The Best New Hotels in the World: 2019 Hot List

"It takes imagination and sensitivity for a global brand to turn a much-loved local favorite into a chic little beach hotel without accusations of cultural imperialism. Soho House has done just that with this Barcelona arrival. Originally built in the 1950s and admired for its Art Deco-style appearance, it is situated right on the sand at Garraf—a tiny, off-the-radar stretch of shore half-an-hour’s drive south of Barcelona, cradled by rolling hills covered in scraggy Mediterranean pines. The design team ditched the old hotel’s lino and laminex tables to create a calming concept with handmade, natural-wood decor, combined with a measured dose of the group’s signature hedonism. There are only 17 rooms, including one duplex with a private terrace, so staying here feels more like a cheeky weekend away with your best friends. Everybody greets each other in the restaurant, where lunch is selected from an ice-packed fish counter, or when claiming their striped sunbed on the beach. DJs in the bar—a stunning space where the floor-to-ceiling windows let a sea breeze in—provide gently rocking vibes in the evenings. Massages using Cowshed products are given outdoors on the terrace. The vibe in Garraf is off-beat. With this opening, Soho House injects the town with an alluring dose of urbane sophistication and the right amount of local sensibility. FLASH POINT If the urge for the bright lights of Barcelona hits, there is a shuttle bus between Little Beach House and Soho House Barcelona. +34 935-221-552; littlebeachhousebarcelona.com. Doubles from about $280." - CNT Editors