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MADRID
The designer Gabriela Hearst shares her tips
for navigating the Spanish capital in styleThree words that describe Madrid?
‘Elegant, relaxing, gourmet.’
Best place to stay
‘I love Villa Magna – a wonderful hotel in
the heart of the city with a fabulous spa
and chic guestrooms created by the
Spanish interior designer Thomas Urquijo.’
(www.hotelvillamagna.es)
Favourite restaurant
‘In Madrid, you have to work hard to eat badly,
but the places I never miss when I’m in town are
O’pazo for amazing fish (www.opazo.es),
El Paraguas for a leisurely lunch (www.
elparaguas.com), and Restaurante Horcher for its
delicious desserts.’ (www.restaurantehorcher.com)
Ideal travelling companions
‘My family and friends.’
Favourite view
‘Wandering around the streets looking up at
the architecture – it’s like a quieter version of
Paris with a more peaceful atmosphere.’
Best tip for relaxation
‘I a lways ma ke time to go on a long wa lk in
Retiro Park, which was originally a retreat for
the royal family. There’s a fragrant rose garden
and you can rent a rowboat and glide out onto
the lake with the ducks.’
Favourite memory
‘I went on a g irls’ tr ip w it h my daughter
and sister, and we managed to get tickets
to see the Spanish singer Leiva live in concert.
We sa ng a long w it h 30,000 pa ssionate
fans – it was incredible.’
(www.leivaweb.es)Gabriela
HearstRetiro ParkThe Royal suite at Villa Magna.
Left: Madrid’s Gran VíaGabriela Hearst with
her daughters in MadridBAZAARTRAVELCurrency
case, £225
Smythson
Baccarat
Rouge 540,
£200 for 70ml
Maison Francis
Kurkdjian
ParisBest tip for adventure
‘A visit to the Prado is an adventure for the
mind. I am continually inspired by the work of
Hieronymus Bosch and love going to see his
most enigmatic creation, The Garden of Earthly
Delights, which lives within the museum’s walls.’
(www.museodelprado.es)
Insider secret
‘Ekseption is a wonderful boutique, filled
with high-end fashion and well-curated
lifestyle picks.’ (www.ekseption.com)
What do you pack?
‘I a lways ta ke a Gabr iela Hea rst suit or t wo;
my current favourites are the linen Vargas
trousers with the matching Angela blazer, and
the blue Chavela trousers and Sophie blazer.
I a lso li ke to travel w it h my Vevers tote, na med
after my friend, the designer Stuart Vevers.’
What’s in your carry-on luggage?
‘A Smy t hson travel wa llet, a n A spina l
notebook and my perfume, Maison Francis
Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540.’
Beauty essentials
‘Biologique Recherche’s brilliant toner and
La Grande Crème, which protects my skin
against harsh elements when I’m travelling.’£1,305
Gabriela
Hearst