As the heat and humidity start to subside in Barcelona, the crowds also dwindle, and travelers can expect a distinctly of-the-place feel as locals return from their summer holidays. Lines at the city’s cultural institutions shorten and it’s easier to book appointments and reservations at top wineries and restaurants. Don’t miss out on Barcelona’s festivities including the annual 48 Hour Open House festival, October 21-22, where over 200 emblematic buildings and museums open their doors with free admission, and the new Miró-Picasso exhibition debuting at both Fundació Miró and Museu Picasso – the first exhibition to be held simultaneously at both venues in honor of the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death. Where to stay? Situated just steps away from Passeig de Gràcia in the Gothic District, Almanac Barcelona is an ideal jumping off point with a panoramic rooftop terrace to enjoy the last sunny days, a vegetable-driven restaurant from a Michelin-starred Spanish chef, and VIP experiences for every type of traveler – from bon vivants and solo travelers to those looking for a wellbeing reset after a busy summer. Here’s what’s new and notable at Almanac Barcelona.

Dinner and a Show

Almanac Barcelona has launched an all-new showcooking experience with Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle at Virens. Available for just 10 people, Chef Rodrigo will share the vision behind his plant-forward interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine with a nine-course feast that could include kimchi empanadillas, beetroot tartare, and artichoke risotto with crispy broccoli florets. Having dedicated years to researching the best suppliers and ingredients in Barcelona and elsewhere in Spain, Chef Rodrigo is committed to showcasing only the finest homegrown product – no two dinner experiences will be the same. Available once a month, current dates include August 10 and September 7 (with additional dates to follow). To book, please visit virensbarcelona.com.

Less ‘We Time,’ More ‘Me Time’

From museums to restaurants to shopping, there is no shortage of activities in Barcelona alone – plus an easy-to-use public transportation system to explore the city. Now available this month, guests can seamlessly discover the Catalonian capital as a party of one with the ‘Almanac Solo’ package. Individuals will enjoy three nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, private transfers to/from the airport, a private 60-minute sunrise yoga session on the panoramic rooftop terrace, and a welcome basket with a half-bottle champagne, a curated list of shopping recommendations by the concierge, and a Barcelona City Pass. Guests will also have the choice between a private, three-hour guided tapas tour to discover the city’s hidden gems and learn more about the city’s culinary history; joining a small-group hiking excursion to explore the Montserrat Trails and Benedictine Monastery; or a private shopping experience at La Manual Alparagatera to customize a pair of espadrilles. Plan accordingly and the package will also include a reserved seat at the all-new showcooking dining experience at Virens. Rates start at $645 per night for a three-night stay (price will vary depending on preferred experience).

Wellbeing in the City

All senses awaken while wandering down the Passeig de Gràcia, lined with architectural masterpieces, shopping outlets and restaurants. Welcoming guests with high ceiling windows, warm beige and gold tones, and the calming aromas of the sea, botanicals, and citrus by perfumer Jimmy Boyd, Almanac Barcelona offers a holistic escape that prioritizes plant-forward cuisine and active wellbeing – not to miss out on the city’s stunning sites, after all. Begin the day eight stories above the city noise with a private sunrise yoga session on the panoramic rooftop terrace – with uninterrupted views of La Sagrada Familia and Mount Tibidabo. Then step outside of the hotel’s walls for a half-day, off-the-beaten path hiking trip to explore the Montserrat Trails and Benedictine Monastery, home to La Moreneta (the Black Madonna), just outside the city led by a local mountaineer born and raised in Barcelona or enjoy access to the neighboring Holmes Place Exclusive Premium Health Club. The food is not to be missed. Eat healthy but well at Virens, where chef Rodrigo de la Calle of Madrid’s El Invernadero fame crafts plant-forward interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fermented foods and probiotic drink pairings. A champion of local ingredients and produce, menus will vary seasonally and might begin with a glass of fresh-brewed hibiscus kombucha (there’s always a different flavor on tap), followed by beetroot gazpacho, creamy rice with a Palamos red prawn carpaccio, and an apple and honey cake topped with elderberry cream to finish.

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