“Unique, authentic, sunny and musical” , reply Caroline de Maigret when we ask him to define us Seville in four words.
The model and music producer has just become the new “Global Explorer” of the luxury hotel brand The Luxury Collection, a collaboration that debuts with the launch of a series of city guides inspired by De Maigret's travels.
The first of these guides, edited by Assouline, bears the title A Night in Seville and the Morning After and invites us to spend 24 hours in Seville hand in hand with Caroline deMaigret.
The starting point could not be another: the emblematic hotel Alfonso XIII. Check in!
Caroline de Maigret and her romance with Seville.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
"For me, traveling goes hand in hand with exploring and discovering. Meet new people on the way, find cool bar around the corner, small exhibition with local treasures or just staying in the perfect hotel makes me feel very happy and alive”, says the French model, whose unique style and savoir faire have made her a true fashion icon.
Her professional life and her passion for discovering new places have taken her on a trip to many cities around the world and His thing with Seville was love at first sight: "I was fascinated by his authenticity and charm of it. It feels like it hasn't changed in decades," Caroline tells Condé Nast Traveler.
“One of the things I like to do there is lose myself in the alleys of the city. Seville has a very special energy: I love the people, the music, the food. I have been there many times and never ceases to amaze me ”, she states.
Guide to Seville with Caroline de Maigret.
THE ALFONSO XIII HOTEL
What is the first thing we think about when planning a getaway? The operations center! Caroline de Maigret always stays at the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville : “I fell in love with your amazing 1920s architecture. You really feel like you are staying in a special place when you walk through it. It is my favorite hotel in Seville, it is a journey in itself! Caroline tells us.
Seville would not be Seville without the Giralda, without the Torre del Oro, without the Alcázar... and without the Alfonso XIII. In fact, there are many who, before setting foot in any of the city's tourist spots, check-in at this hotel designed by the architect Jose Espiau Munoz What residence for the international dignitaries who would visit the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.
Of course, the intention –and ambition– of King Alfonso XIII went much further: he wanted to turn it into the greatest hotel in Europe. Since then, personalities of the stature of Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Orson Welles, Madonna and Brad Pitt.
The majestic suites of the Alfonso, declared Well of Cultural Interest , they are decorated with three different styles –Andalusian, Moorish and Castilian– and in them luxury takes on a historical dimension, only eclipsed by the royal throne, located in the museum on the ground floor.
Exterior of the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville.
A PERFECT DAY IN SEVILLE
We are already at the Alfonso hotel, ready to get to know the city, where do we start? “I would start the day with a walk through the streets of Triana While it's still cool I would see the market, have a coffee and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the neighborhood” Caroline recounts.
“Then I would go to a couple of local stores like Latimore Discs, The Third Antiquarian Bookstore either The bell to buy some souvenirs,” she continues.
"After eating, –How about some mussels in El Pintón?– I would go back to the hotel for a nap, because depending on the time of year, it's too hot to be outside in the afternoons,” explains Caroline.
To end our day in Seville, "I would have dinner at Cannabot and finish with a drink in the Alameda de Hércules and maybe a concert in Fun Club”.
If you want a more relaxed plan, make a reservation for dinner at his favorite corner of the hotel, the terrace of the Ena restaurant: “It has a very cool atmosphere and I am addicted to its 'bikini'. It's like a truffled croque monsieur."
24 hours in Seville with Caroline de Maigret.
TIME TO EAT (AND DRINK)
The guide A Night in Seville and the Morning After (A night in Seville and the morning after) is divided into four sections, revolving around restaurants, drinks, shopping, and sights Maigret's favorites in Seville.
Among his culinary recommendations is container, a restaurant slow food that combines gastronomy and art: “They organize new exhibitions every month and the food is really good, don't miss their rice with duck”, Carolina de Maigret tells Condé Nast Traveler.
Shall we go tapas? “The Riconcillo It is a perfect place to have tapas -judgment-. It is the oldest bar in Seville. I have met great people there.
We check-in at the emblematic Alfonso XIII hotel.
He also advises us Le Petit Committee: “This is another great place for tapas. It's worth trying octopus parmentier!”.
Besides of american bar from the Alfonso hotel, “perfect to have the best cocktails when the afternoon falls” , when it comes to toasting and having a good time, Caroline loves getting up close to the Alameda de Hercules: "Its terraces and informal atmosphere make it one of the best areas to go out at night," she says.
'A Night in Seville and the Morning After'.
“And if you want to enjoy an appetizer in the purest Andalusian style, go to The Old Winery, in the Plaza del Salvador. It's like the whole city congregates here after work!” Caroline says.
A place you always come back to? “ Garlochi. For me, it's the best bar in town. Super kitsch and very funny".
Caroline de Maigret at the Alfonso XIII hotel.
24 HOURS AND LOTS TO SEE
Seville is not seen in a day, or in a lifetime! That's why Caroline has a list of essential places to which she adds new discoveries each time she returns to town.
Among them is, of course, the Palace of the Duenas: "An architectural gem that houses a wonderful collection of works of art and historic furniture," says Caroline, who she recommends end the visit with a stroll through the palace gardens.
Nor are classic emblems of the city missing from her list, such as the Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville, the Chapel of Saint Joseph –“simply spectacular” and museums like the Palace Museum of the Countess of Lebrija, the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville and the Flamenco Dance Museum.
Chapel of the Mariners, headquarters of the Brotherhood of Hope of Triana.
SHOPPING
Our express getaway to Seville has come to an end, and before leaving, we want to take with us a memory of the city. Where to find it?
“populart is the perfect place to find authentic pottery and tiles which are a large part of Seville's heritage. For me it is paradise, since I collect ceramics”, says Caroline. “Laura or one of her children will guide you and help you choose the perfect piece” she adds.
For a unique gift, “I would recommend Craft Guitars, by Jose Luis Postigo, a store full of old guitars. Even if you don't want to buy one, the space is worth a stop. It's really magical,” she continues.
A walk through Triana with Caroline de Maigret.
Caroline's shopping guide is a real treasure and in it we also find stores for coffee lovers, such as the Toaster The Fish Man , with varieties from all over the world; places that are a true paradise for the most nostalgic –such as Latimore Records and Record Seville– and essential temples for fashion lovers, such as the millinery maquedano –“the mecca of hats” and Lina 1960.
The body of a king at the Hotel Alfonso XIII, A Luxury Collection Hotel.
"I love go to Lina 1960 to see them flamenco dresses traditional handmade. They are a work of art”, comments Caroline de Maigret.
You can buy the guide A Night in Seville and the Morning After by Caroline de Maigret, on the website of A Luxury Collection (40 euros).
There has also been a series of digital guides on Paris, Venice and Athens , elaborated as a result of Maigret's trips to these cities, available on the same website.
'A Night in Seville and the Morning After'.