Travel Edit : The Grand Return of an Icon: Rosewood Villa Magna Reopens
A legend reborn, the Villa Magna has long been the silent witness to Madrid's high society life since the 1970s. Its acquisition and meticulous transformation by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts promise a new chapter that honors its storied past while elevating it to modern-day Palace standards.
- The Design: Masterminded by the acclaimed Tara Bernerd & Partners, the redesign is expected to be a lesson in subtlety. Think warm, rich textures—polished mahogany, supple calfskin, brushed brass, and custom-designed furnishings. The ambiance will speak of a modern residence with a profound respect for its 1970s Spanish heritage, not a trendy nightclub.
- The Location: Its position on the Paseo de la Castellana is quintessentially "old money." It's not about the loudest sign, but the most prestigious address. Nestled in the serene, tree-lined Salamanca district, it offers a peaceful retreat mere steps from the city's most exclusive boutiques and art galleries.
- The Experience: Anticipate service that is anticipatory and intuitive rather than ostentatious. The staff will know your name, your preferred newspaper, and how you take your afternoon tea. The focus will be on creating a private club atmosphere for those who value privacy and impeccable standards above all else.
The Chic As Fuck Madrid Experience: A Curated Itinerary.
Once you've settled into the Villa Magna, immerse yourself in the city's timeless luxury with these curated experiences.
The Art of the Paseo & Café Culture
The evening stroll, or paseo, is a sacred ritual. Join the well-heeled Madrileños for a walk along Calle Serrano and through the streets of Salamanca before the traditional late dinner.
- Café de Oriente: For a pre-dinner drink, the terrace of this café, facing the breathtaking Royal Palace, is a stage for sophisticated people-watching. Order a gin-tonic, a Spanish art form, and soak in the imperial atmosphere.
Gastronomy as Heritage
Dining is not about the spectacle; it's about the consistent excellence of ingredients and tradition.
- Sobrino de Botín: Founded in 1725, it's the world's oldest restaurant according to Guinness Records. Dining in its rustic, wood-beamed rooms on suckling pig or roast lamb is to taste history itself. It’s humble in appearance, yet priceless in experience.
- Casa Lucio: A legendary institution where Spanish royalty, politicians, and celebrities mingle discreetly. Famous for its huevos estrellados (broken eggs with fried potatoes and Iberian ham), its power lies in its unpretentious authenticity and stellar clientele.
A Private World of Art
While the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza are must-visits, the our approach often involves more intimate access.
- Private Art Tour: Hire a specialist guide for a private, before-hours tour of the Prado Museum. To stand alone with the works of Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco is a privilege that defines quiet luxury.
- Gallery Hopping in Las Salesas: Explore the smaller, elite galleries in this chic neighborhood, where acquiring art is a personal passion, not a public statement.
The Ultimate Evening: Opera & Cocktails
- Teatro Real: A night at the Madrid opera house is a timeless display of elegance. Secure tickets for a performance and witness Madrid's high society in its element.
- The Principal Madrid Hotel Rooftop: Conclude your evening with a nightcap on this beautifully designed rooftop terrace. The views of the city's iconic slate roofs and the illuminated Metropolis Building offer a perfectly serene and luxurious end to the day.
The reopening of the Rosewood Villa Magna is a beacon for those who seek a deeper, more resonant luxury. It invites you to experience Madrid not as a tourist, but as a temporary local with exquisite taste—to appreciate the weight of history, the value of craftsmanship, and the quiet confidence that comes with true, inherited elegance.
book your Stay at the Rosewood Villa Magna with us
Welcome to the real Madrid. Discreet, profound and eternally chic.
