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Barcelona's Coolest Hotel Just Opened, but Already Has Some of the Best Restaurants in the City
The hotel's bold interiors and tongue-in-cheek design capture Barcelona's buzzy design scene.
Each guest room has a private balcony or terrace, perfect for enjoying the sunshine in complete privacy.
Standout culinary experiences include the wood-fired Mediterranean dishes at Lora and tapas at L'Anxova Divina.
The hotel's soon-to-open rooftop pool and chic Cosmico lounge will offer epic city and sea views.
Only one thing came to mind when I walked through the front doors of the new SLS Barcelona: I need to add more color to my wardrobe.
From that very first step inside, it was clear that this is not your standard luxury hotel—it's more of a vibrant playground. Located in the waterfront enclave of Port Fòrum, the hotel exudes a youthful energy that's equal parts classy and frisky.
'SLS Barcelona has all the luxury and glamour of a grand hotel, delivered with a playful wit and charm that is its [SLS] signature," Ignacio Rodriguez, the hotel's general manager, shared with Travel + Leisure .
Those glam moments stem from decor elements, such as the grand chandelier dripping from the ceiling, only it's slightly askew, tilted up and to the left, signaling that a 'swing from the chandeliers' mentality isn't just welcome, it's encouraged.
Designed by Rockwell Group, AvroKO, and AIME Studios, the hotel is packed with dramatic lighting and opulent detailing, partially inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. There's also a hot pink, neon-lit hallway leading to a restaurant, one of many Instagram moments on-site. The hotel's patio pool is dotted with private cabanas, and its soon-to-open rooftop pool has the potential to become Barcelona's coolest spot in no time. Even its common area bathrooms are filled with quirky design details and tilework that made me want to go home and redo my bathroom. Walk through the neon tunnel-turned-catwalk in the lobby.
The bold interiors are just the tip of the iceberg; SLS Barcelona also leans heavily into the city's creative culture, from collaborations with celebrity-favorite local designer Caro Luna to partnering with the Primavera Sound music festival. It's a hotel built for those who want to immerse themselves in Barcelona's modern lifestyle and support the local community.
"SLS Barcelona is a resort for the curious, the creative, the stylish, the relaxed, and everyone in between. Whether you're planning a couple's getaway, a friends' trip, a family adventure, or a solo recharge, this is a place that adapts to your energy," Rodriguez added. 'If you're someone who wants to trade everyday life for something extraordinary, even for one night, you've come to the right place.'
Here's everything you need to know about staying at the SLS Barcelona. The bedroom opening up to the terrace of the Luxuriate Suite.
The hotel's 471 rooms and suites, designed by Rockwell Group, marry high-end elegance with youthful whimsy. Each accommodation boasts a private balcony or terrace, providing access to lovely views of the marina. Bold colors, reflective surfaces, gold-hued hand curtain holdbacks, pendant light fixtures, all create an atmosphere as indulgent as you'd expect from an SLS hotel.
Guests who want to level up should opt for the Euphoria Apartment, which offers residential-style comforts, such as a stove, oven, microwave, and mini-fridge. It also includes a dining space and a private balcony or terrace.
I also got a sneak peek at the soon-to-open Celestial suite, and it packs quite the design punch. The suite features a massive light fixture that doubles as an art installation, a stunning marble bath, and a 1,044-square-foot private rooftop terrace overlooking the marina. Enjoy a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion at Lora.
If you need a single reason to book a stay at the SLS Barcelona, it's this: The dining is simply spectacular. Once complete, the hotel will offer six distinct restaurants and bars. Lora, designed by AvroKO, channels the relaxed coastal charm of the Mediterranean, where seasonal dishes are prepared in a wood oven and coal-fired grill—think charred flatbreads, perfectly seasoned seafood, and shareable plates. (Do not skip over the muhammara , a dip made with grilled pepper, chili, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, which is so flavorful I asked for seconds and was tempted to go for thirds.)
Then there's L'Anxova Divina, which pays homage to Barcelona's legendary tapas culture with bite-sized delights. According to the hotel's team, its design is a nod to Antoni Gaudí's iconic architecture, channeled in the undulating curves of its banquets and splashy decor. Pro tip: on warmer days, ask for a table out on its sunny seafront terrace.
At Deluxe, the hotel's lobby lounge and bar, guests can enjoy morning coffee, lunch, or an evening cocktail. Coral, a poolside bar, offers a selection of sunny day drinks and whatever frozen concoction you can dream up.
And in June, the hotel will open Kyara, a cocktail bar, designed to evoke a curated perfumery, where the cocktails will be just as custom as a scent. Also opening this summer is Cosmico, a rooftop lounge that could easily become Barcelona's most sought-after nightlife spot. Aerial view of the SLS Barcelona across from Port Forum.
SLS Barcelona is almost anti-experience, and I mean that in the best way possible. Here, things are tailor-made to simply relax and do nothing. Its infinity pool is lined with chaise loungers, private cabanas, and day beds that made me want to snooze away the day in the sun. Its soon-to-open rooftop pool will be an idyllic spot to unwind, while the lounge is all about kicking back and savoring every last drop of your coffee or cocktail.
Guests who like to stay more active and explore are also in luck as the hotel is just feet away from Port Fòrum, the perfect place to charter a boat for some water-based fun.
SLS Barcelona also offers access to Primavera Sound, the city's coolest music festival. Guests booking the Primavera Package for the festival dates over June 6 and 7, 2025, will also receive VIP tickets to the event.
SLS Barcelona's spa is set to open later this year.
However, guests can work up a sweat in the bright gym, open 24/7. The massive space is equipped with treadmills, bikes, free weights, a variety of machines, a full spin studio, and classes offered through Edan Studios.
Currently, the hotel has one pool, with two more in the works, so there's plenty of room to splash. Connecting rooms and suites are available to families and multi-generational groups, with more family-friendly touches like kids' menus, cribs, rollaway beds, and babysitting services provided upon request.
The hotel is fully accessible and has 14 accessible rooms (including twin-size beds and queen-size bed options) that offer roll-in and transfer showers, visual alarms, and closed captions on TVs.
Sustainability is an essential part of the SLS ethos. The hotel complies with some of the EU's strictest environmental regulations, including ventilated ceramic facades, high-efficiency thermal windows, LED lighting, and solar panels to ensure energy efficiency. The artwork handing in the Events Lobby.
SLS Barcelona is located slightly outside of the historic city center, where you'll find some of the best vintage shopping (don't miss the Mercat dels Encants) and all of Gaudí's masterpieces (I can't recommend this specific guided tour via GetYourGuide more). However, it's still easily accessible via public transit (there's a tram stop about a three-minute walk from the hotel). It was incredibly easy to explore the city and hop on and off the tram for just a few euros per ride.
The hotel is also within walking distance of Parc del Fòrum, the venue for the Primavera Sound music festival and Mar Bella Beach.
Dis-loyalty, Ennismore's travel and dining membership, gives members 50 percent off stays at new hotels, including SLS Barcelona, until July 1, 2025, along with 20 percent off first-time stays, 10 percent off return visits, and 10 percent off food and drinks at participating venues.
Nightly rates for the SLS Barcelona start from €350 (about $391).
Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
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Forbes
6 hours ago
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Travel + Leisure
10 hours ago
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This Maui Resort Has the Biggest Spa in Hawaii, an Aquarium Bar, 7 Waterslides, and a Brand-new Nobu Restaurant
Grand Wailea The grounds are breathtaking, with gently sloped paths and bridges that take you past koi ponds and rushing waterfalls as you wander past a vast assortment of native plant life. There's a 1.5-mile beach walk that allows a glimpse of other luxury hotels—the Four Seasons and Fairmont Kea Lani in one direction, the Andaz in the other—with a mandatory stop at the Shops at Wailea, where you'll find everything from beachy souvenirs to outposts of Tiffany and Louis Vuitton. Sounds of pure delight come from the activity pool, where a 262-foot lava tube slide sends anyone taller than 48 inches down a three-story drop. From December to April, there's free entertainment on the beach courtesy of the thousands of humpback whales that migrate every year from Alaska to mate and give birth, and there's nothing like seeing a marine mammal the size of a school bus throw itself completely out of the water. 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And the short answer? All is good. Very good, in fact. Sunset over the grounds. Patrick Kelley/Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort After a $55-million renovation, the Kilolani Spa reopened in early 2024 at 50,000 square feet—the largest in Hawaii, senior director of spa and wellness David Erlich told Travel + Leisure. A stunning hydrotherapy garden greets guests with hot and cold plunges, a welcoming hammam and spa version of the ice-bucket challenge. With its heart deep in Hawaiian culture, the spa's treatments are based on cycles of the moon (so a massage during a full moon will feature different products than one during a new moon). 'The programming constantly evolves,' Erlich told T+L. And so does the hotel. The entire property has undergone a total renovation, explained managing director JP Oliver, with everything from rethinking the guest rooms and public areas to developing several new restaurants. Bad news for me: I was too early for the opening of the Nobu by just a few weeks, but a walkthrough of the construction site just above the lobby all but guaranteed I'll be back next year. Plans for the renovation started in 2019, but not much happened during the eight months the pandemic closed the hotel, and construction started in late 2020. 'We took the guest rooms down to the studs,' said Oliver. Work took place gradually over the next few years, finishing in October of 2024. After the pandemic, 'the whole world was much busier than we thought it would be,' Oliver told T+L, and the hotel was hopping. Then, things slowed down after Maui's devastating wildfires in August 2023 when tourism to the island suffered as people cancelled trips. Now, with its emphasis on wellness and activities for the entire family, the hotel is back to being nearly full most of the time, according to Oliver. And I was able to see that what makes Grand Wailea so special is, thankfully, unchanged. The grounds are lush and welcoming, with gardens everywhere you turn. Head landscaper Jim Heid gives regular tours of the 40-acre property, pointing out his favorite native plants (orchids everywhere) and allowing guests to sample starfruit straight from the tree. Throughout the property, the gentle sound of waterfalls adds to the tranquility. A Fernando Botero Sculpture at the Botero Lounge. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Equally impressive is the hotel's museum-worthy art, including a multi million-dollar collection of larger-than-life Fernando Botero sculptures in and around the lobby bar. Everywhere you turn, there's artwork to admire: A series of Fernand Léger paintings can be found near the shops, and an imposing statue of King Kamehameha guards the entrance. There's so much to say about my recent visit to Grand Wailea—most notably that it was too short! Here's my full review. The Rooms All the hotel's 877 guest rooms and 57 suites have a private lanai (balcony) with views of either the gardens or the ocean. Interiors in shades of beige and ivory with splashes of tropical colors are soothing. Even the most basic room is lavishly appointed, with a small refrigerator, Nespresso machine, walk-in shower and tub, and cushy bathrobe and slippers. The focus on art is evident, with each wing featuring different paintings. (I was especially fond of the huge print of swimmers awash in an endless ocean that hung in my bathroom). Suites have a sitting area with large-screen TV and an additional half bath, along with a spectacular bathroom featuring an oversized tub with an ocean view. For the ultimate in luxury, the Ho'olei complex on a hill overlooking the hotel has three-bedroom villas that can sleep six, with expansive lanais, full kitchens, and laundry facilities, and then there's the Napua rooms and suites with 'VIP comforts' located on the resort's private upper floors. Food and Drink It's difficult to pronounce Grand Wailea's signature restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, but you can call it Humuhumu for short. Named for the native reef triggerfish, the restaurant is nestled under several thatched-roof structures with a dramatic circular aquarium bar housing some 400 salt-water fish gliding under your cocktail—try the Sunburnt Vacationer. People love the Wagyu strip steak, but dishes like Macadamia Nut Prawns or Ahi Coconut Ceviche capitalize a bit more on Island authenticity. While construction on Nobu was still going on, the resort's over-the-top breakfast buffet (omelet station, cheese and charcuterie, specials like quiche or frittata) took place here. Nobu, in a redesigned space soaring above the lobby, is now open with all the famous specialties on the dinner menu, like black cod miso and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno. Other dining venues include Olivine, serving an Italian-inspired menu for lunch and dinner, Botero Lounge with live music and light bites, and, if you can't bear to come in for lunch, the Wailea Surf Haus on the beach. Also notable is the 24-hour Loulu, named for the only palm tree native to Hawaii. The café/market offers a light breakfast, snacks, a variety of sandwiches, pizza, and curated offerings from the Los Angeles-based organic grocer Erewhon, including the cult-favorite Cosmic Bliss, a plant-based soft serve. You can also dine with entertainment at the Grand Lūʻau on select dates. Activities and Experiences Aerial view of the resort and beach. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort It might be tempting to spend your days at the Grand Wailea lounging on the beach or by the pool, mudslide and novel in hand. But doing only that would be a mistake. Starting with early morning yoga classes on the beach, the hotel offers activities for everyone, among them stand-up paddle board and scuba lessons and morning outrigger tours (remember, eyes wide open if it's whale season). Cultural tours every Wednesday focus on Hawaii's history and traditions, while periodic garden tours highlight the native plants, while art tours show the impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. Embrace the culture by learning how to dance the hula, play the ukulele, or make a lei or a Kukui Nut bracelet. Or kick back and enjoy Keola (Hawaiian bingo). Periodic events include things like E Ala E, a morning chant on the beach that is said to make participants 'feel the mana (energy) of Maui flow through your body,' and the 'Awa Ceremony in celebration of the full moon led by a Hawaiian cultural practitioner. The hotel has a full gym, with daily fitness classes including yoga, cycling, and stretching, and every Sunday there's a sound bath experience with vibrations from crystal bowls, chimes, and a water drum to promote deep relaxation. If you're in need of retail therapy, shops near the lobby include several galleries, a Tommy Bahama, and the Cabana Vue designer boutique with luxe brands like Tom Ford and Chanel. All that said, you can't forget about the beach and pool. Attendants will set up chairs and umbrellas on Wailea Beach, and steps away, the hotel's swimming pool has nine separate areas, from 'baby beach' for the smallest kids, to seven water slides, to the adults-only Hibiscus Pool with 2.2 million individual tiles. Ok, time to go for the mudslide. The Spa Interior of the hammam at the Kilolani Spa. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort The spa experience starts immediately after check-in, when guests participate in the welcome ritual by dipping their fingers in salt water, flicking it over their shoulders, and concentrating on their intentions. Guests are encouraged to come early to spend time in the hydrotherapy garden (complimentary with any service, or you can buy a two-hour pass for $125) before heading upstairs for treatments. The spa menu is incredible. The Lomilomi massage is considered a Hawaiian healing art, and there are multiple options of facials. But the specialties are the signature rituals, which draw on the moon cycles or local herbal medicine and include bodywork, herbal wraps, and mindfulness practices for ultimate relaxation. You can also book astrology readings or a session to explore your auras and chakras. At The Biostation, an on-site healthcare facility, you can recover from overindulging (whether in the sun or those darn mudslides) with IV nutrient therapy and get hormone therapy and med spa services. A full- service salon offers nail and hair care. Wellness diehards will want to check out the new retreats: three- and five-day programs that include spa treatments, private fitness sessions, and IV nutrient therapy at The Biostation, among other things. Guests will stay in one of the 11 new wellness rooms that come equipped with massage guns, white noise machines, and meditation goggles. Family-friendly Offerings Sitting on my eighth-floor lanai around sunset, I had fun watching the parade of multi-generational family groups—often decked out in matching Hawaiian prints—heading toward the evening's luau. The festive presentation with traditional dances and food is a must in Hawaii, and it's safe to say no children will be bored at the Grand Wailea, where the pool will keep them entertained for hours and many of the craft and cultural activities are geared to kids. The hotel recently opened its revamped child center, Keiki Club, for kids aged 5 to 12. General manager Wendle Lesher called it an 'immersive experience,' stressing that the program does not keep kids confined to a room. They will be all over the property, he told T+L, exploring the gardens or cooking up something with a chef. Teens will gravitate to the Cave, another new space, billed as 'an immersion into the Megaverse.' Traditional game room activities like ping pong and darts share the space with virtual reality pods offering high-tech 4D games. Upon check-in, kids are given a Grand Passport, which serves as a map for all the educational activities they can find throughout the property. And if parents need a night out, the hotel will facilitate babysitting. Accessibility and Sustainability From its early days, the Grand Wailea stressed accessibility because one of the original planners had a son with disabilities. Ramps all over the property are gentle enough for wheelchairs and walkers, and there are accessible rooms in every category. One unique feature is the water elevator (a kid favorite), which was first created to help the planner's son get to the upper and lower pool levels. Similarly, the resort stresses sustainability in virtually every aspect of operations. No single-use plastic water bottles are sold, and you won't find plastic in takeout containers either. Food scraps go to local farmers for animal feed and more than 80 percent of produce comes from local farms. Drought-resistant plants dot the landscape, many of them indigenous to the island, and a rooftop aviary not only aids in pollination but provides honey for restaurants and spa treatments. Location The Grand Wailea is on Maui's south side and it's only 17 miles from the airport. Despite this proximity, renting a car is still necessary if you want to fully appreciate the wonders of Maui. You don't want to miss the awe-inspiring sunrise at Haleakala, one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes, or the occasionally harrowing road to Hana, which will take you past black sand beaches and magnificent waterfalls. I love driving up Haleakala Highway, stopping for a tour of O'o Farm or Surfing Goat Dairy. Another fun stop is a visit to the small upcountry town called Makawao, known for its charming galleries and a bakery famed for the doughnuts called malasadas (but be warned, they often sell out before noon.) Some of my favorite restaurants on the planet are on Maui, too, most notably Mama's Fish House, where you need to make reservations way in advance (like months!). And, of course, Maui has no shortage of beaches you might want to visit. The Grand Wailea hotel is part of Hilton Honors (I booked my three-night stay for just over 300,000 points. If I could have stayed one night longer, I would have received a fifth night free). American Express Fine Hotels + Resort offers also include a fifth night free as well as daily breakfast for two and a $100 credit. Nightly rates at Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort start from $70, but keep in mind prices vary by season and day of the week. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
FC Barcelona honors Kobe Bryant with 'Mamba Mentality'-inspired road uniforms
Kobe Bryant will always be remembered as a Lakers legend and one of basketball's all-time greats. But in February 2009 — in the middle of his 13th NBA season — Bryant appeared on the cover of ESPN the Magazine wearing another team's uniform and playing an entirely different sport. The cover shot showed Bryant in full FC Barcelona gear and performing some pretty fancy footwork with a soccer ball. In a video for ESPN the Magazine, Bryant explained that he was a longtime soccer fan who had become "captivated" by superstar Ronaldinho, who played for Barca from 2003-2008. "That's how I started following the team," Bryant said, "and from that point forward I just stuck with them.' Now, more than 16 years later, Barcelona players will be wearing Bryant-inspired uniforms. Revealed Tuesday by Nike and Barca, the team's 2025-26 away kits will feature a number of nods toward the late NBA legend and his famous Mamba Mentality. The colors are variations of the Lakers' purple and gold. A snakeskin pattern is featured on the shorts and portions of the jersey. Bryant's "Kobe Sheath" logo appears prominently, including on the upper right section of the jersey where the Nike Swoosh would normally be placed. "Born from a shared obsession with relentless self-improvement, the partnership brings the Kobe Sheath to professional football for the first time through a collection that captures the dedication and values central to Kobe's legacy and Barça's DNA," Nike said in a press release. Read more: Dodgers unveil Kobe Bryant bobblehead to be given away Aug. 8 at Chavez Ravine "The collaboration celebrates Kobe's lifelong love for football and admiration for FC Barcelona's joyful style of play and philosophy. In return, Barça recognizes Kobe as a driving force in global sport who lived by the discipline and drive for greatness that defines the club." Barcelona wasn't shy in promoting the new look on Instagram. "Two icons, one shared story," the team wrote in one post. "A collaboration born from mutual admiration and the values that unite us: talent, commitment, and passion." Barca added in another post: "The Mamba Mentality is in us." Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
