La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel – Mallorca, Balearic Islands
It’s impossible not to use superlatives when talking about La Residencia. This is where to stay if you love old school luxury and service, the relaxed Mallorcan lifestyle and achingly beautiful panoramic views. This western part of the island, where the dramatic Tramuntana mountains drop steeply into the sea, and little coves hide secret beaches and restaurants, is Mallorca at its most beautiful and unspoilt. The hotel, converted from 16th century manor houses, is recognised as being one of the best in the world.
Finca style charm and décor blend effortlessly with artwork and sculptures – an extension of the artists’ haven of Deià, above which it is perched. The gardens are filled with olive trees and Mediterranean flowers and herbs and you feel transported back to a more glamorous time. Everything you could want is here, or just a stone’s throw away.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For it's family centric vibe & delicious food.Style:
Balearic old style chic.Location:
In the rugged Tramuntana mountains, on the edge of the artistic village of Deià in western Mallorca, looking out over the glittering Mediterranean.Rooms:
71 rooms & suites. As well as a self-catered villa.Swimming:
Indoor & 2 outdoor swimming pools (1 is adult only).Children:
Treated like kings & queens.Open From:
April – Novemberrooms
Spread across the grounds in four different buildings, no room or suite is the same. With terracotta floors and luxuriously large bathrooms, each one is furnished with Mallorcan antiques and colourful artwork, giving them a sophisticated and thoroughly individual charm. Many of them interconnect, making them ideal for families. A lot of the rooms and suites boast extraordinary views over Deià or/and the mountains, have terraces to relax on and some even have their own private plunge pools.
food
Mallorcan cuisine is right up there with some of the best in the world, and the island has long been a favourite destination for gastronomes. Dining at La Residencia does not disappoint, with skilful and delicious dishes served at El Olivo – converted from an ancient olive mill. Impeccable service, beautifully set tables and seasonal menus, make it almost theatrical. For more informal, tapas style dining, Café Miro is open all day, and has a lovely wide terrace for enjoying the views. And if you can’t tear yourself away from your lounger, the Pool Restaurant serves tasty snacks and tapas.
activities
Within the hotel and its grounds, you’ll find plenty to occupy yourself. A fully equipped Spa with a solarium, pool and gym, tennis courts, two outdoor pools and immaculate grounds with its own art gallery, it’s not hard to spend several days without setting foot beyond the gates. From La Residencia, you can walk down to the Cala Deià (or take the shuttle service) with its restaurants and small pebbled beach.
Slightly further along the coast is the marvellous Sa Foradada restaurant, which can only be reached by foot or by boat – make sure you reserve a table. Port de Soller has a long sandy beach and is a buzzing place to spend a day. And a morning can easily be wiled away browsing the galleries and boutiques of Deià. Keen cyclists will know that this part of Mallorca is famous for its gruelling training routes, so if you’re after a herculean challenge, hire two wheels.
family
La Residencia welcomes families with open arms. There’s a Kids’ Club for children from the age of four up to twelve; a wonderful array of classes from cookery to tennis and sculpture; family Spa treatments and a donkey trail through the grounds, which children love. Parents can book a babysitter and there’s an excellent children’s menu. Many of the rooms interconnect and some can accommodate an extra bed.
sustainability
As part of the UK-based Sustainable Restaurant Association, La Residencia sources as many of their delicious ingredients as possible from sustainable sources – their olive oil is developed on site! They also draw ingredients from their own organic herb garden, citrus orchards, and other fruit trees, which are supported by composting organic waste. Farming at La Residencia is not mechanised, but powered instead by donkeys, one of which was rescued as a baby.
Paper, plastic, and glass are recycled by the hotel, whilst plastic water bottles are also being phased out to be replaced by reusable stainless steel.
Location
Deià, Mallorca
In the rugged Tramuntana mountains, on the edge of the artistic village of Deià in western Mallorca, looking out over the glittering Mediterranean. It is about a 45 minute drive from the airport.
