Catalonia, Curated.

Defined by contrasts — mountains and sea, tradition and innovation, cities that pulse and villages that dream — Catalonia is more than a destination. It’s a mosaic of culture and identity, where every meal tells a story and every street corner hums with history. From the surreal masterpieces of Gaudí to the crisp sparkle of cava in a countryside bodega, this region of northeastern Spain is at once proudly Catalan and universally captivating. Who better to guide us through it than someone who knows how to transform a trip into something unforgettable?

We sat down with Duncan Greenfield-Turk, a sought-after luxury travel designer, to hear how he helps discerning travelers experience the true essence of Catalonia. With nearly three decades of expertise, Duncan curates immersive journeys that skip the clichés and spotlight the soul of the place. Below, he shares his insight with The Travel Desk — equal parts thoughtful, refined, and full of lived-in knowledge.

Let’s begin with a little about you. Tell us who you are, how long you’ve been in Catalonia, how long you’ve been in the travel industry, and how you help travelers experience this region.

I’m Duncan Greenfield-Turk, a seasoned luxury travel designer with nearly 30 years of experience crafting bespoke journeys for discerning travelers. While I divide my time between various global destinations, Catalonia has always captivated me with its rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and coastline. My expertise lies in curating personalized itineraries that go far beyond tourist paths, offering clients immersive experiences that reflect the authentic spirit of the region.

If someone is visiting Catalonia for the first time, what’s the perfect way to spend their first full day? Where should they go, what should they eat/drink, and what sets the tone for the trip?

Start with a leisurely breakfast in the Eixample district of Barcelona, followed by a private tour of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló. Lunch should be a fresh seafood feast in La Barceloneta with crisp local cava. Spend the afternoon wandering the Gothic Quarter or visiting the Fundació Joan Miró, then wrap up with a flamenco performance and a tasting menu in El Born. It’s an introduction that layers history, creativity, and indulgence — all the things Catalonia does beautifully.

What areas or towns in Catalonia do you find yourself recommending most often — and why?

Girona, for its medieval charm and exceptional gastronomy. Sitges, for its artistic energy and inclusive atmosphere. And the Priorat region, for dramatic landscapes and world-class wines. Each offers a distinct lens on Catalonia — culturally rich, elegant, and delightfully unexpected.

What properties — hotels, stays, or experiences — do you think offer something truly exceptional?

The Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona for refined urban elegance. Hostal de la Gavina in S’Agaró for a nostalgic, glamorous coastal escape. And Mas de Torrent in Empordà for countryside tranquillity wrapped in sophistication. Each offers a unique flavour of Catalonia, but all deliver unforgettable service and a true sense of place.

For travelers seeking a deeper cultural connection, what local experiences do you suggest they make time for?

Meet the Castellers with Barcelona Inside & Out, a unique first-hand experience with Catalonia’s human castles. Experience a hands-on cooking class in the picturesque Costa Brava region. The session with A Taste of Spain includes a guided market visit, personalized instruction, and a three-course meal with wine. Closer to the city? Join The Paella Club at one of three unique experiences, each designed to be a hands-on, interactive cooking workshop. Opt for a vineyard excursion with World Experience, including two traditional wineries in the Penedès region and a 2,000-year-old family-run estate. The tour features cava tastings, a vineyard tour by 4x4, and a farmhouse lunch. These aren’t just activities — they’re intimate ways to step inside the culture and leave with a real connection.

Catalonia has such a strong identity. How do you help guests experience the essence of this place beyond just seeing the sights?

It’s about slowing down and inviting clients into the rhythm of Catalan life. That might mean coffee with an artisan, aperitivos with locals, or private access to a historic site. The aim is always deeper engagement, not just observation.

What’s one local dish or ingredient travellers must try, and where do you go for the best version?

Pa amb tomàquet — toasted coca bread, ripe tomato, local olive oil, and sea salt. I send clients to Bar del Pla in El Born to enjoy it alongside local anchovies from L’Escala and a glass of vermouth (or vermut in Catalan). Humble, honest, and iconic.

How does Catalonia stand apart from the rest of Spain in your eyes, especially for a traveller?

It’s fiercely proud and beautifully distinct. You feel it in the language, the art, the food, the politics. There’s a richness and nuance here that’s different from anywhere else in Spain. Intellectual yet playful, historic yet forward-thinking.

What’s one unexpected or lesser-known stop that every luxury traveller should consider adding to their itinerary?

Cadaqués. This whitewashed coastal village near the French border was once a retreat for Dalí and still has that surrealist soul. It’s quiet, artistic, and deeply romantic — perfect for travellers looking to disconnect.

Insider recommendations include: Narita (the Japanese-infused menu is probably the most unique you’ll find in Cadaqués, while the interior combines the informal buzz of an Izakaya with the warmth of a Mediterranean kitchen), Compartir (run by three El Bulli alumni, Compartir, which means "to share," is designed with fork-to-fork combat in mind), and Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí (this mad-ball abode in Cadaqués served as Dalí’s primary space for working, living, and socializing until 1982).

What time of year do you love most in Catalonia and what makes it special?

Autumn. The harvest energy in wine regions, the cultural festivals in Barcelona, the soft golden light — it’s Catalonia at its most balanced and beautiful.

What does true luxury look like here? Not just in the five-star sense, but in the once-in-a-lifetime sense?

It’s deeply personal. Private access, unscripted encounters, moments of surprise and wonder. A vintner opening a special bottle, a private boat at sunset, or an impromptu meal in a countryside home. These are the things that stay with you.

Finally, if you could craft one perfect, unforgettable moment for a traveller in Catalonia — what would it be?

A private evening at the Palau de la Música Catalana, where the doors open just for you and a soloist performs beneath the stained-glass dome. Follow that with a candlelit dinner at Caelis or Koy Shunka for elevated tasting menus, or El Bitxo for casual tapas. It’s magical, intimate, and entirely Catalan.