It’s easy to see why Madrid is an elegant destination, after all the capital city was historically the home of the royal family. Luxurious regal estates are only a part of what makes Madrid Europe’s new luxury destination. It’s indulging in the fine quality of the Madrileño cuisine, culture, nature, shopping, and more — all of which can be enjoyed at an unhurried pace which is a true luxury in today’s busy world.
Madrid is home to many high-end accommodations, many of which are brand new or have been recently renovated. Select the five-star Mandarin Oriental Ritz located near world-renowned museums within the Golden Triangle of Art of Madrid and dine at the hotel’s new restaurant, Deessa by Quique Dacosta. Stay in the upscale guest rooms of Rosewood Villa Magna and book a treatment at the on-site Sense spa. The highly anticipated Nobu Hotel Madrid (helming from world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper) is slated to open in 2023 in the heart of Alcalá Street.
Madrid offers a myriad of shopping options that are sure to suit any taste. Galería Canalejas is Madrid’s premier shopping destination with nearly 50,000 square feet of luxury shops and centrally located near Puerta del Sol. If you prefer something more unique, take home a piece from an artisan shop. Not only are artisan shops part of Madrid’s history, they’re also integral to its way of life, which equates luxury with quality, design, detail, and passion.
Home to 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, Madrid offers dishes that will please every palate. Make a reservation at Coque, the two-starred Michelin restaurant owned by Mario Sandoval which has received a Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy and offers vegan dishes in addition to meat-forward plates. Rodrigo de la Calle’s El Invernadero is also recognized for its sustainable efforts with both omnivorous and vegan options.
Madrid has an Association of Century-Old Restaurants and Tabernas (RCM) made up of twelve establishments whose history has been shaped not only Madrid’s gastronomy, but also by politics, literature, painting and bullfighting tradition. Take a culinary journey back in time at one of the celebrated centuries-old restaurants.
True luxury is enjoying leisurely activities in Madrid, a green city full of beautiful outdoor spaces. Visit the Casa de Campo Park and ride the teleferico over the park before enjoying the fountains at Palacio Real de Madrid’s Sabatini Garden and Campo del Moro Park. Take the waterfront pathway of the Madrid Río Park at sunset to photograph beautiful reflections in the river.
At El Retiro Park stroll by elegant peacocks, visit the botanical garden, and see the rotating art exhibits at the delicate Palacio de Cristal.
From El Retiro, continue experiencing The Landscape of Light, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the Paseo del Prado that’s home to Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art—the El Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía museums. Experience lesser-known galleries at the Sorolla Museum. Take a private tour that can open doors to exclusive places such as the Liria Palace and the Royal Tapestry Factory.
No trip to Spain is complete without watching a famous flamenco performance. Flamenco is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and Madrid has superb tablaos to choose from including Corral de la Morería.