From Design Tours to Date Nights: My Summer Trip to Spain
When my Cosentino design rep, Barb, invited me to join a group of designers in Spain, I didn’t even hesitate—I immediately replied with a “Hellz yes!” (without even checking the dates).
I’d seen other designers go on this trip in years past and followed along on Instagram with total envy. It looked like such a dream: a group of designers traveling together, learning about the products we specify every day, and soaking up Spanish culture.
And I was right—it was a dream!
Part One: The Designer Trip
The first half of the trip was hosted by Cosentino, and let me tell you, they know how to host. Our group of women (technically competitors, but you’d never know it) was treated like gold. Cosentino made everything seamless and stress-free—much like what we do for our clients!
My husband and I flew into Barcelona, spent a day exploring, and then joined the group as we flew to Almería, where the Cosentino tour began.
The Cosentino Experience
The Cosentino factory is located in a small town outside Almería, where nearly everyone works for the company. Even our hotel was built by Cosentino and finished top to bottom with their products. Service was next-level and the food never stopped coming.
On our first morning, we hopped on a bus to tour the factory and learn how Silestone Quartz, Dekton, and Sensa are made. It was a lot of information (and very hot—I may have tuned out once or twice), but what stuck with me was how seriously Cosentino takes sustainability. Nothing goes to waste, and the operation is massive, with thousands of employees all working with incredible precision.
From Factory to Flamenco
Before leaving Almeria, we squeezed in a fabulous seaside dinner (in a town whose name I’ve sadly forgotten) then headed to Granada for a walking tour, delicious meals, and plenty of sangria. We were also treated to an evening of Flamenco dancing after a group dinner with a stunning view of Alhambra, the most famous monument of Islamic architecture.
Part Two - Mallorca Magic and our 25 Year Anniversary Celebration
Next my husband and I flew to Mallorca, where we turned the experience into our 25th wedding anniversary celebration. Mallorca was pure magic. For three days, we wandered narrow cobblestone streets, ate endless tapas, and sipped sangria and rosé. My favorite part? Sitting on tiny patios tucked between shops and restaurants, people-watching while soaking in the charm of the island.
Travel tip: If you go to Mallorca, you must eat at Ombu. It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had and one I’ll think about forever.
Beautiful Barcelona
The final stretch of the trip was Barcelona. We visited Sagrada Familia, the Barcelona Cathedral, and Gaudí’s Park Güell.
Spain happened to be in the middle of a heat wave—40º every day, and an eye-watering 48º the day we toured Park Güell! I’ve never sweated so much in my life (sorry but there’s a boob-sweat photo in the mix). The heat was intense, but even that couldn’t dull the beauty of the city.
And yes, my husband was the token male of the group. At first, I think he questioned coming along, but soon he was bonding with everyone and secretly enjoying being the only guy among 14 women.
Reflections
Every town we visited—Almería, Granada, Mallorca, Barcelona—was rich in culture, history, and of course, food. Looking back, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat (though maybe in the fall instead of June).
I came home refreshed, inspired, and deeply grateful—for the chance to connect with fellow designers, for the week alone with my husband, and for the reminder that there’s life and inspiration far beyond our desks.
Also: croissants, sangria, and endless memories.
I hope your summer was as delightful and inspiring! Sign up for our newsletter if you want to hear what we’re up to this fall and follow along on our instagram to see what we’re up to at the SCID Studio every week!
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