THE ESPAÑOLITA WAY
Written by Monica Mendal on May 18th, 2021
There is a raw and honest essence about Spain. The abundance of natural beauty and soulful food is not unlike its Western European neighbors, though what distinguishes the country is only more evident when you dig beneath the surface. There is an ease and simplicity to the Spanish way of life that is both unassuming and unpretentious. While it's often overlooked by travelers for more popular destinations in France or Italy, ultimately, Spain is a country anchored by the warmth of its culture and its people. It is not to be seen but instead felt and experienced. In this spirit, Spanish-born Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro launched Españolita as a way to share the untapped charms of Spanish culture through locally-rooted retreats for curious and open-hearted travelers. Below, we chat with Carmen about all things Españolita.
The Madrid-born, Mallorca-based Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro is the founder of Españolita, a concierge travel service that specializes in bespoke experiences around Spain.
What's your background?
I was born and raised in Madrid. I spent the last 14 years living in New York, then Los Angeles, where my English husband and I started a family. It wasn't until this past year that I felt the urge to settle back in Spain. However, since the pandemic, I have forever changed my relationship with cities. We now live in a small village surrounded by countryside in Mallorca.
What did you work on before launching Españolita?
I grew up obsessed with period films, but until I worked on my first film in Madrid right out of business school, I didn't understand where I was supposed to be in the crew. Working in the Art department blew my mind. Since then, one of my most desired goals has been to work on beautiful films with talented production designers in Madrid, Morocco, London, LA... I have been lucky to work with Ridley and Toni Scott, Milos Forman, Michel Gondry, Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson, and now on a Wes Anderson project. Art department work is a creative process within a creative process, and that is very gratifying work to develop in a team. However, everyone in the industry knows that commitment is brutal for family relationships. My husband works a lot as an assistant director. He is gone most of the time, so after having children, I understood that being away from our families in Europe, I had to find my creative juices elsewhere while I raised my young children, and thus I started Españolita.
Did your career in production design have any influence on your experience launching Españolita?
Traveling and living abroad has influenced me to launch Españolita. As one gets to design their own identity after years away, while time educates your eye. The more you see, the better you become visually.
What does a typical day on an Españolita retreat look like?
Españolita takes the shape of immersive retreats around the Spanish heritage. Think artisan workshops, culinary sessions, a day out at sea, hikes through olive tree groves, walks in old villages, cookouts in mountain huts, and many other experiences that will make you dream.
Who is the Españolita traveler? How would you define this person?
A curious, open-hearted traveler, with an interest in food and culture in general, but who also can enjoy life's simple pleasures...
What aspect of Españolita retreats did you miss most this year?
I missed human connection and the joy of hosting. As a Spaniard, it's in my blood to welcome strangers who leave as friends and share the best of my world with them.
Do you think this year will change the way people approach travel moving forward? How has it changed for you?
I hope it does. I hold strong views about mass tourism, especially in Spain, and could feel this impact on fragile overexposed ecosystems. It has been devastating for many destinations, both socially and culturally. I hope after the pandemic, it will help build more resilient tourism systems that can positively impact local communities. It is a complicated issue that requires governments and businesses to adapt to a triple line accountability method: profit, people, and the planet; only then will travel be a force for good. It's very romantic, and I am aware of that. I can only apply my learnings to my little business and guide a change for as many people as possible coming to Spain. Ideally, tourism should be a driver for community empowerment, environmental regeneration, and heritage preservation.
What are your favorite destinations in Spain?
The Balearic Islands, its sea, has had my heart since I was a child. My happiest place in the world is swimming in its coves and caves.
I also enjoy the countryside a lot. There is just something very magical about the layers of history there. Also, Andalucía, because the ancient architecture is insane and the food and the people are incredible, and the Duende from the Flamenco culture is strong. If you've listened to live Flamenco and cried, you know what I am talking about.
Is there a place in Spain you've never been to but are dying to go?
Galicia is a jewel. My mom is from the Canary Islands, and we grew up going there a lot. I cannot wait to explore it more because it has the kind of unmanicured hidden gems right up my alley, and the people are charming!
What is your favorite Spanish wine?
Protos.
What is your favorite Spanish dish?
A Spanish omelette, made with eggs, potato and onions.
What is the best thing about Spain you want people to know?
I find it quite refreshing that we are Europeans but also very laid-back. When it comes to lifestyle, this is the best country in the world.
Photography by Brooke Fitts and Lucy Laught