MANDARIN ORIENTAL

If you’re after full blown luxury and hyper modernism with a relaxingly Zen edge, you’ll find it all at the rather spectacular new Mandarin Oriental property in Barcelona. Built into an old bank building, you may need the same kind of pedigree if you want to be a part of Patricia Urquiola’s seamless design vision.

The hotel's Blanc restaurant-lounge forms the heart of the building, but gourmands will be more interested in the Moments restaurant, run by five time Michelin-starred chef Carme Ruscalleda (her signature Sant Pau restaurant is just outside Barcelona), offering traditional Catalan dishes. The spa is where Asiana really comes into its own and whilst you might not technically be swimming in money, you can get pretty close in the hotel’s indoor plunge pool, located in the ex-vaults, or by downing some precious liquids in the Banker's Bar. Rooms are decked out in crisp cream modern interiors with the odd oriental twist as is befitting the brand’s heritage, with views over the immaculately landscaped Mimosa Garden, the snack bar in the hotel's courtyard, or the exclusive Passeig de Gràcia. The 236 square meter penthouse suite may be beyond your budget, but all hotel guests benefit from exclusive access to the rooftop Terrat pooldeck - not a bad consolation.