Exploring the City Collection with Bill & Shawn

Published on

November 5, 2024

Imagine travelling between France, mainland Spain and the Balerarics in consecutive weeks, taking in multiple cultures and varied experiences but knowing every time you step into the front door at the end of a fun-filled day, you're home. All the home comforts await you, the beautiful decor, plush furnishings and knowing exactly where the coffee machine (or the bottle opener?!) are to allow you to sit back and relax. Join August homeowners Shawn and Bill as they travel around their homes in the French Riviera, Mallorca and Barcelona.

Cannes

Starting off in Cannes, the pair absolutely loved the apartment and its location - being a short and easy walk into town, it’s suitable for anyone who wants to be close to the action whilst being able to relax and take it all in. One of their favourite bakeries is just a 6 minute walk from the apartment - Marcellino Boulangerie Patisserie.

After a day strolling the Croisette, what better way to spend the evening then on your private balcony watching the sunset into the ocean? Rose (not) optional!

Taking the petit train on their first day to understand the layout of the city, they soon found themselves going beyond Cannes by visiting Sainte Marguerite Island, Eze, Mougins, Saint-Paul De Vence and Gourdon. Whilst at Sainte Marguerite island they took a tour of the old fort with a seaside picnic to take in the views. With so much to do around the South of France, they’re looking forward to coming back next year to explore further.

Mallorca

Their second stop was in Mallorca where they stayed in their gorgeous Soller apartment whilst also visiting Palma - the house was the perfect location to enjoy evening cocktails and plan their next day which is what we at August love to hear!
Whilst in Palma they took a cooking class to perfect their paella and Spanish tortilla skills over four hours. Naturally they took the class by storm and it ended up being a five hour evening of entertainment, good food and drink to really embrace Mallorcan life.

Whilst there they also stopped by the restaurant, Albatros, a short walk from the house and a standout during the quieter off-peak months. During these months, Shawn noted the Caves of Drach are a great place to visit, with less people and more time to take in these natural beauties.

Whilst in Mallorca, hiking or cycling really is a must do to see the stunning views and environment across the island.

Barcelona

On their final stop, they spent a couple of days in Barcelona - Visiting with friends, their mission - to find the best cocktails in town! We're happy to share that they did in fact manage to find some great cocktails whilst at El Museo, speakeasy La Whiskeria and Sky Bar for stunning views of the city.

Feeling thirsty? Here are 5 of our favourite cocktail bars to try while you're in town:

Paradiso - a speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and a hidden entrance behind a refrigerator door.
Dr. Stravinsky - a trendy bar with an innovative cocktail menu and a cool, industrial decor.
Bobby Gin - a classic cocktail bar with a vast selection of gin and tonics.
Two Schmucks - a hip and lively bar with a playful menu of inventive cocktails.
Bar Mutis - an exclusive, members-only bar with a luxurious atmosphere and a reputation for crafting some of the best cocktails in the city.

No trip to Barcelona can be complete without visiting the beauty of the gothic quarter and the Sagrada Familia. Despite construction beginning in 1882 the building is still unfinished. The famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí took over the project in 1883 and devoted much of his life to its design and construction until his death in 1926. Today, the church is still under construction and is projected to be completed in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death.