Industry's First Onsite Choreographer Introduced In Barcelona

The hotel-as-destination trend has reached new heights at Barcelona's chic Casanova Hotel with the addition of a staff Choreographer, Ignacio "Nacho" Pe�alver. Tasked with creating an environment that appeals to the hip hotel's cosmopolitan clientele, Pe�alver oversees a thought-provoking tableau of tastes, imagery and textures that change monthly in the hotel's fusion restaurant Mexiterran�e and the Lobby Bar.

"The idea is to design provocative, interesting themes that invite exchange between the guests and staff," says Pe�alver. "It's all about the discovery of new colors, food and tastes." Pe�alver integrates a wide palette of ideas inspired by Mexican, Spanish and Catalan elements. Although fixtures and furniture will not change, Pe�alver brims with ideas that have guests and patrons feeling as though they are entering a newly imagined space each time they visit.

All Things Cactus: The First Theme
Among the first themes is a celebration of All Things Cactus. Elements include a Ceremony of Cactus, which elevates drinking spirits like Tequila and Mescal to a delightful rite, and a restaurant menu integrating ingredients like nopal and cactus flowers. The display of indigenous items made of cactus is also a part of the mix.

Another theme to come is Black Obsidian. This elegant quartz, forged by the heat of volcanoes, was used by ancient Mexican cultures like Teotihuacan to make totemic items. Food and drinks such as the special "Black Obsidian" cocktail consisting of Kahlua and Tequila served "on the rocks" using real obsidian rocks instead of ice will be themed to play off the color and history of obsidian. Coffee liqueur truffles to represent obsidian rocks will also accompany the cocktail, and carved obsidian animals from Mexico will be displayed around the restaurant.

Although themes are different every month, they share one element: the showcasing of unique, one-of-a-kind objects. And while the Mexico-Mediterranean connection plays a pivotal role, innovative ways of connecting the two cultures are also explored. Pe�alver is considering concepts such as linking the stylized lizards that embellish Barcelona's architectural wonder Park G�ell, with the mysterious beaded reptiles designed by Mexico's Huichol Indians.

Additionally, the wall in the hotel's bar serves as a cinematic canvas where theme-related imagery are explored on a whole new level. "We show everything from the latest music videos to retro films," says Pe�alver. "Featured performers and DJ's are also part of the program. An evening in Casanova's Mexiterran�e restaurant and bar is an experience like no other."

Casanova, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is located in the heart of the city, a short walk from Las Ramblas, Paseo de Gracia, major Gaudi architecture and museums. For reservations, please call toll-free at 1-866 849-6396 or visit www.casanovabcnhotel.com.
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