The Almanac hotel occupies one of the most desirable locations in Barcelona, at the heart of the city’s central grid. But few people are aware it also offers one of the most covetable skyline views, enjoyed away from the crush of tourists on the ground. The property recently opened a roof terrace called Azimuth, with a restaurant, late-running cocktail bar and a glassy rooftop pool. The theme, inspired by the starry sky and the stars on the horizon (Montjuïc Castle, Barcelona Cathedral and Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, among others), is celestial.

The multilevel rooftop staggers overtop the hotel’s 18th and 20th-century buildings—the two townhouses were merged by local studio Office of Architecture. Jaime Beriestain Studio undertook to dress the intimate spaces, privatised by lush planters and the high backs of upholstered seating. Deep banquettes have a curvaceous art deco quality. The rusty red palette provides contrast against the golden hue of the historic buildings beyond. Locals congregate here for ‘tardeo’, the Catalan happy hour, and stay through sunset into the wee hours.

Seven signature cocktails take their names from the stars and planets visible from the terrace over the summer months, including the Mercurio (Mercury), a foamy vodka and coffee liqueur concoction, and Urano (Uranus), a mocktail with lychee, lime, cucumber and mint. Happily for visitors, the hotel provides binoculars and key information on five observation points around the 360° terrace.

Azimuth’s ‘atelier’ hosts classes in watercolour-painting, yoga and meditation, and ceramics, and live musicians, tarot card readers, and an in-house astrologer show up for tardeo.

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