Modern Design by the Sea: This Is the SLS Barcelona

There’s something about having a trip on the calendar that keeps everything else in motion. As frequent travelers, we find ourselves drawn back to Barcelona time and time again - its mix of city grit, seaside calm, and undeniable style is hard to match. This summer, I flew in from the U.S. and met Thomas while the boys headed off on a short trip with his family in Ireland, we carved out a few days for just the two of us. With the new SLS Barcelona opening its doors, the timing couldn’t have been better.

Located along the developing waterfront district, SLS Barcelona brings the brand’s signature style—bold interiors, art-driven design, and elevated social spaces—to one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. It’s not in the heart of the Gothic Quarter or Eixample, but that’s part of the appeal. The hotel offers space with a fresh perspective—without sacrificing access to the energy of the city.

Our room featured sweeping views over the marina and Mediterranean. The private balcony was a standout which is ideal for that first cocktail of the evening or a quiet coffee before the day began. The space was generous, with thoughtful details throughout: a sleek in-room bar, intuitive lighting, and a bathroom that balanced style with function. Everything felt purposefully designed, without unnecessary flash.

After a quick change, we made our way to the pool.

The Coral bar delivered a playful,

Ready to hit the pool

resort-style atmosphere: striped loungers, vibrant cocktails, and Mediterranean light that stretched long into the afternoon. The pool itself is on the smaller side, and by midday it’s busy, but to the hotel’s credit, a strict no-bed-reservation policy kept things fair. Service was attentive, and the mood struck that perfect balance: laid-back but elevated.

The music set the tone - low-key house with a coastal edge that felt current without trying too hard. From the right angle, the architecture of the property seems to dissolve into the horizon, where whitewashed lines meet that crisp, endless sky. We lingered by the pool with cocktails in hand, watching the light shift over the water, feeling far removed from the usual pace of the city.

With only three nights at SLS Barcelona, we wanted to make the most of every evening. After a day in the sun, we’d take time to reset. Drinks poured from the in-room bar, music playing as we got ready, and a few quiet moments on the balcony overlooking the marina. It became a small ritual, watching the boats drift by while the city lit up in the distance. While we chose to dine in the city each night, Barcelona’s food scene is too good not to, we were genuinely impressed by the range of dining and bar options available at the hotel.

From modern Catalan tapas at L’Anxova Divina to wood-fired Mediterranean at Lora, and rooftop views at Cosmico, each venue brought something distinct to the table. We didn’t have time to experience them firsthand, but the atmosphere and

menus were compelling enough that we’d strongly consider staying in on a future visit. Kyara, the hotel’s avant-garde cocktail bar, especially stood out with its perfumery-inspired drinks and immersive concept, something we’d go back for.

Even without dining in, the thoughtful curation across the property left a clear impression. It’s the kind of hotel that invites you to return - not just for the stay, but for what you didn’t have time to try. And that, in our experience, is always a good sign.

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