OCCUPATION: Art restorer, painter in my free time
MY STYLE: Shabby chic! I love being surrounded by beautiful things. The research of beauty is what moves my life. I like handmade items, good design, vintage clothes, and the patina that develops over time on paintings, old furniture, and walls.
I LOVE MADRID BECAUSE: It’s a city for all seasons. In autumn, we go to Retiro park and gather leaves for making collages. In winter, we go to the fabulous museums, theatres, and shows. At all times, Madrid’s beauty and history shines through.
Luzi Bombón
This Mediterranean brasserie is the latest addition to the Tragaluz restaurant group, which was started in 1987 by Rosa Maria Esteva and Tomas Tarruella, mother and son. Esteva’s daughter, interior designer Sandra Tarruella, created a bright and modern space for Luzi Bombón. It’s perfect for a meal or late-night drinking and dancing.
Museo del Prado
Verónica Hernanz’s passion for art is well-served in Madrid, where the Prado Museum houses one of the world’s best collections, especially where Spanish art is concerned. You’ll find entire rooms of works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Velázquez’s Las Meninas is the museum’s most famous painting, and largely responsible for the millions of visitors the museum receives every year.
El Dragón Lector
This beautiful children’s bookstore has several locations throughout the city, but each has a shop-around-the-corner-like charm. The friendly staff is eager to give recommendations, while Leo, the blue bookish dragon of a mascot, focuses on presiding over weekend story hours.
Sueños Polares
The unique pieces at this boutique speak to kids who are just as original and playful. You’ll find headphones printed with Marvel comic heroes, colorful rain boots perfect for running, dancing, and jumping in puddles, and plenty of other great pieces for eclectic babies, kids, and teens. “This is really the best place for shopping for the kids,” says Verónica Hernanz.
Ten Con Ten
Ten Con Ten is one of the hottest spots in Madrid. It’s unique interior is at once comforting and bold, just like its food, which is inventive yet familiar. Whether you want a cocktail made by world-renowned bartenders or indulge in a several course dinner, Ten Con Ten’s friendly staff makes you feel welcomed. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the desserts—the Tarta de Manzana is a customer favorite.
Pilates Atelier
Thomas Urquijo designed this fitness studio with the idea of creating a distinct space that radiates serenity. You can take it all in from atop a Power Plate—the special exercise machine with a vibrating base, said to help with flexibility and bone density. What’s more, Pilates Atelier also offers physiotherapy and spa services, including a range of facials designed to enhance the skin’s health and radiance.
Cervecería Santa Barbara
Approaching its bicentennial anniversary, this cervecería is still going strong. Guests can stand at the horseshoe-shaped bar for a glass of Mahou, the local brew, or sit at a table for tapas and table service. We recommend the handmade potato chips, prawns, and boquerones (anchioves) in vinegar. And even if you’re not a big beer drinker, it’s worth a visit just to see the globe lights and classic marble floor.
Baby Deli
Pretty much a mother’s dream come true, Baby Deli is comprised of three components: a retail space for toys and clothes, a snack bar with healthful bites, and an educational center where children can engage in activities galore. Stacy Knoell, one of the founders, recommends some of her favorite edibles: “Make sure your snack includes my favorite vanilla PurNatur yogurt and a Natur-Frisk lemonade. Also take some organic and healthy snack foods with you for later like Organix’s Goodies Cheese and Herb Puffs and a Kidz fruit bar.”
Ginza
The chef at Ginza combines fresh local ingredients with top-quality fish imported from Japan. The result is what some consider the best sushi and sashimi in Madrid, served in a space perfect for a stylish dinner with friends. Verónica Hernanz likes to sit at the bar with her husband, where they can watch the chefs at work.