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Ocean Drive Madrid Plaza de Isabel II, 7, 28013 Madrid, Spain (+34) 910 882 804 odmadrid@od-hotels.com @oceandrivemadrid Ocean Drive Barcelona C/ Aragó, 300 - (+34) 93 215 08 99 odbarcelona@od-hotels.com @oceandrivebarcelona Ocean Drive Talamanca C/ Jesús, 28, Playa Talamanca - (+34) 971 31 19 12 odtalamanca@od-hotels.com @oceandrivetalamanca Ocean Drive Ibiza Marina Botafoch / Playa de Talamanca - (+34) 971 31 81 12 odoceandrive@od-hotels.com @oceandriveibiza Can Jaume by Ocean Drive Cami de Ca n'Arabi, Puig d'en Valls - (+34) 971 31 88 55 info@canjaume.org @canjaumebyoceandrive Ocean Drive Sevilla Plaza de la Encarnación, 15, Sevilla +34 955 44 55 05 odsevilla@od-hotels.com @oceandrivesevilla
VUE Magazine | Exploring España with OD Hotels
From architectural marvels to culinary feasts and epic landscapes, Spain is home to the world’s greatest display of arts, community and culture coming together as one. If you’re envisioning gazing up at the famed works of Antoni Gaudí or sipping sangria after your mid-day siesta — you’re not far off as to what makes this country a must-visit. But there’s only one way to truly experience Spain’s diversity from the mainland all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, whether your itinerary includes sun-bathing on the beaches of Ibiza or mountain biking in Mallorca.
Recently, VUE teamed up with OD Hotels—a Balearicbased lifestyle and hospitality group—to get a first-hand look at each of their boutique hotels throughout Spain including the newly-built OD Barcelona; OD Port Portals in Mallorca; and OD Ocean Drive, OD Talamanca and OD Can Jaume in Ibiza. The DNA of OD Hotels was developed by founder and CEO Marc Rahola, and follows a set of principles unique to their progressive philosophy. Central to sprawling coastlines and bustling cities, each of OD Hotels’ properties act as an “experiential hub” that puts its guests right in the middle of the action. Regardless if you’re a native or newbie (like us), you’ll share the same neighborhood as the locals with equal access to exciting events, leisure activities and Smart car complimentary of OD Hotels. As part of their sustainable practices and contemporary design, each hotel has been restored from a formerly abandoned building allowing it to integrate seamlessly within its existing territory, as well as create an atmosphere that’s rooted in Spanish heritage. What makes each location come alive is OD’s art-centric influences, signature rooftop lounges, specially-curated events and an overall sense of inclusiveness where lodgers are treated more along the lines of “visiting friends.” During our trip, we spent seven days city-hopping all over Spain with OD Hotels who took us through the Gothic Quarters of Barcelona, the marinas of Mallorca and across the island of Ibiza.
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BARCELONA As the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona attracts everyone from family travelers to backpackers and even cruise ships. The region itself was historically an enclave for emerging artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí — but today emerges as a city alive with Michelin-rated restaurants and cosmopolitan clubs. Set against the backdrop of ancient architecture, Barcelona is amongst Europe’s most sought-after destinations and serves as a portal to Spain’s past, present and future OD Barcelona OD Barcelona comes as the newest addition to OD Hotels and the first to make its mark on the mainland, located in the heart of Spain’s Eixample district. Characterized as one of Barcelona’s most iconic and diverse districts, it’s famous for being home to artistic masterpieces, stunning architecture, shopping boutiques and happening nightlife. The 98-room hotel is within walking distance to the city’s center and has an avant-garde vibe that stands out amongst all other accomodations in Barcelona, showcasing modern design with a touch of Mediterranean flair. From the inside, OD Barcelona felt spacious with plenty of natural light pouring in from the city, complemented by a vertical garden growing along the glass façade. When we needed a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, the hotel acted as our own personal oasis with soundproof walls and hushed indoor areas where we could retreat in peace.During your stay... Start your morning with a trip to Mercat de la Boqueria, a true foodie paradise and one of the best markets in all of Europe. Getting there early will help you avoid the crowds and put you first in line for a world-class breakfast like fried eggs with baby squid or some Jamón Ibérico for snacking. Afterwards, we suggest heading out on an architectural exploration, touring sites such as La Sagrada Família — one of Gaudí’s most famous and beautiful works in all of Barcelona.Read more CloseMALLORCA Located off the eastern coast of Spain, Mallorca is the largest of all the Balearic Islands whose beauty comes in many forms — making it also the most diverse. From mountainous terrain to azure seas, its landscape differs just as much as its cities. The medieval-style of Mallorca’s capital, Palma, is perfect for sightseeing or venturing off towards the citrus groves of Deià where poet Robert Graves made his home. While the island’s biggest draw is its golden sand beaches, there is plenty of culture, personality and charm when visiting during the off-season.OD Port Portals A stone’s throw from Mallorca’s most glamorous and exclusive luxury yacht harbour sits the posh OD Port Portals, perfectly situated amongst first-class restaurants, bars and boutiques in the beach town of Portal Nous. The hotel opens up onto the marina and the rooftop Sky Bar offers breathtaking views over the bay of Palma. The interior feel is modern Mediterranean with Mallorcan influences, coupled with simplistic rooms and a lobby fitted with midcentury style furniture. Doubling as a hotspot for business and/or leisure, OD Port Portals is a unique venue where guests can attend the best parties and schedule meetings all at the same place.During your stay... In close proximity to the best beaches, golf courses, antique shops, art galleries, wineries and cycling routes — deciding how to spend your days in Mallorca is the most difficult part. We recommend a boating excursion with local fisherman, stopping by the Palma Aquarium, taking a wine tour or visiting Monge’s artisan shoe factory. For tennis fans, plan a trip to the newly-built Rafa Nadal Sports Centre, specifically located in Rafa’s hometown of Manacor. For dinner, you wont need to venture far from OD Port Portals because Baiben restaurant is right outside on the marina. Owned by Chef Fernando Pérez Arellano, best known as the creator and chef of the Balearics’ only two Michelinstarred restaurant Zaranda, we dined on Mediterranean and Latin American flavors including traditional paella and tapas.Read more CloseIBIZA OD Ocean DriveInspired by the streets of South Beach Miami, OD Ocean Drive occupies an Art Deco-style building which today serves as an iconic landmark of Ibizan culture — glowing a distinctive neon blue by night. The first of all OD Hotels to have ever opened, OD Ocean Drive is now the company’s flagship location whose initials inspired the group’s name back in 2009. Set on the waterfront, opposite of yachting harbor Marina Botafoch, OD Ocean Drive is the place to be when it comes to the island’s club scene. So much so, Rahola decided to open the hotel year-round for guests and locals alike to experience its differentiating character in both the on and off-season. Boasting 40 elegant guest rooms with views of either the Mediterranean Sea or Ibizan vistas, the hotel merges retro glamour with an artistic aesthetic and contemporary amenities.OD TalamancaAt the end of Talamanca Bay (a short distance away from Ibiza Town), OD Talamanca is more about showcasing its Balearic beauty as opposed to basslines. The elegant, five-star boutique hotel has 117 rooms in all, and comes as a stylish new addition to the White Isle. Divided across two buildings, guests of the hotel will either overlook Ibiza’s “Old Town” — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — or enjoy views of the bay below with epic sunsets you’ll want to write home about. Maintaining a fresh and clean vibe on the interior, OD Talamanca has a Mediterranean blue theme that runs throughout with Scandinavianinspired decor, while on the outside, its exterior architecture is modern and sleek.OD Can JaumeRefurbished from an old Ibizan manor home, you’ll find OD Can Jaume nestled right in the midst of an orange plantation in the rural countryside. On the village outskirts of Puig d´en Valls, OD Can Jaume is a quaint and restful retreat with only 10 villas (single, double, superior or suites) in total, where you can sleep in silence amongst the budding orange blossoms. From the looks of it, the hotel could fit right into the heart of Tuscany with its earth-toned façade, wooden accents and surrounding farmland—but ultimately, its Balinese daybeds and poolside hammocks give it a luxe feel. We envision ourselves relaxing midday by the pool snacking on hand-picked produce from the farm, and at night, gazing up at the stars from the comfort of our five-star accommodation.During your stay… The natural beauty of Ses Salines National Park is a must-see when in Ibiza. Located to the south of the island, Ses Salines was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as an example of the interaction between marine and coastal ecosystems. Take a hike or leisurely walk exploring the salt mountains, salt flats, marshes or cream-colored beaches. Along the way, stop for lunch at La Escollera, a restaurant located in the middle of Ses Salines National Park. Here, you can dine on authentic Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine inspired by family recipes while overlooking the island of Formentera and the Mediterranean Sea. A trip to Dalt Vila (Ibiza’s “Old Town”) is another UNESCO World Heritage Site worth seeing, showcasing the island’s classic Renaissance military architecture built by Charles V in the 16th century. You’ll see in-tact cobbled streets, high stone walls, dramatic drawbridges and wooden fort doors, along with churches and historical museums. Ironically the area is now also home to some of Ibiza’s most stylish and modern restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy both worlds (the old and the new) at the same time.Read more CloseREAD THE FULL MAGAZINE HERE >> Read more Close
