1. Mix it up
Martini Illustration
Admire Barcelona from the sky with a glass in hand while learning from experts at a mixology masterclass. The Eclipse bar, on the 26th floor of the iconic W Hotel (Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents 1), hosts classes that will let you in on the secrets behind three of their most popular classic cocktails: the Watermelon Martini, Passion Fruit Martini and Venezuelan Mojito. The bar can host up to 20 participants, with prices from €50 per person. If you want to dive even deeper into the world of specialized alcohol, Cocktail Shop (Roger de Llúria 46) offers in-depth classes focusing on perfecting gin, rum or vermouth cocktails. Using the best craft liquors, the master mixologists take groups of up to 15 participants through a two-hour workshop exploring the history of a single spirit and how best to use its different varieties to complement a range of cocktails.
2. Cook up a storm
Shop, cook then eat your dinner in a personal cookery class in the heart of the Raval. Bear on Bike at Espai EGG (Riereta 15) offers an immersive experience, during which you will explore La Boquería market, enjoy a tasting board of local produce, prepare a three-course lunch and then enjoy the fruits of your labors, all at the expert hands of Ella and Alberto. The couple provides beautiful, tasty food but also emphasizes the sustainability of their project─they try to source all of their produce as locally and seasonally as possible. The menu goes beyond most typical Spanish cookery classes, drawing inspiration from everything from Nordic cuisine and Mediterranean staples to healthy alternatives based on their slow-food philosophy. The gourmet afternoon lasts four and a half hours, costs €80 per person for groups of up to 10, and also includes local biodynamic wines to help the cooking go as smoothly as possible.
3. Be a princess
Treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at El Palace (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 668) set in what used to be The Ritz. In the traditional, gilded restaurant, gloved waiters serve stacked platters of sandwiches, scones and 12 different kinds of tea for €28 per person or €40 with champagne. For a more personalized touch, Rooftop Tea Barcelona (rooftopteabarcelona.com) offers groups the opportunity to be pampered by Angela Carroll and her amazing array of homemade goodies. An English expat, Carroll has brought the British tradition to the Spanish audience, with towers of delicate sandwiches, fluffy scones and tea or cava served in vintage china. Her friendly welcome ensures a relaxed afternoon for groups of a minimum of eight people, hosted in chic venues around the city, and she can also provide personalized touches such as handcrafted cake toppers, iced biscuits and beautifully decorated place settings.
4. Think, make, create
Get those creative juices flowing at a workshop at Arte Bar (Roger de Flor 135), a space dedicated to proving that everyone can have fun painting. You will get three hours of expert guidance from trained artists who will provide the canvas, paint, equipment and snacks─all you have to do is bring the wine. At the end of the session, you will be able to take away your finished masterpiece as a colorful memento of the occasion. To get more in touch with nature, join Gang & The Wool (gangandthewool.com) for a flower workshop set in a little greenhouse in Vallvidrera in the Collserola hills. The boutique floral design company specializes in flower crown workshops for up to 12 people, which include brunch, tuition and professional photos sent to you the week after the event.
5. Push the boat out
Take advantage of Barcelona’s proximity to the sea, and let your hair down during a scenic cruise along the stunning Catalan coastline. Various companies based at Port Olímpic, including Orsom Catamaran and Barcelona Boat Party, offer extravagant three-hour outings for up to 100 guests, which include music, drinks and time for a paddle in the glorious blue waters of the Mediterranean whilst the crew prepare a barbecue. Try to book a cruise late in the afternoon to watch the sunset from the deck while sipping on champagne, then continue to dance the night away at Opium (Passeig Marítim 34) or Pacha (Passeig Marítim 38) after disembarking.