Every year, I take a mom-cation—what I consider to be a much-needed, much-deserved break from motherhood, working life, and adulting. It’s a long weekend where I can just focus on myself and enjoy a new place without the stress of dragging along diaper bags and strollers.
Before I had my second child, I took a relaxing crisp winter trip to Stockholm. The following year, I went to Lisbon. And this year, I decided to meet up with my best friend from back in Detroit along with her husband in the beautiful, sunny city of Barcelona.
Where to Stay
Hotel Villa Emilia
Carrer de Calà bria, 115, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
This cute boutique hotel is located about 10 minutes walk from La Rambla and the famous Mercado de La Boqueria. One weird thing to note: The front doors have heavy velvet curtains in front of them, which makes it appear as though the entrance is closed. I walked past the hotel 3 times looking for the “main entrance”. Rest assured—you’re in the right place. You just need to walk right up to the doors and push past the curtain to get inside.
The lobby is very welcoming and relaxing. The staff are polite and helpful. I arrived very early (like before 9 AM), and yet they were able to find me a room right away, even though, technically, check-in wasn’t until noon.
There are no coffee machines in the rooms, which as a caffeine addict was a bit of a let down. But coffees from the lobby bar are cheap (1 euro) and made with lots of love and a delicious dark chocolate on the side.
The rooms themselves are very comfortable and clean. I stayed in a room on the 4th floor with a view of the buildings next door. When I’m on a mom-cation, a restful sleep is of upmost importance, so I’m happy to say the beds were soooo soft and the rooms soooo quiet. I slept like a bear in hibernation.
The best part of the hotel, however, is the rooftop terrace. Although there are signs that say not to bring in food from outside the hotel, we had no trouble laying out a beautiful morning spread of exotic fruits purchased from the mercado along with coffees from the downstairs bar. There’s really nothing better than a fruit-filled picnic under the early Barcelona sun to start your day off right.
Where to Go
Whenever I travel to a new city, my priorities are very simple: eat good food, meet interesting people, enjoy the view, and be in the moment.
Mercado de La Boqueria
La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Park Güel
La Sagrada Familia
Where to Eat
Tapeo
Montcada, 29, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
We arrived by accident at this little tapas place. The service was decent and the food was good, if not a bit pricey for what it was. We had an enjoyable dinner but felt a bit rushed as well as being shuffled to the ‘tourist’ section towards the back of the restaurant.
Agua
Passeig MarÃtim de la Barceloneta, 30, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Another accidental arrival, but this time WHAT A GEM! It’s right on the beach, and sure we didn’t get a table on the terrace with gorgeous seaside views, but we also didn’t have reservations. I was just happy to have a table at all. Service was very fast and the food was phenomenal. So often, a good location means mediocre service, but I felt the opposite was true here. The staff was super friendly, even a bit apologetic for the wait and subsequent interior table. But the fresh fire roasted vegetables with sea salt all but made up for it!
Machete
Carrer Ample, 20, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
I was sent here on recommendation of a friend — not for the tacos, but for the drinks! Ok, did you know that beyond the tiny taqueria bar there is a wall of fake foliage, and if you push past it you will find yourself in a secret bar! The bartenders were a bit overwhelmed, so it took a while to get simple draft beers. And yes, it was crowded. But we found ourselves a great little table in the corner, danced to Spanish music and had a wonderful night!
La Retama
Carrer d’Avinyó, 42, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Yet another accidental gem, La Retama was by far the best restaurant experience in Barcelona. The quality and quantity of the food cannot be beat. And the service was amazing. Don’t be put off by the cheap decor (I almost was), this is a place filled with locals, and for good reason! The padrón peppers were simply indulgent.
my little paris life. 