Mark Abeytia
Last year, I returned to two of my favorite destinations—France and Spain—on a business trip that was anything but ordinary. Traveling for work may sound less glamorous than a vacation, but for me, it’s the opposite. My professional journeys are deeper, more immersive, and infinitely more rewarding. When I travel, I do so not just for myself, but for all my clients—each with their own dreams, interests, and passions. Every destination becomes a mosaic of possibilities: romantic retreats for honeymooners, culinary immersions for food and wine lovers, and authentic encounters for the culturally curious.
Paris – Where Style Meets Soul
My journey began in Paris, where I revisited some of the city’s most exquisite hotels. Finding the right property for each client feels like an elegant art form—a perfect pairing of personality and place. Whether someone dreams of a grand, chandelier-lit palace hotel steeped in old-world charm or a sleek, design-forward hideaway in the Marais, Paris never fails to deliver.
The French Riviera – Sunlight and Sophistication
From Paris, I boarded the train south to the French Riviera, where the rhythm slows and the Mediterranean sparkles with effortless glamour. For honeymooners and romantics, this region is pure magic: museums and beaches, Michelin-starred dining, and the ineffable glow of Côte d’Azur sunsets.
Among the villages perchés, medieval towns perched high on rocky cliffs, Èze captured my heart. It is a storybook village with ivy-draped walls, fragrant gardens, and breathtaking views of Monaco and the sea. Here, boutique hotels blend rustic authenticity with refined luxury—perfect for travelers seeking peace and romance.Nearby Antibes offered its own kind of seduction: chic seaside resorts, a lively open market bursting with fresh herbs and blooms, and a slower pace that feels quintessentially French.
Andalusia – Fire and Soul of Spain
From Nice, I flew to Andalusia, a region where passion and history run deep. Granada, with its labyrinthine streets and snow-capped Sierra Nevada backdrop, feels like a living museum. The Alhambra Palace remains one of the world’s most mesmerizing architectural masterpieces—its Moorish courtyards and intricate tiles whispering centuries of stories.
One of my most moving experiences was visiting a gypsy enclave carved into the hillside—caves that families have inhabited for generations. Inside, amid copper pots and vividly painted walls, guests are invited to witness an intimate flamenco performance. The rhythm builds with clapping, guitar, and stamping feet until it fills the cave with raw emotion. It’s not a show—it’s life itself, expressed through dance.
Barcelona – Creativity by the Sea
My final stop was Barcelona, a city where art, architecture, and coastal energy converge. From the playful curves of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família to the golden sands along the Mediterranean, Barcelona offers an irresistible mix of culture and leisure. It’s ideal for those who want the vibrancy of a great city combined with the rejuvenation of the sea.
Endless Inspiration
Every time I travel, I return with new ideas, hidden gems, and deeper insight into what makes each destination extraordinary. France and Spain never cease to surprise me—they are lands of romance, artistry, and adventure, where every corner tells a story.
f you’re dreaming of your own journey through these unforgettable countries—whether it’s a honeymoon overlooking the Riviera, a private wine tasting in Bordeaux, or a flamenco night in Granada—I’d love to help craft the perfect experience for you.