EVADE HOTELS- BARCELONA

We're pretty obsessed with Catalonia (or Catalunya depending on who you're speaking to)... we can't quite put our finger on exactly why. Perhaps it's the fierce pride and independent strength of the people, or the multitude of converging landscapes from mountains to beaches, or the intoxicating wine and food, or maybe just the old-fashioned fun of decoding the language especially if you're a Spanish-speaker. Whatever it is, it continues to lure us back. It's easy to get drawn in by Barcelona's wonders, but on your next visit, consider moving a bit into the interior and discovering two unique boutique hotels within the EVADE portfolio that both define a true Catalunyan experience.

Are you into design? Be overwhelmed at the cutting-edge The Mirror where you'll surround yourself in dazzling white reflections of grandeur and dine on contemporary cuisine prepared by their 2-star Michelin Chef, with the city's most bustling streets just below. www.themirrorbarcelona.com

Obsessed with the city's architecture? Explore Hotel Cram whose majestic modernist, avant-garde interior somehow comfortably contrasts with its supreme comfort and warm, inviting atmosphere. Cuisine here is equally as intriguing with it's signature Michelin star-winning Restaurant Gaig, founded in 1869 and still churning out tremendous Catalan cuisine. www.hotelcram.com

Serious foodie? Well, then you'll fit right in at ABaC Restaurant & Hotel a bit further inland ..... It's all about the fabulous modern cuisine here, spearheaded by their own in -house 2 Star Michelin restaurant that allows you into this culinary palace for a peek, and an opportunity to select your wine from over 800 varieties. During any times where you're not sampling the sumptuous cuisine (which may not be many), you have your choice of one of 15 exclusively lavish rooms bestowing upon you the finest linens, soothing cream colored decor, extreme technology, Hermes bath amenities and privacy. www.abacbarcelona.com

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- 10% savings on accommodations and breakfast, plus welcome cocktail upon arrival and early check-in/late check-out*. Email info@theexplorateurportfolio.com for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

HOTEL U-232- If you’re going to travel to Barcelona, there is simply no other way to experience this vibrant city than putting yourself right in the heart of the eclectic mix of cultural sights, amazing shopping, and fabulous food. Just remember this 4 digit code- U232.

This dynamically chic boutique hotel is set in the Eixample, which is a most privileged downtown location close to the famed Paseo de Gracia y Avenida Diagonal (ie, exactly where you want to be.) It’s done up in a warm style that’s an intriguing mix of modern and colonial, replete with careful attention to detail and excellent service. We’re talking design by Rosa Rosello, classic elements and avant-garde furnishings by Philippe Starck, and their latest, most gorgeous addition- a collection of enchanting vintage photos by Swedish photographer Maria Espeus. Guests to the hotel are now treated to a gorgeous collection of black-and-white snaps, revealing the enchantment of a dream-like Barcelona through its districts, markets, and hidden little corners of exceptional days gone by. It is said that some of these photos have served as inspiration to the hotels’ most exquisite signature cocktails including the Boquería, Golondrinas and Rotonda.

Rooms here are sleek and comfortable, set in 5 different category types, all in neo-classical décor ,all peaceful and bright with natural light. The Family Rooms are a particularly excellent value, 2 connecting spaces, 2 bathrooms and large enough for a group of 5. Delight in each day by beginning with a sumptuous buffet breakfast serving all manner of local traditional dishes, cheeses and cured meats, and wind down the day at their sexy outdoor 10^th floor terrace bar where you can relax with a drink while listening to soft jazz, with the sounds of the city in the background. www.u232hotel.com

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival, wi-fi, assistance with sightseeing planning and daily newspaper. Email us at info@theexplorateurportfolio.com for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

FINCA CORTESIN HOTEL GOLF & SPA- Andalusia
There’s enchanting, there’s breathtaking and then there’s Finca Cortesin. This magnificent development is a fusion of luxury, exclusivity, wellness, amazing views and stunning cuisine packaged in traditional Andalusian white-walled architecture, courtyards, and interior design. It’s a secluded haven complete with a championship 18 hole golf course, rejuvenating Spa with multiple treatment rooms and signature snow cave, state-of-the-art gym, fabulous bars ideal for cocktail-sipping under the splendid Mediterranean sun and two gastronomic global-cuisine-serving restaurants.

Built around two palatial courtyards which serve as home to 1000 year old olive trees and emerald swimming pools, the hotel since it’s birth in 2009 has become synonymous with world-class hospitality and ultimate privacy. Rooms and suites here are exquisitely outfitted with the latest technology and brilliant touches like antique terracotta floors and restored wooden doors salvaged from European castles. All just steps from the sea, and short hops from fashionable Sotogrande and intriguing Gibraltar.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Stay in style with this pampering package designed exclusively for Explorateur readers, including:
-3 nights in your choice of Suite, with fresh fruit and premium water en suite upon arrival
-Complimentary Wi-Fi and access to Spa
-Complimentary upgrade to next available room category
-Daily Buffet Breakfast at El Jardin restaurant
-One dinner for two
-One Relaxing Massage per person, per stay
-Facial or Body diagnostic by Spa’s professional therapist
-Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Starting at €1,460 per package, double occupancy, VAT additional- valid for travel through 19 Sep 2010. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

BARCELONA PALACE EXPERIENCE- by Suite 501
You may have stayed at a 5 star hotel in Barcelona, you may have dined at the finest establishments the region has to offer, but have you ever taken control of a sumptuous private 18th Century palace overlooking the Gothic Quarter? And you thought the age of conquering castles was so passé...

Magically enveloped in culture and opulence, this palace hypnotizes you into believing you are royalty (and you actually are as close as one can be to a king or queen for the time you’re in residence). We’re talking food prepared exactly to your palate and served privately, butlers to unpack your luggage, daily pampering and beauty rituals, private chauffeur, valet service, personal assistant, fresh flowers and international newspapers daily, local Spanish cell phone and exclusive Art Nouveau Catalan-period furnishings. Can you handle that? Yeah, we are pretty sure you can.

Our friends at Alberta La Grup make this happen for you, so you can leave your armor and sword at home. They make it possible for you to take up residence a magnificent, unique luxurious palace, where absolutely every intricate detail is prepared entirely and exclusively for you. They know what’s on, out, in, hot, hip and luxe, and seem to know your needs better than you do yourself.

Why treat yourself to this experience? Because saying “I’ll be retreating to the Palace tonight” just never gets old. http://www.albertalagrup.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary round-trip private airport transfers when booking a bespoke Palace experience. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

EVADE HOTELS- Spain

There’s something about Catalonia (or Catalunya depending on who you’re speaking to)... something intriguing and different, we can’t quite put our finger on it. Perhaps it’s the fierce pride and independent strength of the people, or the multitude of converging landscapes from mountains to beaches, or the intoxicating wine and food, or maybe just the old-fashioned fun of decoding the language especially if you’re a Spanish-speaker. Whatever it is, it’s enough to draw us back again and again. It’s easy to get drawn in by Barcelona’s wonders, but on your next visit, consider moving a bit into the interior and discovering two unique boutique hotels that both define a true Catalunyan experience.

Love wine? Well then you’ll find a home in Can Bonsastre Wine Resort- famous for their Winestyle and location in a most perfect vineyard paradise. Your only job here is to allow them to help you lavish in the true essence of wine culture, which is easy in this 16-th century country estate-turned-luxe-boutique, the near-perfect weather, a restaurant devoted to overwhelming the five senses, and wine activities a-plenty from tastings, pairing lessons, vineyard visits and beyond.

If you’re more the gourmand type, ABaC Restaurant & Hotel a bit further inland .....
It’s all about the fabulous food here, spearheaded by their own in –house 2 Star Michelin restaurant that allows you into this culinary palace for a peek, and an opportunity to select your wine from over 800 varieties. During any times where you’re not sampling the sumptuous cuisine (which may not be many), you have your choice of one of 15 exclusively lavish rooms bestowing upon you the finest linens, soothing cream colored decor, extreme technology, Hermes bath amenities and privacy. Discover this sultry side of Spain, easy to add on to any city stay.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a stay at ABaC Restaurant & Hotel receive late check-in or early check-out and a special cocktail at the Lounge Bar. Book a stay at Can Bonastre and receive late check-in or early check-out, Sunset cocktail with views of Montserrat Mountain and a special gift from the wine cellar. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

KEMPINSKI HOTEL BAHIA ESTEPONA- Spain
It's lavish, it's lovely, it just happens to be on one of the most perfect beachfront stretches of the lazy-chic Costa del Sol, and we think you need to be there. This resort is absolutely wrapped in Spanish charm with a luxe edge, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and comfortably enveloped by manicured gardens and if its stunning spa, sophisticated elegant rooms, and exclusive lavish collection of suites weren't enough, it's also got incredible golf at its doorstep.

Plus, you've got the charming town of Estepona just minutes away- a relaxed charming Spanish slice of life between the ancient churches, typical Andalusian whitewash homes on a hillside, fishermen jostling at the port, and friends & couples strolling arm in arm along promenades lined with palms and flowers. Stop in at a beach bar (The Bikini Bar has beds on the beach), indulge in some tapas as there's no shortage here, take a few minutes to savor the gorgeous aromas of local sea fare on a grill floating through the air, and retreat back to this amazing property to complete this authentic experience.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book the "Time To Golf" package and quote "Explorateur", and receive this luxury offering including:

-2 Nights' accommodation in a luxury room

-Daily buffet breakfast

-1 greens fee per person at choice of several exclusive golf courses

-Complimentary use of fitness studio, indoor heated pool and sauna

-Exclusive room upgrade *

Offer valid for travel through 15 May 2010, for information or reservations, contact the hotel at +34952809500 or visit http://www.kempinski-spain.com/ and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*subject to availability

EVADE HOTELS- Barcelona, Spain

We love everything about Barcelona- the food, the vibe, the architecture, the fun of trying to decode Catalan...it's all fabulous. To really capture the full spirit of the city, we say keep it real and immerse yourself in a hotel that is truly Barcelonan in every aspect- from the gastronomy, to hospitality, decor and grand style. Evade Hotels features spectacular properties to choose from, all members of Small Luxury Hotels so you know you're receiving the best of the best. We've found a way to sweeten the arleady-fantastic deals for you wtih our signature Explorateurean Exclusives. Check it out!

ABaC

A modern fusion of gastronomy & design - if that wasn't enough, check out the swish Hermes bathroom amenities and the mod Bang & Olufsen technology.

EXPLORATEUREAN EXCLUSIVE- Late check in or early check-out (subject to availability) and a Special cocktail at the Lounge Bar. http://www.abacbarcelona.com/

Can Bonastre Wine Resort

Base yourself at this rustic chic retreat for oh-so-easy access to vineyards for blissful afternoons of tastings and lazy lunches under the arbors.

EXPLORATEUREAN EXCLUSIVE- Sunset cocktail with views to Montserrat mountain, late check in or early check-out (subject to availability) and a special present of the cellar. www.canbonastre.com

El Rodat

Where the mantra is cuisine culture- for the fearless gourmand

EXPLORATEUREAN EXCLUSIVE- Late check in or early check-out, upgrade to superior room (subject to availability) and sunset cocktail at La Terraza. http://www.elrodat.com/

Contact Evade Hotels at info@evadehotels.com for more information or to book, and be sure to tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

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