboard, the islands of Palma and Ibiza surely beckon…