There is nothing quite like a Spanish summer—the heat lingering in the air, the hum of life echoing through every street, the way evenings stretch long into the night as if time itself has loosened its grip. For me, Spain has always held a special kind of magic, one that ties me to both my past and present.
I first came to Barcelona as a teenager, traveling alone for work. Those early modeling days were a whirlwind of castings, shoots, and new beginnings, but more than that, they were my first real taste of independence. I still remember standing on my balcony, gazing down at a city I barely knew, feeling both grown-up and endlessly curious. The thrill of navigating a foreign place by myself, the satisfaction of small victories like ordering in a new language or catching the right train—all of it felt like a rite of passage into adulthood. Those were the days when the world felt impossibly big, and I wanted to take in every corner of it.
More than ten years have passed since those first visits, and returning now feels like stepping into a dream—one that connects who I was with who I’ve become. This time, I didn’t come alone. I came with family, and that shift in perspective made the city feel even more alive, more precious. To experience Barcelona again, through older eyes but with the same wide-open heart, was a reminder of how travel shapes us, and how places stay with us long after we’ve left them.
Life at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
Our home base was the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, a hotel that captures the city’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern elegance. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt the vibrant pulse of Passeig de Gràcia just outside, balanced perfectly by the calm sanctuary within.
The balcony of my suite quickly became my favorite place in the world. It wasn’t just a balcony—it was a stage for some of my most cherished moments on this trip. Morning meditations before the city woke, evenings soaking in the glamorous hot tub as the sounds of life drifted up from below, and quiet pauses where I could simply breathe it all in. From up there, I had a clear view of Casa Batlló, Gaudí’s masterpiece, its whimsical façade changing character with the light of day. It felt like a private dialogue between the city and me, a conversation I had started years ago as a teenager and was now continuing with newfound depth.
The City in Celebration
Barcelona is a city that knows how to celebrate, and I had the chance to witness it at its most electric. Spain won the Eurocup during my stay, and the streets erupted in fireworks, cheers, and music. From my balcony, I watched the entire city ignite with joy—people singing, flags waving, voices rising together in a collective shout from the rooftops. It was a moment of pure unity, one that made me fall in love with the city all over again.
There’s something infectious about Barcelona’s energy. Even in its everyday rhythm, there’s a passion here that lingers in the air like perfume. But in moments of triumph, that energy becomes unstoppable, carrying everyone along in its current. To be part of it, even as an observer above, was unforgettable.
Coming Full Circle
What struck me most about returning to Barcelona was how much of myself I recognized in the city. Ten years ago, it was a place of firsts—my first big jobs abroad, my first solo travels, my first taste of true independence. Today, it’s become a place of reflection and gratitude. I no longer see it through the lens of a girl trying to find her place in the world, but as a woman grateful for the journey that brought her here again, with people she loves by her side.
The city hasn’t lost its spark—it never could—but my relationship with it has deepened. Barcelona is no longer just a backdrop for my memories. It’s a touchstone, a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much there is still to discover.
The Eternal Charm of Barcelona
What I love most about Barcelona is that it’s a city of contrasts. It’s modern yet historic, structured yet whimsical, chaotic yet deeply peaceful when you find the right moments. It embraces all of its layers, unapologetically, and in doing so, it encourages you to do the same.
That’s the lesson I carry with me from this trip: to live fully, loudly, and with joy. To soak in mornings of quiet meditation just as deeply as nights of rooftop fireworks. To embrace the independence of youth and the grounding presence of family. To remember that the world is wide, but certain places will always feel like home, no matter how much time has passed.
And for me, Barcelona will always be one of them.
