Eric Vökel Sagrada Familia Suites

Eric Vökel is a gifted Danish architect who has opened a series of ‘boutique apartments’ across Madrid and Barcelona, with New York and Amsterdam soon to be added to the range of exclusive destinations. It was here in Barcelona that it all began, however. On a visit to the Catalan capital, the Dane found himself so inspired by the beauty of the city, the architecture, the culture, the lifestyle, the people and the Mediterranean soul that he set about creating his own additions to the city’s dazzling array of architectural and designer jewels. He would therefore be able to invite others to visit the remarkable city in style and discover what it was about the place which he fell in love with – an invitation which we were only too happy to accept…

After just a few hours in the city, it becomes easy to understand why Vökel felt the need to drop everything and set up his own boutique apartments in Barcelona. In fact, it is impossible to avoid feeling inspired as you stroll through the elegant grid of wide boulevards which make up the modernist quarter or delve into the atmospheric labyrinth of the old town. The whole city exudes a sense of creativity and passion, from the famous examples of architectural innovation to the avant-garde galleries and stylish boutiques. For hundreds of years, the whole city has been a pioneer in art, architecture, cuisine and fashion, and this spirit is always most closely associated with one man – Antoni Gaudí.

Staying at the Eric Vökel Sagrada Familia Suites, we were very much in Gaudí’s Barcelona, following in the footsteps of the legendary architect who did so much to form the city we know and love today. The Sagrada Familia, the towering, twisting, awe-inspiring symbol of the city, was just down the road, a feast for the eyes on the outside and even better on its cavernous interior. From there it was just a 15-minute stroll through the authentic Eixample neighbourhood, where traditional local bars and restaurants are interspersed with eccentric modernist masterpieces, towards the upmarket Passeig de Gràcia, home to more of Gaudí’s most famous works.

Upon returning to the apartment, we could sense that Gaudí’s flair for the unusual and inventive had been channelled into the spectacular décor at the Sagrada Familia Suites. The minimalist colour scheme was combined with bold motifs and striking patterns – it was elegant, understated and eye-catching all at once. And best of all, it was functional and homely! With the whole family in tow, we had everything we could have wished for: more than enough space to comfortably sleep everyone, a modern and fully equipped kitchen, a cosy living area and a sun-drenched balcony.

The children loved relaxing for half an hour here or there in front of our great selection of international TV channels, while we grown-ups preferred to recharge our batteries with a stiff coffee from our Nestle Dolce Gusto machine, surveying the locals going about their business at their own laid-back pace on the street below from our vantage point on the balcony. Along with the various luxuries on offer in the apartment, downstairs there was also a reception desk where we were warmly greeted every time we came home, so we could combine the privacy of our own home from home with the services of a top hotel.

The most welcome service of all arrived every morning in the form of our breakfast hamper, filled with pastries and tasty treats. If you opt for a penthouse apartment with a large terrace, you can even enjoy a leisurely breakfast under the morning sunshine and fresh air – a delightfully indulgent start to the day! Either way, it is sure to put you in a good mood before you get out and throw yourself into discovering the richly diverse city.

We struck out for art museums and ancient churches, before letting the kids drag us off to the beach or to watch the street performers on La Rambla. We stocked up on fresh fruit from the bustling Boqueria market and moreish tapas from atmospheric bars. And when the sun set behind the hills which overlook the sprawling city, we would all trudge exhausted back to our luxurious apartment, kids and grown-ups all with big beaming grins on our faces. Just like Eric Vökel before us, we had fallen head over heels in love with the city – if only we could have kept one of his beautiful apartments for ourselves forever!