VINCCI TALKS – EPISODE 9: "THE ART OF LIVING VALENCIA"

We continue with our Vincci Talks, the podcast where we explore each VINCCI DESTINATION in depth — and this time it’s a very special episode, because Valencia holds a place in everyone’s heart.

The cities where Vincci Hotels is present become ideal settings to welcome our guests and provide unforgettable experiences. But we don’t want to discover them in just any way: we’ll do it alongside local figures who are well-known in their fields, giving us a unique perspective and allowing us to get to know each destination like a local, not a tourist.



In this new episode of our #VincciTalks podcast, we travel to Valencia, a city that blends tradition and fireworks with sophistication and design — all wrapped in a truly Mediterranean lifestyle. We want to uncover its essence through two expert voices who will guide us through its most authentic corners and reveal what it really means to live Valencia.

In this episode, we speak with Marta Querol, writer and former Fallera Mayor of Valencia, and Marina Sender Contey, president of the Territorial College of Architects of Valencia. Two different yet complementary perspectives that help us understand the essence of this city and the unique way its people live it.

Our conversation takes place at the Vincci Palace 4*, an elegant space in the heart of the city, where hospitality and Valencian charm are felt in every detail.

Our first guest is Marta Querol Benech, a finalist for the Planeta Prize, author of the successful trilogy “Los Lamarc,” and Fallera Mayor in 1988 — a title that reflects her deep connection to Valencia’s culture. In this interview, she shares her passion for literature and her hometown, because for the author, The Art of Living Valencia is “the art of knowing how to enjoy the good things in life — and Valencians are people who know how to enjoy and always do it wholeheartedly.”

Climate, light, and a special, contagious personality are just some of the Mediterranean values that Marta highlights about the city of Las Fallas — an inspiring place, facing a sea that brings her great peace.

“Valencia is essential in my work. It’s another character in my trilogy Los Lamarc — it evolves, it grows, and becomes a tribute I pay to my city.” For Marta, there are many Valencias, and each one could inspire a novel — like Calle de la Paz, where our Vincci Palace 4* is located, a street with a rich literary past, a meeting point for writers during the postwar era including Hemingway.

She believes her experience as Fallera Mayor shaped her personality and forged a lasting bond with the city — something that will stay with her forever. Her top tips for enjoying Las Fallas are simple but spot-on: avoid driving, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, prepare for changing temperatures, and visit the Fallas at off-peak hours to truly enjoy them. You’ll have to watch the full episode to discover even more insights about the city, revealed by this remarkable author, who concludes: “The essence of Valencia is that it’s a kind, warm city, full of great people and a place that awakens all your senses.”

Our second guest is Marina Sender Contell, architect and the first woman to become president of the Territorial College of Architects of Valencia. Through her professional and academic work, she has left a lasting mark on the city’s urban evolution, promoting citizen participation and sustainability.

“Living in Valencia means living in a kind, welcoming city — perfect for living,” Marina tells us, describing what The Art of Living Valencia means to her. She talks about the rich historic center and the city’s growth around it, including the expansion and new neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like the City of Arts and Sciences — all of which make Valencia a model of architectural coexistence.

She also highlights our Vincci Palace 4*, a stately building on one of the city’s most iconic streets, with great architectural heritage.

In Marina’s view: “We must highlight how public spaces in the city are being reclaimed — with interventions and transformations creating places for community life.” She also underscores the work of the College of Architects of Valencia in helping people discover the city through its Architecture Guide — featuring over 600 entries that explore the city’s architectural history and fascinating places to visit. Her recommendation: download the free app and start walking.

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“Valencia has it all: sea, light, the Albufera, stunning natural spaces, and a calm city vibe. We must work toward a greener, more sustainable Valencia.”

To conclude, she encourages us to venture into the outer neighborhoods to discover the most genuine spaces full of local spirit — a fantastic tip we’ll be sure to follow.

If you haven’t had the chance to discover Valencia yet, our new episode of Vincci Talks: *The Art of Living Valencia* will show you everything this city has to offer.

Don’t miss Episode 9 of Vincci Talks and experience *The Art of Living Valencia* through our YouTube and Spotify channels.

"Come. Be amazed. Discover more than 40 four- and five-star hotels where every experience is unique. Open your eyes. Look around. Enjoy the most privileged locations. Look. Touch. Feel the design and style that can be seen in every detail. Rest. Relax. Let yourself be pampered with a service that puts you at the center. Dream. Smile. Live. You’re at a Vincci."

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