Author: Alí Araúz

How to Choose an Apartment with Terrace for your Holidays in Barcelona

Alí Araúz

Time has come! You are planning your holidays and you have already chose Barcelona as your summer destination. Now, you need to find a perfect apartment with terrace to enjoy the great weather.

  • I will give you some tips and facts you should consider before renting an apartment with terrace in Barcelona:First of all, you must know exactly why you prefer an apartment with terrace. Are you planning to lay back naked under the sun of Barcelona? Well, then make sure you don’t rent an apartment located in “planta principal” (main floor) or “entresuelo” (mezzanine), unless you love having spectators from the upper terraces. Not comfortable with this idea? You value your privacy? Then you need a penthouse. The ático apartments usually have the must sunny, spacious and private terraces in Barcelona. Take a look to our Ferran Batik to have a glance of what a perfect sunset might be.
apartment with terrace in barcelona
  • If you are dreaming with a relaxing holiday, you would enjoy an apartment with a terrace overlooking a peaceful street.  Make sure the bedrooms are not facing the street, to avoid traffic and other street noise during night. Try our Neo Apartment, a charming flat with sunny terrace where you can just sit back and have a great chat over a bottle of cava.
Apartment overlooking street Barcelona
  • Coming with kids? You better rent an apartment with a big terrace where they can play while you charge batteries.  Our Garden House is the perfect apartment for families. Your kids will have their own playground in Barcelona.
terrace Apartment barcelona
  • If you are a social traveler who loves being surrounded by people, then you don’t really need an apartment with terrace as you will pay for a space you will not really use – believe me! Generally speaking, apartments with a private terrace costs a lot more.  So, you’ll probably save money by opting to rent an apartment, not at the beach, but near the beach.  Parsifal apartment is  literally steps from La Rambla, next to the Liceu Metro stop and 20 minutes walking to Barceloneta Beach. 
balcony apartment in la rambla

You are done. Now is time to make easier choices…bikinis, hats and sun block!

Good luck, and see you soon in Barcelona!

Suggested Summer Destination: SITGES

Alí Araúz

The weekend has arrived and you are wondering how to take advantage of these first days of good weather and sun? Well, if you are looking for great beaches, sun, relax and drinks…SITGES is your destination this weekend.

sitges coast

The beach! There are 17 nice beaches following the coast of Sitges. Some of them have even been awarded for their water and sand quality. However, each and every one has its own charm depending on what you are up to.  Sitges is also a popular gay destination with some specifically gay nudist beaches. You will find detailed information and maps of all beaches here.

sitges beaches gay

Been in Sitges you cannot miss Casa Bacardi, Rum Museum to commemorate Facundo’s Bacardi was born in Sitges. They offer guided tours to discover the passionate history and all the production process of this worldwide known rum. You may also try their famous “Cuba Libre” or Daiquirí. Carrer del Pecat (Sin Street):  Finally you have the perfect tan! Now is time to enjoy Sitges nightlife. There is a street in the center which everyone calls the “Carrer del Pecat” although its real name is Carrer Primer de Maig. This street offers top restaurants and bars where you can find all types of customer, from the most calm to the more “sinful”, dining or enjoying a drink before going partying.

Sitges Sin Street

Where to Stay in Sitges: If you want to enjoy a great weekend with your own private pool, consider renting our astonishing Villa Downstairs.

sitges villa for rent

The Villa is located in a smart residential zone, lovely and quiet. The main entrance is in the garden and holds the luxury of a 16 meters length swimming-pool, with spa and night lights and the unbeatable views. You cannot miss the experience…RESERVE TODAY! 

Barcelona Bridal Week

Alí Araúz

Barcelona es una de las ciudades más fashionistas de Europa – y del mundo, me atrevería a decir – por lo que cualquier cita de moda que se lleve acabo aquí es un “must”.

Tanto si eres un diseñador emergente, como si estás a punto de casarte, Barcelona Bridal  Week es el sitio donde debes estar esta semana.

Trajes de Novia Rosa Clará en Barcelona Bridal Week

Rosa Clará, la diseñadora catalana que ha dado tanta proyección internacional a la Marca España, abrió ayer la Pasarela Gaudí con diseños inspirados en Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn y Annie Hall, entre otras grandes musas.

En primera fila se encontraba reconocidas celebrities y algunas parejas de los futbolistas del Barça, Antonella Roccuzzo –pareja de Messi-, Daniella Semaan –pareja de Cesc Fábregas-, Yolanda Cardona –mujer de Víctor Valdés-, Nuria Cunillera –mujer de Xavi Hernández-, y Gabriela Lenzi – “buena amiga” de Neymar.

mujeres del barcelona F.C. en pasarela gaudí

Otros diseñadores que estarán presentes serán Victorio & Lucchino  y Pronovias, este último se encargará de cerrar el evento con broche de oro.

Pero el Barcelona Bridal Week no termina aquí, ya que del 9 al 11 de mayo se desarrolla el Salón Internacional Novia España que aglutina a los mejores profesionales del sector, representando cerca de 200 marcas, el 50% de ellas internacionales.

Barcelona Bridal Week Novia España

Si este año te lo perdiste, toma nota y contacta con bizFlats para el Barcelona Bridal Week 2015.

The Best Apartment @La Rambla: Parsifal

Alí Araúz
Apartment in la rambla barcelona

This month’s Best Seller is, according to our guests, one of the best locations to stay in Barcelona.

Parsifal is located at La Rambla, very convenient to The Mercat de la Boqueria, which has the freshest produce and gourmet items with the most flavor of the city. Very close by Gran Teatre del Liceu, the internationally renowned temple of music, Plaça Reial with its arcades, fountains and lampposts designed by Gaudí. All these are must-see stops. On the other side of the Rambla, we travel in time to historical Barcelona, guided through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and further along, the cosmopolitan neighborhood of El Born, a haven for artists and trend-setting avant-garde fashion boutiques.

The Apartment

We speak of a spacious apartment with a large living room with fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

Three bedrooms, two of them doubles and one individual, willl guard your dreams, which will be placid and relaxing, as all the bedrooms face away from the street Sant Pau. Our Parsifal apartment has two full modern design bathrooms, one en suite in the master bedroom, with large showers and heated towel rails to keep your towels warm. Central air conditioning in all rooms. All windows are double glazed aluminum anti-noise for great soundproofing and insulation.

What our Guests Say:

“This apartment is just steps off La Rambla, good for family with kids. Bedrooms are quiet facing to the yard. Kitchen is nice and well equipped. Plenty of restaurants and cafes around. Definitely better than family room in hotel for the same money.”

“We stayed at this beautiful apartment for one week and everything was perfect. The accommodations are comfortable and spacious. Is literally at a few steps from las Ramblas and there is a metro station just in from of the Liceu which is next to the apartment. We walked everywhere and felt safe. The apartment is walking distance to both El Raval and Barric Gotic which are the most recommended places for shopping, dinning and nightlife. We had a fabulous time!”

barcelona atractions

In a Nutshell:

If you are coming with your family this is by far your best lodging option in Barcelona. In the same city block as the great “Liceu” opera house building, 20 metres from La Rambla, the most lively boulevard in the city. A charming apartment, accommodation for 5 persons, from €130 per night, with an unbeatable location, equiped kitchen, excellent communications to the centre and for day trips out.

RESERVE NOW! Available dates this month: 20-28th May…hurry up!

Spain has Seven of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Alí Araúz

“The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” ceremony, considered the Oscars of the dining industry, has recognized René Redzepi’s restaurant, Noma, as the world’s No.1.

world's best restaurants

The Top 10:

  1. Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark
  2. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
  3. Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy
  4. Eleven Madison Park, New York, United States
  5. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London, Britain
  6. Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain
  7. D.O.M., Sao Paulo, Brazil
  8. Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain
  9. Alinea, Chicago, United States
  10. The Ledbury, London, Britain

(complete list here)

Spain’s Gastronomic Tourism

For years, Ferran Adria’s El Bulli, in Girona, northeast Spain,  was considered the best restaurant in the world according to experts and foodies. Since El Bulli closed, a power vacuum opened up in the world in high-end gastronomy. The competition now is very tough but Spain is still in the top rankings.

Seven Spanish restaurants made the list this 2014, three of them ranked in the top 10. Last year No.1, El Cellar de Can Roca, is the No.2 this year.  Mugaritz was announced as No. 6 and Arzak No. 8, both located at San Sebastian, Spain.

Barcelona and its surrounding areas have also become an important destination for foodies in recent years and this has just begun.

 Spain’s best restaurants acording to “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” ranking:

spain's best restaurants to eat on earth

2. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain

6. Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain

8. Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain

26. Azurmendi, Larrabetzu, Spain

34. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain

35. Martín Berasategui, San Sebastian, Spain

41. Quique Dacosta, Dénia, Spain

  1. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona
  2. Mugaritz, Saint Sebastian

As their website claims, their 50 Best Restaurant list is “recognized around the world as a credible indicator of the best places to eat on earth”.

So now you know! Seven of the world’s gourmet wonders are located within Spain. One of them, just 1.5 hours from Barcelona’s city center. Another good reason to visit and stay with us.

Bon profit!

Ayrton Senna, Twenty Years Tribute

Alí Araúz

Formula One is synonim of adrenaline and speed but it has a history of injuries and death too. Thirty five drivers have lost their lives doing what they love the most.

During San Marino 1994, two pilots lost their lives:

Roland Ratzenberger crashed at over 190mph. He had damaged the wing on the previous lap but had decided to continue.

The day after, Ayrton Senna died when his car lammed into a concrete wall at around 135mph. Ironically, officials found an Austrian flag which, had he won, Senna would have raised in honour of Ratzenberger.

Twenty years has past since that  fatal weekend at San Marino. This year over the four days of Imola circuit an exhibition to homeage and remember these two pilots will be open to public.

Yes, Formula 1 is a dangerous sport but isn’t life dangerous too? Seven times a champion, Michael Schumacher is still in comma after a skiing accident last December. Thankfully, some weeks ago his manager Sabine Kehm said he is starting to “show signs of consciousness and awakening”. I really hope he would make it.

The lesson to remember is that it doesn’t matter what you are up to or what your plans are…enjoy each second! Life is a race too. But you will never know your remaining laps.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Circuit Catalunya. Last apartments here.

Apartment for Formula One Barcelona

Love & Sant Jordi: The Catalan Valentine’s Day

Alí Araúz

Roses, literature and love

sant jordi libros rosas barcelona

April is a great month to visit Catalunya for many reasons. The locals embrace spring; the city turns into a beautiful palette of greens and pastels; the atmosphere is full of culture, literature and love. This is Sant Jordi, our own Catalan answer to Valentine’s Day.

Maybe you already know that the 23rd April is considered the World Book Day as the world lost two of the most important poets and playwrights on that day in April 1616: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and William Shakespeare. But Sant Jordi goes beyond that.  In Barcelona and all over Catalunya this day becomes an especially romantic festivity. The tradition comes from the famous legend of St George killing the dragon to save the beautiful princess from been offered in sacrifice to the beast. It is said that from the pool of red blood coming from the dragon’s heart the most beautiful roses sprouted. There are many versions of this story though.

Today couples exchange gifts on Sant Jordi: a book for the men and a rose for the women. You will find book and flower stalls everywhere.

Whether you are Don Quixote in search of your Dulcinea, or Juliet waiting for your beloved Romeo, you must live this unique Catalan tradition. Here some activities you might enjoy on this day:

Books signature:  Important writers will be signing your books at FNAC Arenas Mall, Fàbrica Moritz and Antiga Fàbrica Damm. There will be more signature listings as the day comes for sure.

Places to visit on Sant Jordi

  • Plaza Sant Jaume:  The Chapel of Sant Jordi  and the Government Palace open their doors to visitors.
  • Las Ramblas: It is full of flower stalls all over the year but on Sant Jordi every square meter is filled with flowers, books and artists but if you dislike crowds you might prefer heading somewhere else.
  • Rambla Catalunya: More of the same, couples, roses and books.
  • Rambla del Raval: You will find flower and books stalls too, but since it is an open space, you will walk freely and may be able to choose a restaurant to enjoy a romantic lunch with no hassle.

If you are planning a love retreat, your anniversary or your honey moon during this month, Barcelona is your destination for sure. We will make all the arrangements to fill your atmosphere with love.

design apartments barcelona
Design apartments in Barcelona

Formula 1 – a Fascinating Sport

Alí Araúz

The fifth round of the 2014 season, Circuit Catalunya, is fast-approaching!

In few days Montmeló, Barcelona will become the meeting point of the world’s best drivers and speed lovers.

Last year I had the great opportunity to enjoy this exciting competition. Nothing matches the adrenaline rush on this motorsport event. Believe me, listening to Formula 1 will leave you breathless – and deaf for a day if you don’t use appropriate ear plugs (experience talking!).

Outstanding in every sense each lap is a battle for victory but two of my favorite parts are cornering and the pit lane. Both are the key between making it to the podium or not.

For those – like me – that didn’t know, Formula One drivers are some of the most highly conditioned athletes on earth. If you think about it, it’s obvious.  Driver’s neck must support the weight of both the head and helmet under intense loadings. These cornering forces cannot be easily simulated by conventional gym equipment so, many drivers train using specially designed equipment that enable them to specifically develop the muscles they will need to resist cornering forces. Powerful arm muscles are also required to enable the car to be controlled during longer races.

alonso f1 trainning

Drivers get most of the attention during the race but in the pit lane the success lays on the team. Changing a car’s tyre is a perfect choreography that can be over in less than three seconds. Amazing!

Maybe you are an adrenaline adict. Perhaps you are just planning your next holidays or you are part of the lucky ones that will be doing business in  Barcelona during these days. Either way Circuit Catalunya is a great opportunity to live a unique experience at one of the world’s most important competitions: Formula One.

Hurry up! Reserve one of our last apartments here.

Formula 1 Apartment