Miriam González Durántez: ‘We never holidayed with the Camerons'
I was eight years old when Franco's dictatorship in Spain ended in 1975, and it was only then that a lot of middle-class Spanish families like my own really had enough money to go on holiday and explore our seaside. I remember my parents, brother, sister, uncles, cousins and I cramming into a procession of cars with our pots, pans and bed linen for the ten-hour drive from my home town of Olmedo, in the centre of Spain, to Alicante, where we rented shoe-box-sized flats for a couple of weeks; I spent many happy hours playing on the beach there.
In my teens, my family and I drove all over western Europe, including Britain, and I've had an affection for the British Isles since then. The last of those trips was to Austria, just before my politician father, José Antonio, sadly died in a car accident aged 58.
After Nick became the MP for Sheffield Hallam in 2005 we got to know the Peak District well and loved going on day trips, walking and climbing in the magical, heather-clad hills around Stanage Edge. But we regularly returned to Spain with our boys in summer. Sometimes we'd visit lush, mountainous Asturias, on the northwest coast; other times we'd visit Menorca, and more recently Catalonia.
It took a while for Nick to adapt to Spanish seaside culture. In Britain, if there are a bunch of people on the beach, one usually goes somewhere quieter, whereas in Spain we love socialising and always sit right by the crowd of people. I think he's got the hang of it now.
Our holiday habits changed surprisingly little after Nick became the Lib Dem leader. Naturally, security was more of an issue when he was deputy prime minister, but we carried on going to the same parts of Spain that we had always visited. The only difference was that we had two more people with us, though we tried to integrate the security guards as much as possible into the family, which made it nicer for everyone.
Did we ever go on holiday with David Cameron or other politicians? No, it never really crossed our minds, and I have only visited Chequers once; indeed, I only met the Camerons three times socially for dinner. As far as I'm concerned, work is work in politics, and it is healthy not to make it a personal affair.
In 2017 our eldest son Antonio was diagnosed with lymphoma — thankfully he's now fully recovered —and to cheer him up during the chemotherapy treatment we told him that we'd go on holiday to somewhere of his choice when it was over, and he asked to go to California. We flew out there as a family and visited San Francisco, Los Angeles and Yosemite National Park. So when we told the boys the following year that Nick had been offered a job with Facebook in California, they were keen to go because they thought of it as a holiday destination.
We spent the next five years in the US. We didn't have green cards during the Covid years, so we couldn't leave the country. Therefore, we holidayed in America and got to visit everywhere from Arizona's Grand Canyon and Montana to Alaska, where we saw bears — it was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by miles of nothingness.
The UK was going through Brexit so — speaking for myself — it was nice to be abroad and not to have to witness the economic and political self-harm that the Brexiteers inflicted on the country. Around then we started going on activity holidays, which involved things like ziplining, swimming with manta rays, jumping off waterfalls and canyoning. This appealed to the boys, and also to Nick; I always find it a bit challenging, but there is no way I am going to be relegated to the hotel.
Nowadays I spend weekdays in Spain leading [the non-partisan political organisation] España Mejor, but I return to our home in London to join Nick and my youngest son most weekends. I know it sounds crazy, but it sort of works. Miriam González Durántez is the founder of the Inspiring Girls charity (inspiring-girls.com)
In our weekly My Hols interview, famous faces — from the worlds of film, sport, politics, and more — share their travel stories from childhood to the present day. Read more My Hols interviews here
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
16 hours ago
- Times
Without a tourist tax, we can wave goodbye to free museum admission
Even a cynical old hack like me can't believe that governments actually set out to destroy the arts. No, it's usually the law of unintended consequences that wreaks havoc on culture. For instance, establish rigorous targets to improve children's literacy and numeracy, and the unintended consequence is that schools cut music and art to make time for more maths and English. Or bring in Brexit to 'take back control', and the unintended consequence is that UK performers find themselves tangled in red tape if they try to tour Europe. Now The Times tells us that Angela Rayner's plan to give directly elected mayors powers to tax tourists through a levy on hotel accommodation has been scuppered by the Treasury, who fear it could further damage businesses already clobbered by higher national insurance and an increased minimum wage. And sure enough, this veto could also have unintended and damaging consequences for arts institutions.
The Guardian
17 hours ago
- The Guardian
Protesters and police in Grosvenor Square
Covering a Vietnam war demo in Grosvenor Square in 1968, as a Guardian reporter, I was dipping in and out of the procession, getting quotes from protesters (The super-rich have done what protesters never could: taken over the US embassy in London, 22 July). Then a man sidled up and asked: 'Are you from special branch too?'Richard BourneLondon As a resident of SW19, may I point out that the Wombles live on Wimbledon Common, not in Wimbledon Park (Letters, 23 July).Caroline EwansLondon I expect Nigel Farage to be on Gardeners' Question Time soon, given that Reform UK have clearly found the fastest-growing species of magic money tree (Nigel Farage says Reform would spend over £17bn to halve UK crime, 21 July).John RushtonBridge of Weir, Renfrewshire I trust that Nigel Farage's proposed crackdown on crime will include locking up far-right thugs who partake in anti-immigrant riots, or racist mobs who attack hostels that house asylum DoreyBath It felt obscene to be making bread this morning, let alone to eat it, after seeing the photograph on the front page of your print edition ('We have faced hunger before, but never like this', 24 July).Joy McLaughlanLondon This photo encapsulates all that is wrong with our world. It needs a cooperative international response. Time for another Band Aid?James JennetteCoventry Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
The Independent
17 hours ago
- The Independent
The best beach hotels in Barcelona, with rooftop pools, Michelin-starred restaurants and epic views
Classic images of Barcelona tend to involve Mediterranean-view seafood restaurants, soft gold-sand beaches and people strolling along the palm-lined seafront promenade. So it is often a surprise to discover that beachside accommodation options in the Catalan capital are quite limited, despite its sparkling seaside setting. The shoreline extending around the old fishing quarter of La Barceloneta has a small crop of high-profile luxury hotels overlooking the shimmery waves. This is the busiest patch of Barcelona's seafront, where runners weave through the promenade's crowds and paddleboarders head off across the water. There are also some chic top-end boltholes dotted along nearby Passeig de Colom, next to the Port Vell marina, a short stroll from Barceloneta's beaches. Slightly further afield, several non-beachfront neighbourhoods – such as El Born and the Barri Gòtic – have tempting places to stay within a 15- or 20-minute walk (or a quick bus or taxi) of the sand. Here are the best beach hotels in Barcelona for 2025. For the best spa hotels in Barcelona, see our guide. Best beach hotels in Barcelona 2025 At a glance El Poblenou, a revitalised former industrial district just northeast of the centre, offers its own handful of enticing hotels, which are ideal for relaxing on the less-touristed beaches of Bogatell, Nova Mar Bella and Nova Icària. 1. Hotel Arts Barcelona For all-out beachfront Barcelona luxury, there's no beating the long-established, creatively designed Hotel Arts – a soaring glass-and-steel tower overlooking Platja de Somorrostro and the newly revived Port Olímpic marina. The 432 calming rooms feel elegantly fresh following a head-to-toe 2025 makeover that has brought in Barcelona-evoking tones and locally made design pieces such as handwoven headboards and bold ceramics. A chic spa gazes out across the city from the 43rd floor, offering views of both the sparkling coastline and the Collserola hills, while fabulous restaurant Enoteca – led by Catalan chef Paco Pérez – has bagged two Michelin stars with its ambitious menus rooted in local, seafood-rich produce. 2. Hostal Poble Nou hotel Just five minutes' stroll from the powdery sands of Platja del Bogatell, Poblenou Bed & Breakfast offers the chance to switch off in a stylishly renovated 1930s neighbourhood home. There are 11 light-filled rooms to pick from, featuring beautifully tiled original flooring, breezy rattan lamps and bright floral-stamped walls. Thoughtful touches such as wicker beach baskets and colourfully striped towels to use during your stay add to the laid-back coastal feel, and some rooms have balconies overlooking the Poblenou action. Breakfast among the greenery on the raised back terrace is a lovely way to start the day. 3. SLS Barcelona hotel Spain's first SLS outpost is shaking up Barcelona's hotel scene with its good-time vibe, creative dining, 471 playfully moody rooms with balconies and Med-view deck set around a glowing triangular pool. Freshly launched in 2025, it is part of the design-driven Ennismore group, so you know the look will be dazzling, down to the neon-lit lobby tunnel. The setting in the El Fòrum area means being quite far removed from the city-centre buzz (though perfectly located for Primavera Festival, which takes place in early June each year), but there are golden sands within a 10-minute walk and easy access to the Zona de Banys coastal swimming platforms next to Parc del Fòrum. 4. W Barcelona hotel It is impossible to miss the sail-shaped, five-star W Barcelona looming over the waves just south of Barceloneta. The shimmering building was designed by Ricardo Bofill, and is famous for its fun energy, including DJ nights on its beach-view deck and a glamorous 26th-floor cocktail bar serving Japan-inspired sips and snacks. There are sea views from two sun-drenched pools, as well as from all 473 sleek rooms and suites, which have full-length windows beaming in Mediterranean light and a clubby feel with suspended lamps, swirling-blue floors and Bluetooth speakers. The food-and-drink scene is a big draw too, from creative grill-based cooking at Fire to seafood rice dishes made for sharing at beachy Salt Restaurant. 5. Borneta hotel It might not sit quite on the beachfront, but Borneta is a soulful, boutique-style retreat in nearby El Born that will delight design-savvy travellers. While the arch-fronted building dates from the 19th century, there's an arty edge to the stylishly homey rooms, with Spain-sourced antiques, earthy tones and, for some, private terraces. Much of the look – creative tilework, wooden flooring – was inspired by Barcelonese homes. The excellent lobby bar and restaurant Volta pulls in a mixed crowd of local regulars and visitors. You'll glimpse the greenery of Parc de la Ciutadella just across the road from the tiled rooftop, which has a dip pool and pop-up fitness classes. Beach-wise, it's a 20-minute stroll through lively Barceloneta to the nearest sands. 6. Soho House Barcelona hotel A playground of design, arts and fun vibes awaits at Barcelona's Soho House, which borders the southern edge of the Barri Gòtic around a 20-minute walk from Barceloneta's buzzing beach. Within a rose-pink 18th-century building are 56 divine rooms with suitably stylish Catalan design features such as vaulted ceilings and floral-patterned textiles. A wealth of facilities and communal spaces includes a sought-after rooftop pool and cocktail lounge looking out on Port Vell; a farmhouse-feel underground spa by Cowshed; and creative, light-flooded restaurant Cecconi's, best known locally for its Italian-influenced Sunday brunches. 7. Sofitel Barcelona Skipper hotel Popular Platja del Somorrostro sits just a block away across the palm-fringed promenade from Barcelona's five-star branch of the upscale French brand Sofitel. Lush greenery frames the angular main pool, though the big highlight is the twinkling, more grown-up ElCielo rooftop pool overlooking the Med. A splash of Parisian elegance sweeps through the maritime-inspired rooms, which are all richly decorated with cobalt-blue velvet curtains, rugs and cushions and have luxe Diptyque products in the white-tiled bathrooms. Luxury, Premium and Suite categories include their own terraces, with coastal panoramas to enjoy from upper floors. 8. Serras Barcelona hotel One of the city's best-loved luxury boltholes also happens to be just a 15-minute stroll away from the Barceloneta beaches, at the foot of the Barri Gòtic. Part of a small boutique-hotel label, Serras Barcelona is set in a 19th-century building on Passeig de Colom, making it ideal for both beach time and cultural adventures. Soak up Port Vell panoramas from the sunny rooftop, where a metallic plunge pool sparkles amid potted greenery. Like many of Barcelona's top hotels, it's strong on gastronomy too, with smart Catalan tapas on the roof terrace restaurant, Informal, and Italian-meets-Catalan cuisine with a slow food focus at lobby-level Agreste. There are 28 dreamy rooms, all with balconies, decorative hydraulic tiles and perks, such as complementary yoga mats. 9. H10 Port Vell hotel Set right on the Port Vell marina, this four-star branch of reputable H10 Hotels (a well-known Catalan chain) offers understated, contemporary-feel stays in a historical building within 15 minutes' walk of Barceloneta's beachfront. Rooms are crisply styled in clean whites and have welcome extras like Rituals toiletries, but most guests make a beeline for the royal-blue rooftop dip pool. Select a Port room if you'd like a balcony with waterfront panoramas. The surrounding streets burst with tapas bars and vermouth counters. Address: Pas de Sota Muralla 9, 08003 Barcelona Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, Isabella Noble, who lives in Spain and has a deep knowledge of the country. She has lived in Andalucía and Barcelona and has authored several guidebooks on the country. When picking which hotels to include, Isabella considered her own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs What are the best months for hot weather in Barcelona? The best months for hot weather in Barcelona are June, July, August and early September. During these months, temperatures tend to hover around the 30°C mark during the day, while evenings often remain above 20°C. Sun worshippers can also expect around 9-10 hours of sunshine per day. Bear in mind that this time of year can be humid and very busy with both tourists and locals, who often holiday in August. Where are the best beaches? Situated in the heart of the city, Barceloneta Beach is a perennial favourite with tourists and visitors alike. It's buzzy, great for people-watching and has volleyball courts and outdoor gyms – but it can get very busy during the peak summer months. Bogatell Beach is a more relaxed option and a good choice for families, with lifeguards, showers and sunbeds and is situated close to the trendy El Poblenou neighbourhood. Elsewhere, Mar Bella Beach is best known for having a clothing-optional area, but it's also a relaxed and inclusive spot that attracts a diverse crowd. And Nova Icària Beach is a good choice for a quieter day out, home to seafood dining spots, as well as being one of Barcelona's best-equipped beaches for wheelchair users, with amphibious chairs, adapted showers and a ramp. The currency you'll need in Barcelona is the Euro (€).
