Located about 40 minutes from the centre of bustling Barcelona and half hour from the international El Prat Airport, is the mountainous suburb of Tibidabo. Here, the sounds of traffic and street chatter give way to birdsong, rustling trees and clear mountain air.
It was for this reason the former Gran Hotel La Florida was built here more than a century ago. Once a getaway for celebrities and dignitaries such as writer Ernest Hemingway, singer Bruce Springsteen and former US president Barack Obama, the landmark property is under the ownership of Dubai’s Sunset Hospitality Group.
Now operating as Mett Barcelona, the new venture preserves the building’s original grandeur, with its pale cream stone facade and arched windows, while giving the interiors a complete modern refurbishment. What remains with the newly opened 70-room hotel is its enduring purpose to offer calm and space in a city that rarely pauses for breath.
The National checked in for an exclusive first review of the resort.
The welcome
By the time I reach the gates of Mett Barcelona, a concierge is waiting in the circular driveway, greeting me by name and already aware of my arrival time. The luggage is taken immediately and a cold lemon drink is offered as soon as I enter the reception.
Check-in takes less than 10 minutes – the process is calm, done while seated on a couch, with everything already prepared.
The neighbourhood
A mountainous suburb known for its elevation and quiet affluence, Tibidabo has long been seen as a sanctuary from the city’s rush. For more than a century, it has been home to some of Barcelona’s wealthiest families, with large villas and estate gardens hidden among the trees as the road winds up the hill. Signs of daily life appear in the small cafes and bakeries tucked into alcoves along the bends.
About 10 minutes beyond the hotel is the area’s most famous landmark. Opened in 1905, Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo is one of Europe’s oldest theme parks with its signature Ferris wheel visible from afar. Apart from the faint sounds of the park in the distance, nights here are still. Locals enjoy the cooler air and lower humidity of the summer evenings, while the lights shimmering below trace the outline of a pulsating city.
The room
My Deluxe room reflects the hotel’s calm, minimalist design. Pale wood floors and soft, creamy fabrics make the space feel warm and open. A king-sized bed sits beside the floor-to-ceiling windows; at its foot is a sofa with a compact dining and work desk set by the light. Along the opposite wall is a large-screen TV encased in a wooden frame, while the cupboard below houses the minibar and coffee machine.
The bathroom keeps the same spa-like tone, with soft lighting and a walk-in rain shower. The highlight is undoubtedly the balcony, which overlooks the infinity pool, parts of the city skyline and, in the distance, the Mediterranean. With a pair of sunbeds in place, it is the kind of view compelling you to wake up early, make a coffee and sit back to take in the quiet.
The food
Dinner was at Albarada, the hotel’s signature Mediterranean restaurant, where the intimate dining hall opens onto a terrace overlooking the infinity pool.
I started with the Carpaccio di Sigala, langoustine with spicy gourd, mayonaise and caviar. The flavours were sharp and clean, the sweetness of the seafood lifted by the gentle acidity of the dressing.
For the main, I ordered the wild sea bass with sofrito, leek and parsley sauce. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked – its mild and almost buttery flavour pairing well with the slow-cooked vegetables and herbs.
Dessert was a baked cheesecake scented with citrus. It was small and compact and with just enough cream and tang to feel indulgent and non heavy.
Other culinary options include 1925 Vermuteria, which serves local tapas. The outdoor Pool Club offers casual dining with Mediterranean light bites and cocktails beside the water. At present, there are no halal meat options available across all venues.
Hotel facilities
The scenic outdoor infinity pool sits at the heart of the hotel, surrounded by trees and greenery. Two levels of terraces offer different views, one directly beside the pool and another higher up where Barcelona unfolds below. From here, I can see the spires of the Sagrada Familia rising in the centre and, in the distance, the coastline of Barceloneta tracing the edge of the sea.
During my stay, most guests were older couples with many using the hotel to unwind after a busy week in the city. Locals often arrive for lunch or a meeting at the Pool Club while the music is ambient and low. A compact and well-stocked gym overlooks the gardens through glass walls.
The verdict
Mett Barcelona brings a scenic and calm twist to the city’s urban hotel landscape. It does not chase the pulse of Barcelona’s nightlife or coastal energy, instead, it offers a rare chance to experience the city from a different angle, while also proving the notion that a calm Barcelona holiday is not as loco as it sounds.
The bottom line
Rates for a Deluxe room start from $395 (Dh1,450) per night, excluding taxes and seasonal surcharges. Check-in is from 3pm; check-out is until noon.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the property and reflects the standards during this time. Services may change in future
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
FULL%20RESULTS
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Results
2pm: Handicap Dh 90,000 1,800m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.30pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,950m; Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Classic Conditions Dh300,000 1,400m; Winner: Thegreatcollection, Adrie de Vries, Doug Watson.
4pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Oktalgano, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.30pm: Conditions Dh250,000 1,400m; Winner: Madame Ellingtina, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m; Winner: Mystery Land, Fabrice Veron, Helal Al Alawi.
5.30pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,000m; Winner: Shanaghai City, Jesus Rosales, Rashed Bouresly.
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Squads
Sri Lanka Tharanga (c), Mathews, Dickwella (wk), Gunathilaka, Mendis, Kapugedera, Siriwardana, Pushpakumara, Dananjaya, Sandakan, Perera, Hasaranga, Malinga, Chameera, Fernando.
India Kohli (c), Dhawan, Rohit, Rahul, Pandey, Rahane, Jadhav, Dhoni (wk), Pandya, Axar, Kuldeep, Chahal, Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar, Thakur.
More from our neighbourhood series:
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Fixtures
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Schedule:
Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
The Energy Research Centre
Founded 50 years ago as a nuclear research institute, scientists at the centre believed nuclear would be the “solution for everything”.
Although they still do, they discovered in 1955 that the Netherlands had a lot of natural gas. “We still had the idea that, by 2000, it would all be nuclear,” said Harm Jeeninga, director of business and programme development at the centre.
"In the 1990s, we found out about global warming so we focused on energy savings and tackling the greenhouse gas effect.”
The energy centre’s research focuses on biomass, energy efficiency, the environment, wind and solar, as well as energy engineering and socio-economic research.
Rooney's club record
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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A Prayer Before Dawn
Director: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire
Starring: Joe Cole, Somluck Kamsing, Panya Yimmumphai
Three stars
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Everybody%20Loves%20Touda
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Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
if you go
The flights
Fly direct to Kutaisi with Flydubai from Dh925 return, including taxes. The flight takes 3.5 hours. From there, Svaneti is a four-hour drive. The driving time from Tbilisi is eight hours.
The trip
The cost of the Svaneti trip is US$2,000 (Dh7,345) for 10 days, including food, guiding, accommodation and transfers from and to Tbilisi or Kutaisi. This summer the TCT is also offering a 5-day hike in Armenia for $1,200 (Dh4,407) per person. For further information, visit www.transcaucasiantrail.org/en/hike/
First-round leaderbaord
-5 C Conners (Can)
-3 B Koepka (US), K Bradley (US), V Hovland (Nor), A Wise (US), S Horsfield (Eng), C Davis (Aus);
-2 C Morikawa (US), M Laird (Sco), C Tringale (US)
Selected others: -1 P Casey (Eng), R Fowler (US), T Hatton (Eng)
Level B DeChambeau (US), J Rose (Eng)
1 L Westwood (Eng), J Spieth (US)
3 R McIlroy (NI)
4 D Johnson (US)
Five films to watch
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Pom Poki (1994)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
History's medical milestones
1799 - First small pox vaccine administered
1846 - First public demonstration of anaesthesia in surgery
1861 - Louis Pasteur published his germ theory which proved that bacteria caused diseases
1895 - Discovery of x-rays
1923 - Heart valve surgery performed successfully for first time
1928 - Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin
1953 - Structure of DNA discovered
1952 - First organ transplant - a kidney - takes place
1954 - Clinical trials of birth control pill
1979 - MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scanned used to diagnose illness and injury.
1998 - The first adult live-donor liver transplant is carried out
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Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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