LA ROCA VILLAGE
Courtesy of Chic Outlet Shopping, I flew the way to Spain from KL to check out their shopping villages! To be honest, I’ve never been to any shopping outlets in Europe and I am so amazed! La Roca Village pretty much sets the bar high as I never expected a shopping outlet to be so pretty. It didn’t feel like an outlet at all because each brand is housed in an actual boutique. I haven’t even mentioned that they have 130 brands ( including Gucci, Loewe, Bulgari, Burberry, Missoni and many more ) in one stretch. You wouldn’t even know you’ve walked 1km from front to the back, shopping and burning calories! Btw, they offer shopping helper services , which means you don’t have to carry your own shopping bags around, all you do is to keep a number, let them know when you’re leaving, and where to pass your bags. You can always check their website for more info!
If you’re planning to visit before 16th of August, don’t forget to check out their Barcelona Designers Collective Pop-up boutique. More than 60 local designers can be discovered in this project. From fashion designs to homeware designs, I was very honoured to meet some of them and they are all so so so down to earth. Designer Pau Esteve even made me a skirt! HOW COOL IS THAT! I’ll promise to show you a picture when I wear them KLFW maybe?
This year, they included gastronomy a part of this creative project. Inspired by the designers, they got a team of young chefs from L’Escola to create a selection of tapas, that is available right inside the bar at the pop-up boutique. YOU MUST TRY THEM IF YOU GET TO VISIT. They literally brought the definition of tapas to another level. Beautiful in the outside, full of surprise in every bite.
Recommended ways to get there :
- by car, 40 minutes away from Barcelona,
Address:
La Roca Village, s/n
08430 Santa Agnès de Malanyanes (La Roca del Vallès)
Barcelona, España
ABaC
We were invited to join team La Roca Village for a fine dinner at this 2** Michelin, ABaC restaurant by Chef Jordi Cruz. I have to say every single course is an art and you couldn't expect what to taste! We also had a lipstick make out of sorbet, and there goes everyone with their snapchat game on. Oh, I have to mention that their plates are also art pieces, so well made.
Address: Av. del Tibidabo, 1, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
The unfinished church built since 1882 and still counting, masterpeice by Antonio Gaudi. The building look crazy beautiful especially when you realise the materials and designs used across decades of building it. I didn’t get to tour inside but I’ll definitely go back someday!
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
GOTHIC QUARTER
Thanks to Francesca, our hipster tour guide who brought us to some of Barceclona’s hidden places. The Gothic Quarter stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, featuring really gothic & narrow lanes. You’ll get to find cafes, restaurants and bars along the street. You’ll find the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaza de Sant Felip Neri ( click to read about the tragedy happens in Plaza de Sant Felip Neri )
EL NACIONAL BARCELONA
4 bars and 4 restaurants in one space. Opened just two years ago in 2014, being the first multi space restaurant in Barcelona. Trust me, this place is so well designed, you want to come back and visit all the bars & restaurants inside. I personally think that this place is good for photos, could even imagine that Chanel would love to do a fashion show here lol. Right, Karl?
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
HOTEL CLARIS
Couldn't be more happier with the hotel they booked. Located nearby La Sagrada Familia ( which I didn't know until the next day when we passed-by ) and it's pretty central I guess. The first thing caught my eye was the furniture and art pieces they have in the lobby, then the elevator that sees through the hotel. The morning was even better, breakfast buffet was served at the terrace on the highest floor where you get to see the view! AMAZEBALLS. Kudos to Emilia!
Address: Carrer de Pau Claris, 150, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
