Barcelona Ink
1. Summer spruce-up As the temperature rises it’s time to re-evaluate your skincare and make-up routine, so why not have some fun at the same time? Beauty company Virgin Vie will organise a pampering session in the comfort of your own home—plan a girls’ night-in with friends to try the award-winning beauty treatments and discover first-hand the latest in make-up techniques. To book call Alicia on 667 493 846; www.virginvieathome.com
2. Speed and class Your dream of driving a sports car down the open road is no longer so distant. With ECB Rental, you can enjoy the sensation of driving a luxury vehicle such as a Ferrari or Porsche. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax in the backseat as a driver takes you on a guided tour. Tel. 93 583 9547, www.ecbrental.com
3. View from a room Balconies are an inherent feature of the Barcelona landscape, whether it’s laundry-covered spaces in the old town or the Modernista detailing of La Pedrera. New from the Ajuntament, the book Barcelona Balconies (available in English, Catalan and Castilian) explores the history and use of balconies here. €34.50. Available from Sala Ciutat, C/ Ciutat 2
4. Magical tales Turn reading into your child’s favourite pastime with just the flick of a wand at Abracadabra, Barcelona’s new international childrens’ bookstore. Browse a selection of books in English, Catalan, Castilian and other languages. There is also a special space for creative workshops, which occasionally includes English programmes. Álvarez de Castro 5, tel. 93 310 1410, www.abracadabrallibres.es
5. Superstars A selection of top Spanish songsters, including Amaral and Miqui Puig, have recorded lullabies (nanas in Castilian) for 21st-century babies with the aim of raising money for Aldeas Infantiles SOS, a Spain-based children’s charity that works around the world. Each Supernana song costs €1 with all proceeds going to the charity. Available to download now from www.supernanas.org
6. Works of fiction Launching this month is Barcelona Ink, a new quarterly magazine featuring English-language fiction and poetry based on, and inspired by, this fair city we find ourselves in, as well as interviews with authors and competitions. €6. Available in English-language bookshops and branches of Laie and La Central bookshops. www.barcelonaink.com