Barcelona's Casanova is Catalan Capital's
New Stylish Hotel
Like its namesake, the 18th century lothario, the “reborn” Casanova exudes charisma, style—and an undeniable sex appeal. And Barcelona, Spain’s most design-conscious city with its playful Gaudi architecture and buzzing contemporary arts scene, is the ideal locale for such a hip yet elegant hotel. The 124-room Casanova, within walking distance of Las Ramblas and top cultural attractions, blends modern design with theatrical flair, mirroring the city itself.
The existing Casanova hotel was re-imagined by Samir Saab, the concept designer of such fashionable resorts as Ikal del Mar and Esencia on Mexico’s Riviera Maya and La Pleta in the Spanish Pyrenees (a favorite of King Juan Carlos and Victoria Beckham). Casanova is Saab’s first urban hotel. Sculptural chairs by Ron Arad and whimsical lighting fixtures accentuate the angular, sun-lit lobby while guestrooms, some with balconies, feature retro-inspired furnishings in a neutral palate, oak floors, organza-like curtains and silk bedspreads in shades of olive green and gold as well as plasma televisions and WiFi. Bathrooms have square-shaped porcelain sinks, rain or vichy showers and plush terry robes.
Executive chef Jaume Brichs, who boasts a Michelin pedigree, serves up “Mexiterranean” cuisine fusing Mexican, Catalan and Mediterranean ingredients. Some of his signature dishes include steamed lamb with chiles, garlic and cactus flowers and olive oil-poached cod in a habanero sauce. And in what is surely a first, the restaurant has an onsite choreographer changing the décor monthly—via lighting, fragrances and music—adding a theatrical flourish to this singular dining experience. Guests can also enjoy lighter fare at the pistachio-hued glass bar where ceviche and cocktails like the Casanova, a festive blend of strawberries, lime juice, Cinzano and Lillet are served.
Casanova, with its indoor/outdoor Stone Spa, serves as an urban retreat. The garden courtyard features a couples’ cabana surrounded by sand and fragrant flowers. Some of the indoor treatment rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and luxurious treatments include an Herbal Milk Bath and Stone Marvels massage. Soon to be added is a rooftop pool and lounge, where guests can sunbathe, meet for drinks or take an afternoon siesta on plush daybeds or hammocks. And keeping in step with the ecologically minded times, Casanova is Barcelona’s first hotel to incorporate solar panels and its bath facilities will use water-saving technologies.
Casanova is here! With its high-concept design, innovative cuisine and flair for the dramatic, it will no doubt be irresistible to all.
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