7 minute read
TRAVEL: MADRID
THE TIME TO VISITMadrid IS NOW
Madrid, like any other millions-strong capital city, is a shapeshifter, easy to adore but hard to pin down. To museum lovers, it’s a bottomless trove of Goyas, Velázquezes, Sorollas, and Picassos; to partiers, it’s a chooseyour-own-adventure of world-class techno, house, flamenco, jazz – any scene you love, any night of the week. Food lovers may have the most fun. Dinner might be a handful of olives and Sangria at a glorious hole-in-the-wall tapas bar, a nine-course tasting feast at a Michelin-starred gastro haunt, or anything in-between.
Today Madrid is a patchwork quilt of cultures hailing not just from around the Iberian Peninsula but far, far beyond. Here are the reasons why there’s never been a better time to visit the Spanish capital – plus a smattering of insider tips to knit you straight into the city’s fabric from the moment you touch down.
WHAT TO SEE
With its architectural wonders, beautiful parks, famed art museums and laidback lifestyle, Madrid is basically a dream come true – provided your dreams are filled with influential art, delicious food, and beautiful people. Must visits include the great galleries of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, home to the Prado (be sure to book in for your own private tour), Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía museums, as well as the Royal Observatory and Royal Botanical Gardens.
WHAT TO EAT
We love a tapas crawl as much as the next chowhound – who can resist meaty croquettes and slices of ooey-gooey Spanish omelette? So where better to start than at the oldest restaurant in the world? Founded in 1725, and with almost three centuries of history behind it, Botín is one of the capital’s most authentic and traditional eateries. But what sets Madrid apart from other Spanish cities is its nueva cocina scene that throws the rulebook out the window. For that type of cooking, there’s no hotter barrio than Saddle, helmed by chef Adolfo Santos, having just collected its first Michelin star last year. Saddle joins an impressive collection of 19-strong Madrid establishments that are part of the Michelin Guide 2021, which includes DiverXo headed by Dabiz Muñoz, Coque by Mario Sandoval, and El Invernadero, by Rodrigo de la Calle.
WHERE TO STAY
The best of the old have survived, upgrading their facilities while adhering to old-style values of discretion and hospitality, but they have been joined by modern designer hotels that capture the essence of Spain’s style revolution. The Four Seasons, for example, is a newcomer to the capital, having opened its doors in 2020, while both the Rosewood Villa Magna and the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, are once again welcoming guests after undergoing ambitious restoration and renovation work. These three new additions join Madrid’s extensive list of premium hotels which includes the historic Westin Palace and the Santo Mauro Autograph Collection.
If life were a city, it’d be Madrid
WIN!
FRIDAY BRUNCH FOR TWO AT JOE’S BACKYARD GASTROPUB
Spend a relaxing Friday afternoon at Joe’s Backyard Gastropub, where pub grub meets alfresco fun at Jumeirah Islands. Brunch features unlimited starters, mains, desserts, and selected drinks as the best hits of the 80s and 90s provide the soundtrack. Inside, you’ll find a football table, pool table and darts. With a laid-back atmosphere, Joe’s Backyard Gastropub is the perfect place to dine and have fun while enjoying the cool Dubai weather – and you and a pal could enjoy it all for free.
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WIN!
BRUNCH FOR FOUR AT PORTERHOUSE STEAKS AND GRILLS WORTH ALMOST DHS2,000
The award-winning steakhouse at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Porterhouse Steaks & Grills, has introduced an all-new speakeasy brunch concept, and you could be one of the first to try it. Inspired by the prohibition era, the new PH Brunch features a threecourse menu featuring sizzling BBQ beef brisket, prawns thermidor, grilled lamb merguez sausages as well as signature appetisers and desserts. Plus, solve clues during an interactive mystery game with a chance to win more prizes. Meanwhile, DJs spin Jazz hits, while steaks are carved at your table and prohibition-inspired mixed drinks are served.
LASTMINUTE TRIP
Does Sofitel Dubai The Palm really have it all for the perfect family-friendly staycation?
French Polynesian-style resort Sofitel Dubai The Palm has certainly stood the test of time – even as other five-star resorts built up around it. The key to its longevity? Maybe it’s the awardwinning restaurants, its various pools and activities, and kids’ club. Or perhaps it’s the resort’s delightfully calming spa. We reckon it’s a bit of everything – a hotel that has everything you want, whenever you want it.
The location
Found on the East Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, Sofitel Dubai The Palm is within easy reach of many key locations in Dubai and is a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Its positioning on The Crescent means it has stunning sea views on either side of the hotel, too.
The look and feel
Inspired by French Polynesia, the exteriors have a warm stonewashed aesthetic, with plenty of palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. The vast lobby is light and neutral with golden-hued marble, while the friendly staff help make you feel at ease right from the get go.
The rooms
There are a variety of rooms and suites to suit families, couples, or groups of friends, some with sea and beach views, and some with courtyard views. They are spacious and comfortable, if slightly let down by outdated style.
The facilities
Sunshine worshippers will find solace at one of the many pools surrounded by palm trees. There’s even a pool with slides, which is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. The award-winning spa facilities are brilliant with a range of treatments, sauna, and its own indoor and outdoor pools. There’s also a wellequipped fitness centre with a rooftop gym dedicated to building strength, endurance and agility.
The food and drinks
Be smart and book a half-board stay at this resort. From steakhouse eatery Porterhouse Steaks & Grills to the Moana seafood restaurant or casual dining at Maui overlooking the beach, you can dine somewhere different every day of your stay.
The room rates
Room rates for a luxury palm view room for two adults in December are priced around Dhs1,768 per night.
a Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 455 6677. @sofiteldubaipalm
