Safara, Author at Safara

Manon Lagrève – Founder of Manon’s Little Kitchen & Manon and Rose

Written by Safara on December 26, 2021.

Raised in a small village in Brittany, France, Manon Lagrève grew up on a farm where food was celebrated as the core of family life. Manon’s culinary love was second nature, keenly watching her mother and grandmother cook every meal from scratch; from breads to biscuits, and of course, desserts.

At 20, she traded rural France for the lure of the big city and moved to London to work as an au pair, becoming fluent in English – and she hasn’t left. She fell in love with the wonderful array of bakeries, was inspired to share her own recipes, travels and life on her blog Manon’s Little Kitchen, and this led to her becoming a quarter finalist of The Great British Bake Off season 9.

Now, she’s expanded into responsible fashion, launching a small-scale, low-waste womenswear brand with her friend Rosie Spencer, Manon and Rose. Her Instagram feed is a delicious mix of baking, beaches and cute outfits – alongside her husband Luke and their baby girl Fleur. It’s the kind of wholesome, French-influenced life we’d all love a slice of.

Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).

Read on for travel inspiration from Manon Lagr´ève.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

I stayed in the Japanese Alps in one of the Ryokan to enjoy a spa (Onsen) in Hirayu and it was one of the best things I have done. Total immersion into the Japanese culture and so worth it.

Camping in a yurt the middle of the desert in North Tunisia – it was a very much an improvised stay with my family, we got to spend the night there and woke up to watch the sunrise, and had bread cooked in sand for breakfast, which was an amazing experience!

Manon Les Suites in Copenhagen. I think it will take a long time for me to find a better hotel. There is this amazing pool in the middle of the place, some amazing plants, and an amazing breakfast.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

A fridge, because I just love buying food.

Where would you go to digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?

Home, in the countryside of Brittany, France.

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Howl by Florence and The Machine. Someone That Loves You by Izzy Bizu + Honne. And Story by Xxanaxx.

What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?

A eye mask and some water (I probably drink three litres a day, and probably pee 20-times a day).

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would you swap with?

Julie Sarinana, from Sincerely Jules.

Have you or would you travel alone?

No, I love sharing my experience with someone and just find myself bored very easily when alone. I need to communicate and relate to someone.

If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?

I love looking at travel blogs, I think it is always the best pieces of travel advises I had (only if I don’t know anyone that has been there). If you like the blogger in question and already related to things they do and enjoy, their travel recommendations should match in a way what you like.

**If you could quit your job and follow the Mamma Mia dream (ie. open a small hotel in another country or on a remote island), where would it be?**

Iceland.

Beach, city or mountains?

Mountains.

Alone or with someone else?

With someone else.

Window or aisle?

Window. The best part of flying is looking through the window.

And, a recipe for travel snacks (or a treat, even if we’re not going anywhere)?

My Ultimate Ginger Biscuits

Ingredients

400g of dark muscovado sugar
200g of granulated sugar
250g of salted butter at room temperature
2 tbsp of golden syrup
2 tbsp of black Treacle
3 eggs
2 tbsp of ground ginger
1 tbsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp of nutmeg
600g of plain flour

Royal Icing:

2 egg whites
1 tsp of cream of tartar
500g of icing sugar

Method

1. Make the biscuit dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the sugars and the butter and beat for 4 min. Then add the eggs one by one. When everything is combined, add the golden syrup and treacle and mix well. Finish by adding the flour and the ground ginger and cinnamon and nutmeg. The dough will be super stiff, but that is good!

2. Bake: Take a quarter of the dough, and roll on a floured surface and start to cut the shaped desired. Keep the pieces in the fridge for 30 min before baking at 180 degrees for 18 min.

3. Make the royal icing: In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the eggs and the cream of tartar and mix until soft picks form. Stiff in the icing sugar and mix for 5 min. Add some icing sugar to make it thicker, and add some water to make it thiner, easy!

Happy Baking!

Palm Springs: Five reasons to visit, by a magazine editor

Written by Safara on December 26, 2021.

Andrew is a Londoner living and working in Venice Beach, CA, and his dreamy Instagram is testament to his love of travel. As content chief for a magazine all about Californian culture and style, he’s our go-to guy for the Golden State, and beyond. If you’re planning a visit to Palm Springs, this is your guide.

Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.

Read on for Andrew’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Palm Springs, California.

Name: Andrew Barker

Home: Venice Beach, California

From: London

Job: Content chief at C Magazine

Five reasons to visit Palm Springs, California

The food

Start your day with brunch at Cheeky’s. Clock off with sundowners by the pool at The Ace. Book in for dinner at Workshop. And, go for a dance until late at Toucans.

The hotel(s)

I’m torn, because I love how chic Two Bunch Palms is with its stone pool, but it might as well be in Tulum. There are more idiosyncratic options from a design standpoint, including Dive Palm Springs and Les Cactus, which are all botanical wallpapers and wicker chairs.

The store

Angel Views is a thrift store where you can pick up salad bowls, paintings, and retro T-shirts. I’m not really buying ‘new’ unless I really need to at the moment.

The thing to do

Take the cable car to the top of the mountain, where you have great views of the Coachella Valley. At the right time of year, you can hike in the snow in the morning and swim in a pool in the afternoon.

The culture

This is cheating, but The Parker Hotel is an institution. There is nowhere better to absorb the culture of Palm Springs as a tourist destination than here, in the early evening.

Madrid: Five reasons to visit, by a jewelry designer

Written by Safara on December 24, 2021.

Jessica is the founder and designer of Zahava Jewelry and The Brave Collection, a Forbes 30 Under 30, a wife to Patrick Yee (ex CMO of Refinery29), and a mother to young son Ezra. The family moved to Madrid a few years ago to follow the living abroad dream, and as new parents in a new city, they’ve got a super interesting take.

Read on for Jessica’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Madrid.

Name: Jessica Hendricks Yee

Where you live: Justicia, Madrid

Where you’re from: New York

What you do: Designer of Zahava, fine jewelry inspired by wisdom of the past

Left and right, by Jessica Hendricks Yee; centre, by Dina Kantor

Five reasons to visit Madrid

The hotel

Stay at the Urso Hotel – my favorite boutique hotel in Madrid. You’ll get so excited pulling up to the doors, as the architecture is stunning and it’s on the perfect block. The lobby is the ideal place to people-watch, while enjoying some Iberico ham, and taking in the original Urso scent by candlelight.

The market

Just across the street from the Urso is our local Barcelo Market, which has tens of stalls, selling everything from fresh fish to meats and freshly baked baguettes. It’s a great way to get a sense of the local culture.

Pro tip: The organic fruit stall is killer, but you mustn’t touch the fruit! Point to what you’d like and the woman behind the counter will pull the perfect piece for you with her gloved hand.

The bakery

The most divine bakery is La Duquesita. This hundred-something-year-old spot looks right out of a Wes Anderson film, and everything they make is out of this world delicious (and beautiful).

The thing to do

Visit the wild peacocks in the sprawling and perfectly manicured El Retiro Park.

The food and drink

Try the razor clams at Sala de Despiece, the coolest tapas bar in Madrid. They don’t take reservations, so come early and prepare to limbo under the communal table to get to a seat. Afterward, head over to the best cocktail bar – Supernova. It’s a maze of tiny, impeccably designed rooms where you can sit, dance and sip. It’s chic as hell.

Florence: Five reasons to visit, by a brand strategist

Written by Safara on December 23, 2021.

Emilie Hawtin is Editorial Director for J.Crew, plus a writer, editor and brand strategist. She’s a New Yorker, but travels for work a lot, and she credits Florence, Italy as her second home.

Read on for Emilie’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Florence, Italy.

Name: Emilie Hawtin

Home: West Village, Manhattan

From: New Jersey

Job: Brand strategy, writing, and editing in the style world between New York and Italy, mainly for J.Crew

Five reasons to visit Florence, Italy

The bar

Let’s start as we mean to go on, with natural wine at Il Santino, a tiny bar that serves ‘cicchetti’ with every glass. Everything is delicious, as they have some of the freshest ingredients in Florence here. I’ll have their small plates as a meal if I miss the strict Florentine lunch hours, or feel like a light dinner. The staff are young and cool, too. Everyone spills out onto the street to drink wine and talk as the day progresses – it’s an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else.

The food

Trattoria Cammillo is family-run restaurant, where all generations work together to create a space that’s elegant yet relaxed. The classic dishes are done well here, but I particularly love the more unusual specials on the menu. Their risotto with curried shrimp is something I’d never expect in Florence, or the truffled eggs with mushrooms in the fall. I often dine alone here, or take people I care about – you remember every meal. A visit to Florence simply isn’t complete without dinner at Cammillo.

The cafe

Rivoire is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s popular, but I love to go early in the morning, walk across Piazza della Signoria and have cornetti at the counter. The cane chairs, wooden bar, silver capped bottles and formally dressed staff are beautiful to wake up to. If I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll sit for a little longer and watch the world pass by.

The thing to do

The Boboli Garden has an understated grandeur that feels natural and calm. I love the faded colors of the buildings amongst the greenery, faded mints and pinks that just strike the right notes. I often visit the porcelain museum at the top of the hill – the garden, fountain and stunning view remain in my mind all of the time, transporting me to Florence wherever I am in the world.

The store

At Bottega di Corte you’ll find everything from old porcelain to tassels, maps, silver, vintage clothes, and chic Italian interior design that’s perfectl worn in. Dexter is another favorite, for the men’s shirts and lightweight pants that I end up wearing all of the time. The owner, Marco, has a true elegance in style and attitude. And, don’t miss the paper shops like Il Papiro, the Santo Spirito flea market, and the food markets.

New York City: Five reasons to visit Greenwich Village, by a former Vogue director

Written by Safara on December 22, 2021.

Negar Mohammadi is a former Vogue brand director and now a freelance creative strategist and founder of natural vegan haircare brand 14th Night (she’s also a Safara Insider). She hails from Chicago, but has called Downtown Manhattan home for years and is our go-to guide for all things Greenwich Village. She’s also an awesome surfer, spending as much time as she can by the sea.

Read on for Negar’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Greenwich Village, NYC.

Name: Negar Mohammadi

Home: Greenwich Village, NYC

From: Chicago

Job: Former Brand Marketing Director at Vogue US, now freelance creative brand strategist and founder of 14th Night

Five reasons to visit Greenwich Village, NYC

The coffee

An early morning espresso at il Buco Alimentari & Vineria can’t be beaten. It’s my go-to in the Greenwich Village area, if not all of NYC.

The food

Any of the vegan ice creams at Van Leeuwen – cookie crumble, strawberry jam is my favorite. Before dessert, I love Morandi for its lemon pasta, Vermentino wine and outdoor seating.

The hotel

The Marlton Hotel is great – I love its cocktail bar and cozy fireplace. My drinks order is an Address Unknown, which is made with mezcal, Ancho Reyes chilli liqueur, coconut and pineapple – it’s amazing.

The culture

I went to NYU for business school and love the Grey Art Gallery near there. It has an incredible collection of Persian art, including some of my favorite pieces from artist and architect, Siah Armajani.

The thing to do

Modo Yoga is my favorite yoga studio in Greenwich Village, NYC. The owners Karine and Lawrence are the absolute best. I also love visiting the Washington Square Dog Park with my friend’s adorable pomski.

Lily Wan – Producer & Creative Strategist

Written by Safara on December 18, 2021.

Lily Wan is the founder of Here.Productions, a storytelling studio for creative strategy, production and direction in “New York, Mexico City, or wherever” – which is exactly the kind of free-spirited ethos we love.

Lily travels often for both work and play. With a serious interest in design, she started her career at HWKN, and was previously Managing Editor at Surface Magazine and Director of Content at small-batch tequila brand Casa Dragones. Scroll her Instagram feed and you’ll find beautifully curated shots that make you want to pack a bag immediately, jump on a plane and join her for a casual sundowner drink.

Don’t miss Lily Wan’s guide to Mexican hot-spot, San Miguel de Allende. And, read on for more of her travel inspirations.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Aman, Tokyo. Aman perfectly articulates Japanese design sense – an ideal balance of modern and traditional. The spa is fantastic and each room has a deep-soak bath tub.

Le Sirenuse, Positano. Hillside hotel overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The pool area is surrounded by lemon trees and the colorful buildings that make up the town. Everything about this place is a 10.

Hoshinoya, Kyoto. You access this hotel via private boat, and that is just step one. The design is flawless, and it feel like you can sit and meditate in any given room.

What is the most unique hotel amenity you’ve encountered?

A private wooden boat that takes you down the river and directly to the hotel at Hoshinoya in Kyoto.

Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?

Norway or one of the Greek islands.

What are your thoughts on solo travel?

I’ve traveled solo quite a bit. Buenos Aires, Paris, French Alps, Sydney, New Zealand, Greece… It’s liberating and relaxing, and I always eat a lot. Haven’t done a solo trip since falling in love a couple years ago, but sometimes I get an itch and imagine I would still enjoy it. Vacation days are precious though and my partner and I have the exact same taste and curiosities, so it’s especially fun to escape together now.

What was your favorite room service experience ever?

Another point for Hoshinoya, Kyoto. They have this full spread Japanese breakfast they bring to your room and set up for you (hot pot and everything). You sit on the floor, open up your wall-spanning window that overlooks the river, and begin your day in the most peaceful way.

Anxiety and burnout are side effects of modern living, how do you combat them?

These are both things I’ve been struggling with lately. In general, and in terms of vacation travel, when I’m off, I am o-f-f. Technology has helped made working and communication much more efficient, which is great, but if you don’t set your own boundaries, you’ll never get proper time to recharge.

Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?

Just gotta power through it as if you’ve been in your current time zone the entire time.

What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?

You’ll never catch me at the airport in sweats. There’s something to be said for how much of an event air travel was in the 50s and 60s. You’re flying through the air in a giant tube of metal – I still think that’s amazing and try to pay a little respect with my attire. Dropcrotch slacks and Martiniano glove shoes are the way to go. The shoes are especially key, these will be your best travel (and everyday) friend.

**If you could quit your job and follow the Mamma Mia dream (ie. open a small hotel in another country or on a remote island), where would it be?**

Somewhere along the Italian coast (then maybe I will finally achieve my dream of becoming a nonna when I grow up! That’s how it works, right?).

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach or mountains.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?

Easy-mix Negroni (The Ned in London aced this).

Window or aisle?

Window (thank you, bladder of steel!).

Brooklyn: Five reasons to visit Greenpoint, by a fashion stylist

Written by Safara on December 14, 2021.

Haley is originally from New Jersey, but now lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn with her husband (the man behind interiors mecca, The Somerset House, and founder of sustainable fashion brand, Everyone Wins). Haley is a fashion stylist, with an incredible eye for cult brands. She’s worked with the likes of Moda Operandi, Timo Weiland and NYLON, to name a few. She’s also travel obsessed and loves nothing more than booking a trip to explore somewhere new or revisit a favorite destination. Her guide to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is a checklist of cool places that feel properly local.

Read on for Haley’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Name: Haley Loewenthal

Where you live: Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Where you’re from: New Jersey

What you do: Fashion stylist, travel enthusiast

Five reasons to visit Greenpoint, Brooklyn

The food

For brunch, my ultimate favorite in Greenpoint is Glasserie. They do an amazing seasonal mezze brunch that is so fun to enjoy with a group of friends.

For drinks, Archilles Heel is a must. It’s off the beaten track in Greenpoint and makes you feel like you’ve found a true treasure. From the crew behind Marlow & Sons and Diner, it’s a bar that makes you feel cooler than you are – sipping on a whiskey, tucked away in a private booth, with an amazing soundtrack humming in the background.

The donuts

Yes, donuts get their own separate section. It’s not a trip to Greenpoint without indulging in donuts and coffee at Peter Pan. I love sitting at the counter of this old-school bakery, pretending it’s the 1950s.

The hotel

The Wythe Hotel is where I recommend my out of town friends and family to stay. It has the right amount of boutique charm, an amazing rooftop bar, and a great restaurant. Its technically in North Williamsburg, but it makes for the perfect location to walk through the park into all your Greenpoint adventures.

The store

I absolutely love Homecoming, a coffee shop / plant and home store. They have great coffee and the sweetest bouquets, which make you want to fill your home with flowers.

Dream Fish and Tackle is my favorite for vintage home and furniture finds in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, plus records – and fish and tackle! This is a father-daughter run operation and lends itself to some serious treasure hunting.

The thing to do

New Love City is a great yoga studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The instructors all have different styles and I’ve learned to love each one of them. The serene space is so gorgeous that half the time, my mind ends up wandering to imagine how I would design the studio if it were my own apartment. A girl can dream!

Brooklyn: Five reasons to visit Park Slope, by a hotel marketing expert

Written by Safara on December 14, 2021.

Julie has always married storytelling and design with a drive to build community around innovative experiences. She’s currently heading up marketing at Dreamscape, and previously shaped brand at Soho House, GrandLife Hotels, Ian Schrager Company and NeueHouse, to name a few. She’s an Aussie, but now calls Park Slope, Brooklyn home. Who better to craft an experience for us, giving five great reasons to visit her neighborhood.

Read on for Julie’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Name: Julie Wells

Home: Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York City

From: Melbourne, Australia

Job: Vice President and Head of Marketing at Dreamscape

Five reasons to visit Park Slope, Brooklyn

The food

Mariella – this place has so much heart and soul. Every pasta dish is sensational. My go-to is the bolognese with gluten-free pasta, a glass of red wine, and the tiramisu. Far from regular, Café Regular is the greatest morning experience – you’ll feel like you’re in France with a cup of tea (or coffee) and a croissant.

The bar

The Monro is a low-key British bar. I go there for the sausage roll when I’m feeling homesick. It’s also where I can find my husband when he’s not home.

The store

A beloved Park Slope bodega owner renamed his store The Bad Wife – but he insists that his spouse is anything but! Everything you need can be found here, it’s all about shopping local. Sounds has a neighborly atmosphere and meticulously curated goods. The in-house cafe and backyard is a great place for sunshine and conversation.

The thing to do

I’d recommend Prospect Park farmer’s market and Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

The culture

Go to Public Records for music, Littlefield for comedy shows, the Greenwood Cemetery for the Sophie Calle Installation and concerts in the catacombs, and the Brooklyn Museum.

Wait, what about a hotel?

There are no hotels I’d recommend in Prospect Park itself, so check in to The New York EDITION, The Times Square EDITION, or PUBLIC.

Sebastian Puga – Partner & SVP of Brand Development at Ten Five Hospitality

Written by Safara on December 13, 2021.

Sebastian Puga’s CV reads like a who’s who of the best in hospitality. A creative executive and global connector of ideas, he specializes in designing experiences for brand innovation and growth as SVP of Brand Development at Ten Five Hospitality. Previously, he spent four years as VP of Brand Marketing at Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC Hotels in NYC; and before that was at Sixty Hotels, Morgans Hotel Group and The Standard Hotels. All the hits, basically.

With over a 15 years of experience, Sebastian has worked with some of the world’s most recognized organizations, leaders, and brands. He’s happiest working from a hotel rooftop bar – we spent several remote office afternoons at the PUBLIC – or at his home in the East Village. However, he’s no NYC native; in fact, Sebastian has roots in Miami. In short, he’s a well traveled man, full of good travel advice.

Read on for travel inspiration from Sebastian Puga.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

La Granja, Ibiza, Spain. This is a beautifully designed farmhouse situated on the north side of Ibiza. There’s no sign for the hotel, just a dirt road from the main street, which is perfectly fitting for the feeling you experience once you arrive. The hotel is simple yet elegant, and small, with just six rooms in the main house, an amazing pool and a restaurant that produces its menu from the land it sits on.

Deer Mountain Inn, Tannersville, New York. Deer Mountain is an old turn-of-the-century home transformed into a six-room cottage, plus three additional guest houses. The design is rustic, warm and welcoming. There is an incredible restaurant and it has the perfect deck to enjoy long lunches during the summer months. In the winter, get cozy by the fireplace. You can hike around the property, without needing to leave, as there are 100 acres of land to explore. I love coming here anytime of the year, and and it’s a great excuse to get out of the city.

PUBLIC, New York, NY. This is the hotel I opened alongside the godfather of boutique hotels, Ian Schrager. It breaks the mold from what the big hotel groups were doing in the market at the time, by offering “luxury for all”, ie. a design hotel at an affordable rate. It’s exactly the style of hotel that was missing in Downtown Manhattan. My favorite part is the five bars, all of which serve a different purpose, design, and experience. It’s a one-stop shop when you are traveling to NYC.

What do you love most about working in hospitality?

A passion for service is embedded into my life, and there is nothing I can do to get away from that. Everything else just falls into place.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

A comfortable mattress, or I’m not coming back.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

I prefer working in my hotel room. It’s quiet and I get distracted far too easily when I’m in a public setting.

Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?

I travel to upstate New York as often as possible. And cell service is terrible up there, so it’s easy to forget about my phone.

What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?

Running shoes. It’s a great way to get to see the city and work up a sweat.

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?

Johnny Depp.

If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?

My friends website, A HOTEL LIFE for the best hotels.

Who is your dream “co-pilot” or travel partner?

Hunter S Thompson. I would love to have been in Puerto Rico while he was writing The Rum Diary. That was probably a lot of fun. Sunshine and rum!

What is your go-to read while traveling?

The New Yorker.

**If you could quit your job and follow the Mamma Mia dream (ie. open a small hotel in another country or on a remote island), where would you do it?**

Working on this dream… in Tulum or Ibiza. Or any beach, actually.

Travel solo or with someone else?

With someone.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost luggage.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?

Bottle of Margeux.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check out.

Seville, by Safara

Written by Safara on December 13, 2021.

Surrounded by stunning mountains and filled with the best of everything that the country has to offer, Seville is a strong contender for our favorite city in Spain. With winding streets, delicious tapas and a vibrant culture, we’re pretty sure you’ll fall for it, too.

Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco, home to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and boasts some of the most beautiful gardens and Moorish architecture in Spain.

Explore the highlights in our Seville to-do list, below.

Where to stay in Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII

This is the crown jewel of Seville hotels. The style is classic and old, and it’s in pristine condition. You can’t find a better hotel breakfast.

Hotel Monte Triana

This stylish boutique hotel has named each room after a city the owners have visited, and decorated with art the couple has collected from their trips.

Where to eat & drink in Seville

Bar Alfalfa

The name of the game for breakfast in Seville is pan con tomate with cafe con leche. You can’t go wrong with that order – it’s as simple as it is delicious. Head here, get a seat by the window, and watch the beautiful Andalusians stroll by while sipping your coffee.

La Brunilda Tapas

This is the best restaurant in town for lunch – it opens at 1pm and takes no reservations, so get there early. If you can’t get a table, walk over to Triana market and pick up something from one of the many food stalls.

Cañabota

Cañabota is famous for its extensive fish menu and open all day, in case you need an earlier option that the usual post-8pm Spanish dinner.

Lobo López

This place is great for a late tapas dinner with a group of friends and jugs of sangria.

Arte y Sabor

For a traditional Seville experience, go to Plaza Alameda de Hercules. In the evening, the square is filled with young locals who come here to hang out. Arte y Sabor is our favorite restaurant on the edge of the plaza to soak up the atmosphere.

Best coffee in Seville

Torch Coffee Roasters

The street around this roastery can be hectic, but weave your way in as the coffee is worth it.

Ofelia Bakery

Everything here is homemade, and there are also some good vegan and gluten-free options. Get a coffee and a brownie, if there’s one on the menu.

Where to shop in Seville

There are tons of cute shops in the heart of Seville. Go to Calle Rioja, start with a mandatory visit to BIMBA Y LOLA, and then work yourself down the street from there.

Where to get a hit of culture

Real Alcázar

The is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was used as a backdrop for Game of Thrones. Take the full tour – the botanical gardens are truly magical.

Parque de María Luisa

For more lush greenery, head to this park, rent a bicycle, stop off for an ice cream and enjoy.

Plaza de Espana

This square, in the above park, pays homage to Spain’s 48 provinces. Hire a boat and take in the view from the canal that runs alongside it.

Torre del Oro

Torre del Oro is an amazing old military watchtower. The tour focuses on how the city of Seville came to be.

Where to party

DadáBa

There is nothing fancy about this place, and that’s why we love it. Drink, chat and dance alongside the locals until late. Then, on your way back to the hotel, swing by one of Seville’s many churrerias for chocolate and churros – the Spanish way to end a good night (or early morning).

What else to do in Seville

For one of the best rooftop views over the city, head to the EME Catedral Hotel bar. Warning: there will be a few tourists here, but it’s worth it.

Museo del Baile Flamenco is our go-to for flamenco, with several one-hour courtyard shows each evening. Or, buy a ticket for one of the shows at Tablao Flamenco Los Gallos.

Where to get some R&R

AIRE Ancient Baths Sevilla

AIRE now have baths in cities around the world, from London, to Chicago, New York, Copenhagen, Barcelona and more. In Seville, it’s located in a former palace, with incredible interiors and equally impressive views from the rooftop jacuzzi.

Spend a good couple of hours between pools of various temperatures, before being collected by your masseuse, who will take you through to the main treatment room. A heads up: this is a shared space, rather than private room. That said, with dimmed lights, candles and soothing music, you’ll easily zone out.

Where to work

We love getting a start on the working day at Hotel Alfonso. Then, head over to Un Gato en Bicicleta for creative inspiration. Originally a bookshop, it now has a cafe where you can pitch up with your laptop, surrounded by magazines and books. There’s even a ceramic studio, tucked away at the back.

While you’re in Spain, check out our city guide to Madrid.