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’ll need the same kind of pedigree if you want to be a part of Patricia Urquiloa’s seamless design vision. 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 garden or the exclusive Passeig De Gràcia. The in-house restaurant, Moments, is run by five time Michelin-starred chef Carme Ruscalleda (her signature Sant Pau restaurant is just outside Barcelona), offering traditional Catalan dishes, whilst 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 plunge pool, located in the ex-vaults, or down some precious liquids in the Banker's Bar.