This is the kind of place where you show up for a short vacation, then end up canceling all further plans and start scheming ways to live here permanently. Situated 300 meters above Barcelona, La Florida offers spectacular views overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea, and is Barcelona’s premier purveyor of urban resort living.

The stunning five star resort tells of a long history, and has accommodated such guests as Ernest Hemingway, James Stewart, George Sanders, Rock Hudson, Queen Fabiola and the King of Belgium over the years. La Florida was first built in 1925 by the efforts of a man looking to create the best accommodation on the best location in Barcelona, Dr. Andreu. Yet during the Spanish Civil War, it was used as a military hospital, reopening in the 1950s, but closing in 1979. In 2003, La Florida was finally renovated by architect Ramón Raventós, and reopened in its magnificent new design.

The hotel incorporates the building’s original facade, natural vegetation of the Collserola Park in its gardens, and is filled with art and sculptures by internationally renowned artists such as Philipp Starck and Rebecca Horn. There are 70 amazing bedrooms and suites, including eight designer suites replete with jacuzzis, gardens and large terraces.

Additioanlly, L’Orangerie restaurant and the ZenZone Spa offer luxurious experiences for guests. A stay at La Florida is exceptionally elegant and unforgettable.