Alejandra de Rojas reveals her most aristocratic and chic guide to Madrid

From her country estate to the capital and traveling to the most exclusive places in the world, the businesswoman opens up her coolest address book to us

In Vanitatis by Isabel Ribada

A journalist by trade and an aristocrat, passionate about the countryside and fashion, Alejandra de Rojas is someone who knows how to value the beauty of a well-cut dress, the charm of a remote hotel, or a piece of jewelry with a history. Today, we delve into her most personal address book to discover which restaurant she likes to share a table and laughter with her friends at -and where she used to go with her parents-, where she buys her favorite furniture and books, or what that destination is that she is already dreaming of returning to.

FOR DINING

The tastiest breakfast: "The one at the Urso Hotel (Mejía Lequerica, 8) in Madrid, with its buffet full of appetizing dishes, like scrambled eggs accompanied by avocado and tomato toast."

Gastronomic treat: "If I want to have a good rice dish (one of my favorite meals), I go to Berlanga (Avda. Menéndez Pelayo, 41) and order their leek and monkfish paella. It's always lively and their cooking is impeccable. For dinner, Horcher (Alfonso XII, 6) for the atmosphere, their impeccable waiters, and their sophisticated, unpretentious cuisine. A classic I used to go to with my parents. My favorite dish? The steak tartare with soufflé potatoes."

Today, a burger: "The best in Madrid are the ones I have at Freaks Burger (Gabriel Lobo, 20). Very important: order it with french fries, onion rings, and their renowned bullshot."

Appetizer crawl: "There's nothing better than heading into Madrid's Malasaña neighborhood and going to Bodega Ardosa (Colón, 13). Their potato omelet is unbeatable and I love the buzz at lunchtime. For seafood in a place with history, El Boquerón (Valencia, 14) in Lavapiés. Their langoustines, prawns, and oysters are among the best."

For something sweet: "I like the assorted pastries from La Duquesita (Fernando VI, 2), and if I want to buy a cake, I have three star addresses: the chocolate ones at La Mejor Tarta de Chocolate del Mundo (Alcalá, 89); the capuchina at La Marina (Avda. Juan Carlos I), and the lemon one at Balbisiana (Velázquez, 55)."

The best pasta: "The one served at La Tavernetta (Orellana, 17); I usually order eggplant rolls as an appetizer and fettuccine bottarga as the main course. The tiramisu is their star dessert."

Gourmet temple: "Hermanos Álvarez, in Madrid’s Mercado de la Paz; I love their crackers for pairing with cheese, their smoked sardines, or their selection of chocolates. I am a cheese lover and I find the best ones at Formaje (Plza. Chamberí, 9). My favorite is the gruyère d’Alpage."

FOR SHOPPING

Fashion basics: "I don't usually go shopping anymore, and I buy everything online. I love the Sézane brand for its French-inspired pieces, and shoes and boots by Aquazzura. My favorite multi-brand store is Experience 27, and for knitwear, the best option is my friend Clea Fitz-James Stuart's brand."

The most beautiful jewelry: "I find it at Del Páramo Vintage Joyas (Lencería, 1) in Valladolid. I adore their 1920s rings and any of their vintage Cartier or Rolex watches."

The flowers I like: "The arrangements from Floreale (Fuencarral, 115), of exquisite taste, are my favorites."

Decor details: "Linens, charger plates, embroidered handmade towels of unbeatable quality... from Los Encajeros (Núñez de Balboa, 34). If I'm looking for nice decorative pieces, I go to Las Sillas de Manuel, and for children's furniture, I put myself in the hands of Susana at Piccolo Mondo (Ayala, 43)."

Favorite bookstore: "Panta Rhei (Hernán Cortés, 7), where I find the most current coffee table books, children's books, and novels. Plus, they are dog friendly."

FOR SELF-CARE

Impeccable hair: "I take care of my hair at Claudia di Paolo (claudiadipaolo.com). Their hair care line is the best I've tried."

Staying in shape: "My true passion is horse riding; I love doing horseback routes through Spain, and Rafa, from Gredos a Caballo, is the right person to take them with. This year, I am going to do the Camino de Santiago with him and his team."

Beauty center: "To take care of my legs, I go to Clínica Ortega y Gasset (Ortega y Gasset, 53) and I recommend the Emtone treatment, which firms and smooths the skin. For a facial or to get the Indiba method, I go to Beldon Beauty (Lagasca, 9). For eyelash treatments and manicures (they last for days), I go to Pestañas Premium (Serrano, 100)."

Beauty hits: "Givenchy concealers and eyeshadows, Dior nail polishes, Chanel lipsticks, and Guerlain perfumes. My latest discovery? The Neu Lash Professional eyelash serum and the Sleep and Glow pillow, which prevents wrinkles from forming while sleeping."

FOR TRAVELING

Charming hotel: "Finca La Donaira (Camino de las Minas s/n), near Ronda, surrounded by nature and perfect for disconnecting by horse riding and enjoying 10/10 gastronomy."

Art afternoon: "When I want to visit a museum, I call Leticia from El Faro de Hopper (@farohopper) and she organizes the best tours of El Prado, the Thyssen, or any art gallery."

Top show: "Circlassica, el sueño de Miliki, created by Emilio Aragón; a delight for the senses."

A destination in the world: "The Chilean Patagonia, for its beauty and for the wonderful experience I had: visiting Torres del Paine, seeing the glaciers, diving into its icy waters... I’m already dreaming of going back."

Where: Beldon Beauty

Calle de Lagasca, 9. Madrid.

Phone: 912 45 81 71