The Spa Kitchen, Barcelona, Spain

If the curious looks of passersby are anything to go by, The Spa Kitchen on a leafy street in Barcelona’s Eixample district, is certainly a departure from the usual run-of-the-mill beauty salons. Not surprising, considering the owners are Ronit Stern and Rafael Campos, the entrepreneurial duo behind the artisanal bakeries Crustō, which they have since sold, and the buzzing Toto Restaurant and Wine Bar, where they tapped local design star Lázaro Rosa-Violán for the interiors.

Clearly aesthetically inclined, for the spa, the duo charged Barbara Aurell of interior studio Espacio En Blanco, who took a quirky, relaxed approach to the design, filling the space with an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings, enhanced by standout elements such as the central coconut fibre lamps and colourful wallpaper from House of Hackney in London.

Indulge in a pedicure with a jar of homemade lemonade while ensconced in wicker chairs softened by faux fur throws before heading to one of the treatment rooms for a deep tissue massage or an anti-ageing facial. 

While we recommend a visit to the actual shop for the full experience, the salon does offer a ‘take away’ service for clients who prefer the comfort of their own home.