Intro
Now, we like festivals. BUT. We’ve done a lot of mud in our day. And although we can do it and always make the best of it, there’s nothing quite like a sunny festival. And even better, a sunny festival where you retire on silky Egyptian cotton sheets and rise to room service. W’s first festival in Europe, Wake Up Call, was a refreshing five- star festival weekend.
Location
With direct beach access, set right in front of the beach at the end of Barceloneta, the views here are unparalleled. Looking out at the city and sea-line is a great way to start and end your day.
The Hotel
With the iconic sail structure (this hotel is known as Hotel Vela or Sail Hotel), designed by Ricardo Bofill, the impressionable building sets the stage for a luxe stand out stay. All 473 room have views, rainforest walk in showers and are extremely spacious for Barcelona. Wall to wall windows mean the outside is brought in, and with 26 floors, rooms at the top have spectacular views. If you’re looking to host something special, do look into their suites; the one we saw had a wrap around terrace, bar, lounge, bedroom and huge washroom with tub looking out to sea. The hotel has two pools, a spa, several restaurants and a chiringuito with daybeds on the beach.
The Schedule
You’re here for a festival, remember! Two days and two nights of programming across four different spaces, with smaller activations (lunch with Martin Solveig and Mambo Brothers in the suite) happening too. Highlights included Pete Tong, Black Coffee and Booka Shade. Full schedule here.
Cuisine
With several different restaurants – Bravo24 (led by Michelin starred Carles Abellán), Salt, Wave, Eclipse, the W Lounge and poolside Wet Deck, you could spend the whole weekend here and not get bored.
Highlights
The hotel. Being able to run upstairs to change between sets, order healthy room service, have a quick swim at the beach, pop into the spa for a refresher, and then dance the night away- made this a very hassle free, luxe festival.
Next WUC
After successful festivals in W Hollywood, W BCN and W Bali, stay tuned for news on future festivals.
Details
Address
Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1 Final, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
