BELMOND LA RESIDENCIA, MALLORCA
The low-down
The island’s smartest hotel lies in the picturesque north-west coastal village of Deià, a 45minute scenic journey from the airport. This is the sort of place, hidden in a suntrap valley in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, where you might spot former guests, such as Michael Douglas or Gwyneth Paltrow, sipping a coffee at breakfast or strolling in the olive and lemon groves. A-list clientele aside, the collection of former 16th and 17th century manor houses also attract a jet set crowd, thanks to renovated suites with private plunge pools, an art gallery, sculpture garden and four excellent restaurants.
Top treatments
As you’d expect from a highclass hotel, the spa’s pretty special, though less glitzy than you’d imagine; think wooden beams, stone walls and rustic colours rather than a white lab. There’s a steam room, fitness centre and sauna, but it’s the treatments that are next level. We tried Citrus Siesta, a signature treatment that started with a gentle olive oil scrub exfoliation, followed by a Zen massage with a blend of locally sourced almond, orange and lemon essential oils. Our therapist explained that she was working on pressure points that release endorphins, relax the joints and help induce sleep. Suffering from stress? Book this on your first evening (the spa stays open till 7.30pm), stumble back to your bed and crash out for about 14 hours. Better than therapy. Need a pick-me-up the next day? Book an early morning Olive Activator, a reverse treatment that starts with vigorous (okay, slightly painful) body brushing to speed up the lymphatic system, followed by a revitalising massage with olive oil harvested on La Residencia’s estate.
Best of the rest
Food is an occasion here, not just fuel, so get ready to dine al fresco by candlelight on fresh prawns baked in salt and samphire, ravioli filled with crab, sea urchin and crayfish and Sóller orange ice cream at El Olivio. Or, for tapas bites like chorizo cooked in cider, try Café Miró. Daily boat trips along the coast are included in your stay, have a go at painting in the hotel’s studio under the guidance of artist in residence Alan Hydes, or hike the surrounding walking trails. Best of all, though, is the bewitching view, from the mountains to the pretty
Unesco World Heritage ochrecoloured village of Deià, and the glittering sea below.
Don’t leave without…
A vineyard tour at nearby
Son Sureda Ric. Owner Javier Jara will show you around his 15th century estate before you sit down to lunch paired with local wines in the sun-soaked courtyard.
The cost
Rooms start at £358 per night, breakfast included; belmond.com