«Barcelona can grow into one of the top-rated cities in the world», por Celine Tadrissi

Celine Tadrissi is 44, married and a mother of three daughters. Born in Toronto, Celine is the Founder and has been CEO of Canadian-based Hammam Spa(s) by Céla for over 18 years. She has gained world recognition for her spas and her skincare line Céla. Having worked with spas across Canada as an expert training consultant and recently with the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Celine Tadrissi and the Hammam Spa team are increasing international awareness for their signature services and techniques.

Why did you choose Barcelona?

I joined my husband while we were in university for an exchange program 23 years ago. I developed a great love and respect for the city of Barcelona at that time. At this phase of our life, Barcelona offers the perfect balance of culture, cuisine, high-level education, and a beautiful physical environment where you can walk throughout the city and still enjoy nature and the beach all within a single city.

What aspects of the city would you highlight as being positive?

Barcelona is a dynamic, thriving city which intelligently plans and executes growth in strategic sectors such as art, technology, and cuisine while considering urban design and expansion to maintain residents’ quality of life and diversity of infrastructure.

What aspects of the city must be improved? How?

Two points for Barcelona improvement in my opinion are to support and celebrate more of the multi generation small business. I see that many small restaurants and store closed over covid and I think they brought a wonderful charm to the city. It would be a shame to lose this presence.

Additionally I think to increase and stimulate the wellness industry and destination travel for more high end tourism would offer a huge stimulus to get the right type of people coming to the city opposed to economy travelers. Offering wellness and fitness getaways just outside of the city center would encourage locals and tourism to stimulate the entire Barcelona city.

What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?

I think Barcelona has the opportunity to grow into one of the top-rated cities in the world from multiple parameters. A cultural destination for art, history, and architecture. A gastronomic paradise of cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, wine and olive oil. A stable economic hub anchored on a stable banking regulatory structure. My personal favorite is a leader in health, wellness and all things beauty.

Which city do you feel as «your city»? What do you miss the most?

Although my family and I just received our Spanish residency in 2020, I have felt Barcelona to be my city since my initial extended stay so many years ago. Barcelona definitely has a heart, and I miss this pulse from when we take off every time to leave. As a family, we have all been working towards eventually spending the majority of our time in Barcelona at our apartment in Cabrills.

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