My home is right beside Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s hidden gems. My husband and I moved here because of the climate as I have fibromyalga, and the dry, warm weather really helps my symptoms. I’ve been lucky to find a studio space in Lavapies, from where I create my collections for Made Obvious. 

Where To Stay

Only You Hotel Atocha

The highlight of this hotel is its rooftop restaurant offering lovely views of the city centre. It has a clubby, Art Deco vibe and a design highlight is an undulating bookcase in the lobby, where there are lots of leather armchairs for lounging. It’s also right beside Retiro Park, which is a must-visit, and right by Atocha station if you want to travel on to anywhere else in Spain. The Prado Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums are about a 15 -minute walk away, as well as the lesser known yet fascinating Royal Tapestry Factory. @onlyyouhotels

Hotel Unico

Located on one of the most exclusive streets in the chic Salamanca district, if you’re looking for a boutique hotel close to shops, this is the place. It’s very modern and airy, yet small and intimate with a cosy cocktail bar, where reakfast is served in its quiet courtyard. Gourmets will appreciate the Ramon Freixa restaurant, which has two Michelin stars and offers tasting menus (from between 20-25 courses!), and a very posh Sunday brunch. @hotelunico

What To See

Museo del Traje

Located in a sleek building slightly outside of the centre, The Garment Museum houses a huge collection of Spanish fashion and traditional costumes. It also has a lovely outdoor restaurant worth a visit. @es_madrid

Museo Sorolla

A small museum by Madrid standards that’s hidden away, it has a beautiful garden offering a calming break from the heat and busy streets. It houses numerous artworks from impressionist artist Sorolla – known as “the master of light” – who he had a reputation for painting beach scenes en plein air. The great loves of his life were his home city of Valencia alongside his muse, his wife Clothilde, to whom he would write everyday. @museo_sorolla

Casa de Campo

Even though this is technically a city park, it feels like the countryside. It’s huge, so if you can hire a bike it’s probably the best way to see it. Its attractions include the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, an amusement park, and a renovated lake lined with a restaurant and cable car that connects Casa de Campo and Oeste Park, which can take you to the city centre. @casadecampodr

Botanical Garden

A haven of a garden near the well-known Prado museum. For a small fee, you can visit the gardens and afterwards enjoy a coffee surrounded by birdsong. Declared an Artistic Garden in 1942, its collections include an outstanding herbarium with more than a million entries, a library and archive – with nearly 10,000 drawings – as well as the exhibition of 5,000 species of live plants. One of my all-time favourite places in Madrid. @rjbotanico

Where To Shop

Planthae

A lovely little plant shop that offers a selection of tropical plants. Owner Elena also runs workshops, so that you can learn how to look after them. @planthae

Adhoc Flores

This is my ideal shop as it’s half florist, half clothing, so they have a wonderful selection of dried flowers and stock local designers’ collections too. @adhoctienda

El Moderno

A bright and fun concept store in Malasaña district, full of homeware and a great selection of gifts. @elmodernoconceptstore

Where To Dine

Café del Rey

We aren’t near the sea in Madrid, but Café del Rey is the next best thing. This outdoor bar has real sand, palm trees and a relaxed vibe – great for any time of day. @cafedelrey22

Pan Y Pepinnillos Café

I love this little independent café in the heart of Malasaña. The décor is beautiful, it has great coffee and it also showcases local artisans’ work. @panypepinilloscafe

Come Bebe Ama

This restaurant slightly out of the centre, in a great creative area called Carabanchel, serves food inspired by the Extremadura region of Spain. @comebebeamagh

SEE MORE: Lisbon City Guide – Where To Stay And What To See