W Barcelona

The place

A sail of glass at the water's edge, designed by Barcelona architect Ricardo Bofill. The hotel stands directly on the seafront beside the beach, the Mediterranean filling the view.

The 473 rooms and suites come in white and blue, in a range of styles and configurations. Because of the building's shape, every one of them faces the sea.

An outdoor infinity pool stretches toward the horizon, the city skyline to one side. There is private access to the beach, a modern 24-hour gym, and a spa with an indoor pool and steam room. Several restaurants and bars share the address; among them, Noxe — fine Japanese dining in a quirky room.