Sea spa: A city escape in the heart of Barcelona

Where is it?

Set between Gaudi’s extraordinary Sagrada Familia and the Passieg de Gràcia – think Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue – The One is perfectly positioned for any city explorer.

What’s the hype?

One of the hottest recent openings in Barcelona, the rooms are chic with soft neutral tones, marble and flashes of gold. Floor to ceiling windows offer views of the cityscape, while top-floor suites have their own private terraces with spa pools. As the sun sets, tuck into tapas at the rooftop bar or decompress in the subterranean spa before the evening’s antics.

What to have?

Hidden below street level, the spa is an urban oasis with dark marble surfaces and flickering candles. Start in the eucalyptus sauna then enjoy a head-to-toe sea salt body scrub or nourishing pink clay wrap to prep your skin pre-treatment. For the perfect antidote to the busy city choose the Zen Coconut Experience. The 80-minute massage uses hydrating coconut oil and combines long flowing strokes with gentle Thai stretches to ease away tension. Each movement is synced with your breathing while the soft sound of Tibetan bells encourages deep relaxation.

Then, if you have time, treat your skin to the Fire & Ice rejuvenating facial - a firm favourite with Hollywood’s red-carpet crowd. The treatment begins with an exfoliating glycolic mask, followed by an ultra-hydrating aloe vera and hyaluronic acid mask, and finished with a soothing ice cube massage.

Where to eat?

On the top floor you’ll find the Mood Rooftop Bar – a stylish al fresco terrace with views across the city skyline and out to sea. Start with a glass of the finest cava from one of the region’s vineyards, then order a selection of dishes to share. On the menu: octopus with Spanish wrinkled potatoes and a tangy red pepper sauce, avocado roll stuffed with blue lobster, and tuna tataki. For dessert, the gin and tonic sorbet with vanilla stewed strawberries will keep you cool in the hot sun.

Top tip

For the best paella in town, peel off from Barcelona’s busy avenues and lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow side streets.

Best by boat

OneOcean Port Vell hosts yachts up to 190 metres and is a short drive or leisurely stroll away from this slick new hideaway.