Spain

This story features a beautiful journey in the mainland city of Barcelona and the island of Mallorca.

August 2025

The voyage begins at a remarkable hotel perched on a mountain, which overlooked the entire city and Mediterranean sea. It was called Hotel Miramar Barcelona. Nestled amidst lush greenery and vibrant flora, the hotel was designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The grounds were filled with expansive gardens, accompanied by benches and statues along the pathways. It was an incredibly beautiful property to walk through. An outdoor infinity pool was just outside our room.

Hotel Miramar was a destination in itself. With its location, guests have easy access to the vibrant culture and history of Barcelona. The nearby attractions, including iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and artistic neighbourhoods, were just a short taxi drive away, allowing us to immerse in the city. This place was truly a gem.

Basilica de Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia filled me with awe. Its intricate facades and towering spires captivated all eyes by the sheer scale and ambition of this architectural masterpiece. The play of light through the stained glass windows created a kaleidoscope of colours that danced across the interior, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and evoking a sense of wonder. In the morning, the sun rises in the east. As a result, all eastern windows emit strong hues of green and blues, which poured into the church in the early hours. In the evening, the sun sets in the west. Contrastingly, all western windows emit strong hues of reds, oranges and yellows, which take its turn warmly pouring into the church. Each corner of the basilica reveals a new detail, making every moment a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi (who designed much of Barcelona), this is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, as construction started in 1882. Despite the many challenges and interruptions over the years, including the Spanish Civil War, the project continues to evolve, with artisans and architects dedicated to fulfilling Gaudi's original vision. The immersive story of this intricate process is located near the exit of the church. The church is not just a building; it is a living project that embodies the spirit of collaboration and perseverance, as generations have contributed to its ongoing construction. Each element, from the towering columns that resemble trees to the ornate sculptures that tell biblical stories, reflects Gaudi's deep spirituality and his belief that architecture should inspire awe and reverence.

Learning about the architect, Gaudi, was fascinating in itself. He had an immense passion for architecture, notably incorporating various elements of imaginative designs, textures and colours into his works. His use of organic shapes and forms, often inspired by the natural world, set his designs apart from traditional architectural styles.

Exploring Barcelona

Following our stay at Hotel Miramar, we stayed at a hotel right across from the Sagrada Familia, in the heart of Barcelona. Charming restaurants line the streets that sprout from the church's centre. We walked through the many streets, enjoying a wide array of dinning and dessert options. The architecture everywhere was beautiful. It is important to be aware of your surroundings due to active pick-pocketers, however, we didn't run into any issues.

We opted for a day pass to city bus tours, which drove around the entirety of the city. The beaches were full of life, as people were playing all sorts of sand sports and enjoying time in the sun. The restaurants by the water were also incredible.

We also visited one of Gaudi's villas. It was inspiring to see how he blended creativity with living, creating an airy and charming feel for a home.

Palma de Mallorca

Across the water from Barcelona is Spain's island, Mallorca.

Our main journey involved exploring the caves, called Caves of Drach.

Incredible details and vibrant blue waters are found here. A classical orchestra ensemble was also performed. Musicians on boats floated through the waters, as music echoed through the depths of the caves. It was a serene experience.