Lifestyle brand Miiro continues its expansion with the opening of Borneta, a breathtaking new hotel for Barcelona‘s charismatic El Born neighbourhood. Located among the iconic Porxos de Fontseré arches, the design tells a story of local tradition meeting Mediterranean-inspired style, bringing an unparalleled experience that brings together high-end hospitality and a tangible authenticity in the Catalan capital.

Reflecting the pulsating neighbourhood that surrounds it — a hotbed of independent shops, artists, cafés, excellent restaurants, and bars serving up natural wines, cocktails or craft beers — the design at Hotel Borneta seamlessly fuses contemporary aesthetics with local charm thanks to collaborations with Barcelona-based studio Heres Arquitectura and suppliers including Gancedo, a leader in textile interior design since 1945.

The brand completely reconditioned the building alongside James Thurstan Waterworth, founder of London-based design studio Thurstan, and as with all other Miiro properties — Le Grand Hôtel Cayré in Paris opened in the spring of this year, and The Mansard in Gstaad earlier this month — connectivity to the local neighbourhood is central to Borneta’s modus operandi.

The guest rooms, suites, and common spaces have been brought to life with contemporary décor, local art, and an abundance of foliage and lush greenery. From stunning communal areas such as The Gallery located just off the lobby, to The Library and The Rooftop (an intimate spot boasting an outdoor pool, unparalleled views of the rooftops of El Born and Parc de la Ciutadella, and a bespoke egg sculpture created for the hotel by Argentinian-born artist Pilar Zeta), guests at Borneta can be sure of an experience that transcends traditional hospitality standards.

Each of the 92 rooms and suites have been individually put together with considered details designed to help guests relax and recharge. Warm tones and a rich colour palette combined with Spanish furniture and antiques add an authentic touch, as do curated pieces from local makers, artisans, and artists.

We checked in to a stunning Junior Terrace Suite recently and, as part of Miiro’s ‘The Full Works Level of Service,’ we enjoyed an evening turn-down service, Le Labo toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, in-room espresso machine, and the highlight: a fully-stocked and complimentary mini bar.

At 28 square metres, the suite featured a hand-crafted, king-size bed, open lounge area with sofa, large rainfall shower and double vanity, same floor access to the rooftop, and a two-storey outdoor terrace with lounge seating, large dining table, and a shower. Located on the hotel’s fifth floor, we were treated to views over Ciutadella park and the city beyond. Simultaneously homely and decadent, it’s the sort of suite one does not want to leave, and we while away the majority of our stay cocooned in this literal lap of luxury, leaving only to drink and dine downstairs.

Which takes us to the beating heart of the hotel: Volta, a cosy open-kitchen restaurant with a stylish cocktail bar and sizeable terrace; the perfect place for alfresco dining under those Fontseré arches in a city that enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. A place for hotel guests and locals alike, Volta has two meanings: firstly as the word for an architectural curve, secondly coming from the Catalan word to ‘go or walk around’; a concept that serves as inspiration for the cuisine on offer. Focussed on quality and authenticity, the restaurant takes diners on a culinary journey along the Mediterranean coast, fusing gastronomic inspirations from coastal towns, and bringing them to fruition with fresh seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.

Settling into the bar area for a pre-dinner cocktail, we comment how Barcelona has been waiting for a hotel bar like this; the essence of the sort of iconic lobby watering holes for which New York or London is famous, there’s a real sense that locals will be commanding this space as much as guests. (Not least as we bump into a couple of local pals propping up the bar and chewing fat with the exceptionally friendly staff.)

Finishing off our seasonal ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Brisa Ahumada’, a spicy yet refreshing tipple with Tequila Volcan, chipotle liqueur, lemon juice, sugar, and grapefruit soda, we’re shown to our table with enthusiasm. The wait staff are passionate, knowledgeable and friendly, and our waiter Carlo (not to be confused with Carlos, who is equally attentive) introduces himself with gusto before explaining the concept of the menu and highlighting seasonal dishes.

With plates designed to be shared, we opt to start with Fine de Claire nº2 fried oysters with citrus vinaigrette gel, before moving onto an organic egg with potato and parmesan foam, rossinyol mushroom, and black truffle. Next up is an onion. No, wait … this is a dish that needs to be tried to be believed. Convincing us that a humble onion was really worth ordering, Carlo explains with joy something about deconstruction and reconstruction. Regardless, the final result is delicious, a kind of french onion soup sitting inside an actual onion. Seriously, try it. We finish proceedings with a mixed seafood stew starring a daily selection of fish from the local market, a hearty dish befitting of the winter months and served with warm garlic bread.

With music, a constant flow of diners, alert staff and a lively open kitchen, there’s an engery to Volta that is infectious. With a lunch menu and Sunday brunch conceived by executive chef Andrea De Benedictis soundtracked by live DJs and designed to be enjoyed with the bar’s carefully crafted cocktails, it’s somewhat of a certainty that we’ll be returning soon.

A thoughtful design-led hotel that effortlessly carries the weight of luxury whilst remaining approachable and laidback, Hotel Borneta is an exciting proposition for Barcelona; a thoroughly modern hospitality project informed by the very best of the past. This one’s a keeper.

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Hotel Borneta Barcelona Photography, James McDonald / © We Heart.