Barcelona, Spain
Nuria Val has captured the attention of the most powerful fashion and beauty brands in the world thanks to the quality and warmth of the content that reflects in @frecklesnur, always focused on travel and unique destinations. She is not just any influencer, she is one who finds in the honesty of what she communicates her differentiating point, reason that has led her to create her own conscious and sustainable beauty brand: Rowse. Her partner, the photographer Coke Bartrina is always her travel and adventure companion.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local", a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to find out why her own territory should be your next destination.
What does Barcelona mean to you?
It means a lot. It is the place that I consider my home, which after so many years traveling and living in many different places, it has helped me to have a place to settle and feel that I belong to this beautiful place in the world.
What does it smell like and what does it taste like?
It smells like the sea and tastes like the Mediterranean.
What makes Barcelona such a unique and special city?
The lifestyle, the cultural agenda, pop-up design, new talent and beautiful modernist architecture that makes up the city.
Nuria Val is the co-founder of the natural cosmetics firm Rowse.
Creatively, how do you connect with your city?
I connect a lot creatively. I love the light and having the sea nearby. I usually go on hikes to climb Tibidabo to take photos at sunset and see the views of the entire city. When I need inspiration I usually go to see museums and my favourite: the Fundació Miró.
Now that travel is starting to pick up again, why should the world travel to Barcelona? Why choose it above the rest?
Barcelona has a lot to contribute. Local restaurants with Mediterranean and traditional cuisine, beach bars where you can eat paella and take a dip at sunset, museums, long walks through the great avenues or through the oldest neighborhoods of the city. From Barcelona you can leave by train or car and visit beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava and make alternative plans to combine with the visit of the city.
If a friend from abroad came to visit you, where would you have breakfast (and what would you eat)?
At Three Marks Coffee: an iced latte with oat milk and a granola bowl.
What bar or restaurant would it be essential for you to know? What do you eat and drink in that place?
The Greenspot has been my favorite for years and it never disappoints me. Sweet potato noodles are a classic.
What corners or places beyond the typical tourist circuit would I have to see?
Within the Miró Foundation there is an amazing library that hardly anyone knows about with super nice art books, it is worth getting lost there and spending a morning.
What store would you recommend and what souvenir should he take with him from the city?
In El Born is the store of a local artist named Apreski. It's all beautiful!
In terms of accommodation: what would be your recommendation and why?
Hotel Casa Bonay is my favorite. He sleeps great and dinners on the terrace I love.
Where are the best views of Barcelona?
Tibidabo!
What is your favorite neighborhood in the city or what is the one that you think goes unnoticed having a lot to contribute?
I love l'Eixample, I cross it every day to go down from Gracia to Poblenou where Rowse's office is located. It's a super nice area. with buildings and cafes that make the journey always livelier.
Is there any book, piece of art or photography that makes you connect with the essence of Barcelona?
The photography of Leopoldo Pomes, a classic of the city with photographs that have made history.
What excites you about Barcelona right now? Is there any character or project that you think is raising the name of the city?
Creativity is booming in Barcelona. Brands creating trends, architecture studios signing precious projects, photographers, potters etc. I am lucky to be surrounded by a creative circle that gives me many things.