Latest news with #AntoniGaudí
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wego and Spain Tourist Office (Turespaña) Partner to Highlight the Best of Spanish Summer Experiences for MENA Travelers
DUBAI, UAE, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Spain's Tourist Office (Turespaña) to launch an exciting summer campaign aimed at showcasing the best of Spain's diverse and captivating summer experiences. With regional interest in authentic, culture-rich and sun-drenched destinations at an all-time high, this collaboration introduces travelers from the MENA region to the full spectrum of Spanish summer experiences from legendary cities and coastal escapes to its rich gastronomy and vibrant festivals. Travelers will discover the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, the passionate flamenco performances in Seville, the golden beaches of Costa del Sol, and the serene beauty of the Balearic Islands. Beyond the classics, the campaign also uncovers hidden gems such as sustainable tourism trails, digital nomad-friendly towns, and off-the-beaten-path culinary experiences in regions like Galicia and Basque Country. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: "We are excited to partner with the Spain Tourist Office (Turespaña) to showcase the very best of Spain during the summer season. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering enriching travel experiences to our users. Spain's vibrant summer charm from its culture and coastlines to its cuisine offers unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring these to life for travelers across the MENA region." As part of the campaign, travelers will enjoy access to exclusive itineraries, influencer-led content, and curated recommendations focused on local gastronomy, cultural heritage, and unique stays ranging from boutique hotels to traditional Spanish villas. From tapas trails in Madrid to private yacht experiences around Ibiza, every detail is designed to reflect the essence of Spanish hospitality. Carlos Ruiz González, Director of Spain's Tourist Office (Turespaña) for the GCC, added: "Summer in Spain is a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Through our partnership with Wego, we are excited to showcase the very best of what Spain has to offer to travelers from the Middle East. With Wego's extensive reach and expertise, we are confident that more travelers will discover not only sun-soaked escapes and luxurious getaways but also a profound connection with Spain's rich heritage, making every journey unforgettable." The initiative also sheds light on Spain's ongoing innovations in tourism, including eco-friendly travel routes, inclusive travel experiences, and digital travel services that ensure smooth and enriching journeys. Whether you're savoring paella in Valencia or walking the ancient streets of Granada, the campaign promises to deliver a dynamic view of a country where every moment tells a story. As global travel continues to surge, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to making Spain a top choice for summer adventures and meaningful exploration. About Wego Wego is the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple to use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agency websites. Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website. The company was founded in 2005 and is dual headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore, Riyadh, Cairo, Lahore, and Kuala Lumpur. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Wego Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wego and Spain Tourist Office (Turespaña) Partner to Highlight the Best of Spanish Summer Experiences for MENA Travelers
DUBAI, UAE, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Spain's Tourist Office (Turespaña) to launch an exciting summer campaign aimed at showcasing the best of Spain's diverse and captivating summer experiences. With regional interest in authentic, culture-rich and sun-drenched destinations at an all-time high, this collaboration introduces travelers from the MENA region to the full spectrum of Spanish summer experiences from legendary cities and coastal escapes to its rich gastronomy and vibrant festivals. Travelers will discover the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, the passionate flamenco performances in Seville, the golden beaches of Costa del Sol, and the serene beauty of the Balearic Islands. Beyond the classics, the campaign also uncovers hidden gems such as sustainable tourism trails, digital nomad-friendly towns, and off-the-beaten-path culinary experiences in regions like Galicia and Basque Country. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: "We are excited to partner with the Spain Tourist Office (Turespaña) to showcase the very best of Spain during the summer season. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering enriching travel experiences to our users. Spain's vibrant summer charm from its culture and coastlines to its cuisine offers unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring these to life for travelers across the MENA region." As part of the campaign, travelers will enjoy access to exclusive itineraries, influencer-led content, and curated recommendations focused on local gastronomy, cultural heritage, and unique stays ranging from boutique hotels to traditional Spanish villas. From tapas trails in Madrid to private yacht experiences around Ibiza, every detail is designed to reflect the essence of Spanish hospitality. Carlos Ruiz González, Director of Spain's Tourist Office (Turespaña) for the GCC, added: "Summer in Spain is a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Through our partnership with Wego, we are excited to showcase the very best of what Spain has to offer to travelers from the Middle East. With Wego's extensive reach and expertise, we are confident that more travelers will discover not only sun-soaked escapes and luxurious getaways but also a profound connection with Spain's rich heritage, making every journey unforgettable." The initiative also sheds light on Spain's ongoing innovations in tourism, including eco-friendly travel routes, inclusive travel experiences, and digital travel services that ensure smooth and enriching journeys. Whether you're savoring paella in Valencia or walking the ancient streets of Granada, the campaign promises to deliver a dynamic view of a country where every moment tells a story. As global travel continues to surge, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to making Spain a top choice for summer adventures and meaningful exploration. About Wego Wego is the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple to use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agency websites. Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website. The company was founded in 2005 and is dual headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore, Riyadh, Cairo, Lahore, and Kuala Lumpur. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Wego Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Forbes
10 Top Barcelona Attractions
The iconic La Sagrada Familia should be complete in 2026. Barcelona has seduced visitors for decades, drawing them in with its striking modernist architecture — from the towering Sagrada Familia to the whimsical Park Güell, both masterpieces of visionary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. But as gorgeous as the buildings are, there's so much more to Barcelona: its lively beaches and promenades, its maze-like neighborhood steeped in history and its quintessentially Mediterranean lifestyle. While worries about overtourism in Spain's second-biggest city (behind Madrid) persist, mindful travelers are always welcome. Consider visiting in the spring or fall to avoid peak tourist seasons, support local businesses and respect residential areas, especially at night. Check those boxes and you can fully appreciate these 10 attractions that give you a glimpse of the best Barcelona offers. La Sagrada Familia has famously remained unfinished since its construction began in 1882, but with an estimated finish date of 2026 to mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death, its completion finally feels within reach. With the landmark's realization, Barcelona's skyline will change, as Gaudí's masterpiece will become the tallest church in the world at 566 feet, when the last of its six central towers is done. The tower will allow up to 11 visitors to enjoy sweeping city views at a time from this new vantage point. If you plan to visit before the official reopening, you'll be happy to know there are new cathedral areas already open to the public. This complex of gardens and parks should not be missed. You'll feel like you're in Wonderland at this fantastical modernist park designed by the creative genius of Gaudí and entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, who gave the complex of gardens and parks its name. Originally conjured as a private estate for well-to-do families, Park Güell's greenery, tile mosaics and famous viaducts are now enjoyed by millions of locals and visitors each year. Set aside a few hours and stroll through the park in search of the iconic mosaic lizard that's become a city symbol. Barri Gòtic, as it's locally called, is the oldest part of the city, dating back to Roman times. Its narrow, winding streets and maze-like alleys are lined with quirky cafés and shops for you to discover. The Barcelona Cathedral and remnants of Roman walls are unmissable, as is Plaça Reial, a vibrant square surrounded by arcades, palm trees and charming restaurants, perfect for soaking in the neighborhood's lively atmosphere. When things heat up, cool off here. As soon as the sunny weather arrives, Barceloneta Beach becomes the city's epicenter. A short walk from the heart of town, this stretch of Mediterranean coastline is lined with chiringuitos (beachside bars) for you to enjoy tapas and sangría. When the sun starts to set, take a stroll down the promenade, the Passeig Maritim, stopping by Frank Gehry's El Peix d'Or sculpture and the sail-shaped W Barcelona to admire its lights reflecting on the water. Five conjoined medieval palaces with Catalan Gothic architecture house the Picasso Museum in the district El Born. The space alone is worth a visit, but with a permanent collection comprising approximately 5,000 pieces, most from his formative years, visitors are able to appreciate Picasso's early mastery of realism before he transitioned to the innovative styles that defined his career. While the painter was originally from Málaga, he lived in the city with his family during his youth and returned often throughout his lifetime. Do some shopping with the locals. Officially the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, this market in Ciutat Vella has become an unmissable experience in Barcelona. With one entrance at La Rambla, a wide boulevard running through the heart of the city center, this is a popular place for lunch or a light snack at one of its many bars. Try to visit in the morning, when the market is in full swing, and make sure you sample the variety of local products on offer: olives, cheese and, of course, jamón iberico. There's plenty to do at Montjuïc Hill (meaning 'Jewish Mountain'), from taking in the views of the city and the sea from Montjuïc Castle to visiting the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, famous for its nightly water and light shows. Art lovers can spend a few hours admiring the impressive collections at the Fundació Joan Miró or the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. For a change of pace, ride on the Montjuïc cable car, enjoy panoramic vistas or go for a walk through the Montjuïc Gardens to take a break from the city. Gander at Gaudí's most celebrated works. On the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera) are two of Gaudí's most celebrated works. Covered in shards of stained glass, Casa Batlló is often compared to Claude Monet's Water Lilies for the way the building's colors glimmer and shift from blue to green in the changing light. Nearby, Casa Milà stands tall with its twisted white pillars stemming from the roof and undulating stone facade. You're less likely to encounter crowds here than at other Gaudí landmarks, and if you visit in the summer, you can enjoy classical music concerts on the rooftops. El Born has all the charm of Barri Gòtic but with considerably fewer crowds. Its medieval streets are lined with trendy boutiques and artisan workshops where you can pick up unique home decor and handmade jewelry. Come nighttime, its bars come alive with hip young locals having a good time, making this a great spot to spend an evening basking in everyday local life. Try some open-flame deliciousness. While not necessarily an attraction, feasting on calçots (sweet green onions) is both a cultural and culinary experience you won't want to miss if you're traveling to Catalonia when they're in season. From approximately November to May, these vegetables are charred over an open flame and dipped in romesco (a local sauce made with roasted red peppers and tomatoes). They're typically enjoyed at friends' houses during a calçotada (a traditional Catalan barbecue), but visitors can order them at traditional masias (rustic countryside estates) like Can Travi Nou and Can Cortada.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- The Guardian
Rustic charm and (probably) the world's best anchovies in northern Spain's market towns
As you sail into Spain's Bay of Santander, with its spectacular beaches and elegant waterfront architecture, you realise immediately that the capital of Cantabria is a place where people live very well indeed. The beauty of arriving by ferry, slap bang in the heart of the city, is that you can dive straight into local life by heading for the Mercado de la Esperanza, a short stroll from the port. The imposing iron and glass structure was built in 1904 and is still the city's main market today. Seeing the dazzling array of super fresh fish glistening on slabs on the rows of stalls is enough to give you an idea of the high gastronomic standards throughout northern Spain. Buy a sobao sponge cake, made with rich butter from the bucolic Pas valley, to nibble on as you wander around upstairs, where dozens of tempting cheeses made in Cantabria, the Basque country, Asturias and Galicia are on display. Driving west along the coast from Santander, you can dip into a string of traditional towns, such as the chocolate-box pretty Santillana del Mar. Book ahead to experience the astounding reproduction of the Altamira cave paintings at the nearby National Museum and Research Centre of Altamira. Just a short drive from there you'll reach Comillas – which holds a market in the main square on Fridays. It's a popular seaside resort in summer, but also has some surprising architecture, such as El Capricho, an extraordinary house richly decorated with sunflower tiles that was designed by Antoni Gaudí. While you could happily spend at least a couple of weeks tootling along the coast, swimming at a different splendid beach every day, you are never far from the mountain ranges that rise up a short distance inland. Crossing from Cantabria into Asturias, Cangas de Onís makes a great base for exploring the Picos de Europa national park. Time your stay to coincide with the Sunday market, where people converge from the villages in the hills to sell their produce and catch up with friends. Start by buying one of the traditional baskets, as you are going to need it. A real feast for the senses, this is where you'll find all the ingredients for the signature dishes of Asturias, such as fabada – an unctuous bean stew with chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage). Many varieties of apple are grown in orchards across the region and used to make cider, which you can try in the bars around the market. Poured into tumblers from a great height to create a bit of fizz, it is fresh and zingy and goes very well with the cheeses that are the star of the show here. Cabrales is a dense, pungent blue cheese matured in mountain caves. Or you might prefer Gamoneu, which has a crystally texture and tangy finish. Some of these cheeses are made in cabins high in the hills around the beautiful Covadonga glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, which are an easy drive from Cangas de Onís and popular with hikers. Heading back towards Cantabria along twisting mountain roads, you stumble on tiny dairies in almost every village. Stop in the hamlets of Bejes or Tresviso to get a taste of rural life and try Picón Bejes-Tresviso, a deliciously creamy blue cheese. Drive deeper into the mountains to reach Potes, a gorgeous town in the heart of the Liébana area with plenty of characterful, rustic places to stay. Try to be there on a Monday morning when the market is in full swing and you can pick up everything you need for a hearty picnic. You'll probably want to spend at least a couple of days in attractive Potes, but when you feel like a bit of sea air again, drive east across Cantabria to the fishing town of Santoña, east of Santander. If you love anchovies, you'll be in heaven here. But even if you think you don't like them, the softer texture and more subtle flavour of the local varieties may well change your mind. The quayside is packed with factories devoted to the fiddly process of filleting and preserving the fish in oil, a job usually done by women. You can visit some of the factories to see this for yourself or have a look around the Galería de Arte de la Anchoa – the Anchovy Art Gallery – which is actually a fun multimedia experience that leads you through the history and development of the industry. Of course you get to taste some too, and by the end will understand why Santoña anchovies are so highly-prized in Spain and beyond. To get back to Santander, drive along the Costa Trasmiera, a surprisingly rural stretch of coastline that is popular with Spanish holidaymakers. Have a walk around the Trasmiera ecopark in the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel marshes, one of the most important wetland areas in northern Spain and a haven for wading birds. Later on, stop off for a swim at one of the superb beaches, such as Berria, Langre or Somo. You won't feel like leaving northern Spain – and there is so much more to explore – but at least when you get home you can dine out on the memories of all the wonderful local produce you discovered. Explore northern Spain's market towns, mountains and mouthwatering produce for yourself and save up to 30% on your sailing when you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Built to feel
As children, many of us paused to tap a touch-me-not plant and watch the leaves curl inward. It was a quiet kind of wonder: a plant that responded to us. Years later, I felt that same magic when I touched a metal lamp. No switch, no sound — just a soft glow that responded to the touch. That's the kind of design that stays with you. That stirs something deep. Something human. Think of Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Família, the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, where wild and organic forms interact with the light like it's alive. Or, a Japanese toilet seat that is gently warmed before you sit down. Different, yet bound by the same thread — they're not just made to function but to feel. To comfort. To surprise. To connect. There comes a point when minimalism starts to feel boring. When the design forgets the senses, forgets the human. What is missing is a kind of generosity to engage and to nourish. So, how should we make things today? Maybe the answer lies not in more function or efficiency but in creating moments, emotions and experiences. Can we bring together technology, craft, and emotion to make things that truly move us? Where nature and technology meet As humans, we're tuned to respond to nature — its patterns, rhythms, and quiet shifts. Amsterdam-based Studio Drift, co-founded by artist duo Ralph Nauta and Lonneke Gordijn, taps into this instinct. At Milan Design Week, their immersive installation I AM STORM was based on the lightness that one feels in a field of grass swaying in the wind. The installation was made with long white swaying forms where you are not only observing, you are the wind. Studio Drift creates moments that connect us back to something elemental. Their work reminds us that we're not separate from nature — we're part of it. If we listen closely, we might find new ways to live, to adapt and to design with care. Reject the predictable In his book Humanize (2023), English designer Thomas Heatherwick argues that the answer to soulless spaces isn't simplicity but the right kind of complexity. In his projects, Heatherwick rejects flat and predictable surfaces. He embraces curves, textures, and rhythm, where the design is alive and layered. Take the new cultural district his studio designed in Xi'an, China, which opened last December. Nestled between temple ruins and a broadcast tower, it weaves together walkable streets, green spaces, homes, and a vertical park. At a distance, the skyline speaks to the sloping roofs of the ancient temples. At the street level, the interlocking terraces and shifting levels offer changing views. At your doorstep, soft-edged stones and ceramic tiles invite touch and pause. In a world filled with generic new developments, this one feels rooted, engaging, and full of character. Celebrate curiosity and joy Philippe Starck, the French industrial designer and architect, doesn't like being called a designer. The word, he says, feels too narrow and too tied to consumption. What we really need isn't more stuff, it is more tenderness, curiosity and joy. Maison Heler, which opened in March in the Amphithéâtre district inMetz, France, is a whimsical hotel designed by Starck around the imaginary life of Manfred Heller — an orphan who inherits a grand mansion and out of boredom, begins to invent result? A surreal metal house perched atop a nine-storey monolithic tower. Inside is a restaurant, bar, and gathering spaces — all part of Manfred's strange and poetic world. For Starck, design is storytelling. It's a place where fiction and function meet. In that overlap, we feel something real. In a time when so much design is about speed, scale, and efficiency, perhaps what we need is to slow down. To take in the city's skyline. To be curious, feel the movement around us, and remember who we are. When we design with emotion and build with care, the objects we create are more likely to last. They're loved and inherited. Because the things that move us are the ones we keep. The writer is founder and principal architect, Urban Workshop.
