La Roca Village is your one-stop destination for art, fashion, and creativity

Wondering what an ideal summer vacation looks like? Picture this: Nestled halfway between the bustling city of Barcelona and the spectacular beaches of Costa Brava, in the tranquil Vallès Oriental region, lies La Roca Village—a shopper’s paradise. First opened in July 1998, the city is reflected in the landscape of this pedestrianised, open-air village, where more than 150 boutiques line the streets.

Part of the same consortium as London’s Bicester Village and La Vallée Village in Paris, this retail haven promises an unparalleled shopping experience, a unique mix of brands, scenic surroundings, cultural richness, exquisite services such as image consulting and personal shopping, and exceptional savings on the world’s best fashion brands. Set among traditional Catalan modernist buildings, the village features Gaudí-inspired mosaics, vibrant bougainvillaea, and architecture reminiscent of a quaint Spanish town centre—but what truly draws visitors are the discounts. Catering to various shopping styles—be it big spenders or those indulging in retail therapy—the village boasts everything from renowned Spanish designer boutiques like Bimba y Lola and Loewe to international luxury brands such as Burberry, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Gucci that offer up to 60 percent off on recommended retail prices. Additionally, local favourites, including the beloved deli Atmósferas Mordisco, serve regional specialties.

The Apartments at The Bicester Collection Villages are more than just luxurious spaces; they are immersive environments that reflect a deep appreciation for spatial design. Each apartment is thoughtfully crafted to embody the cultural heritage, artistic sensibilities, and historical narratives of its location, creating a unique and memorable experience for every visitor. At The Apartment at La Roca Village, interior designer David Thomas partnered with Joel Canovas, also known as The Tile Hunter, who specialises in sourcing hydraulic tiles. Originally manufactured in the mid-19th century using compressed cement, these tiles became popular in southern Europe, northern Africa, and Latin America, particularly during the Catalan modernist movement, where they featured vibrant, intricate designs. By the mid-20th century, newer, more lightweight tile types emerged, making traditional hydraulic tiles less common. However, Joel sourced the stunning original hydraulic tiles for the entrance, vestibule, and bar areas from Mosaicos Barcelona, preserving this beautiful tradition and infusing the space with a unique historical charm.

Beyond shopping, La Roca Village cultivates a sophisticated confluence of artistic inspiration, designed to move the senses. One such initiative showcases the larger-than-life works of British-Indian multidisciplinary artist Sejal Parekh. Through her signature style, she contributes to the Village’s ongoing campaign, “Your Style, Your Game,” with a powerful exploration of identity and resilience. Her work frequently incorporates cultural references to examine nostalgia, displacement, assimilation, and appropriation. Challenging monolithic definitions of home and belonging, her artistic practice asserts that resilience is not merely about enduring pressure but about transformation in the face of dominant cultural forces. Seven site-specific installations, displayed throughout the village’s signature Malle de Voyage and other key locations, invite viewers to explore identity and potential through materiality. From reimagined punch bags symbolising the duality of soft and hard power to installations examining resilience, Parekh’s artistic response to the campaign merges layered conceptual ideas with striking creativity.

Last year, La Roca Village also pushed the boundaries of artistic expression through a collaboration with the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, unveiling the latest chapter in “The Awakening of the Myth: Gala Dalí.” This year-long exhibition explored Gala’s enigmatic personality and enduring influence on fashion, art, culture, and society through the lens of her living archive. The retrospective begins at the Castle of Púbol with Gala’s fashion collection featuring 24 key pieces from her personal archive, including haute couture by Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Jean Dessès, alongside outfits from Givenchy, Oleg Cassini, Jeanne Lanvin, and Cristóbal Balenciaga. It redefines her legacy beyond her role as Dalí’s muse. Now open to the public at La Roca Village, the exhibition brings together contemporary artists like illustrator Carla Fuentes and photographer Jordi Bernadó. It traverses the Dalínian Triangle to La Roca Village, which has been transformed into an open-air canvas to present a fresh and unexpected portrayal of the muse.

Lead image: House of Gala at La Roca Village

All images: The Brand

Also read: At Serendipity Arts Festival, art comes alive through movement, music, and food

Also read: Decoding the rise of art exhibitions and fairs in India