Deià has long attracted artists, writers, musicians and poets to escape the daily grind and settle here. And sitting in the sage-shuttered buildings and rose-scented gardens that house over 800 art pieces (including 33 original Míro paintings in the café of the same name), it’s obvious that La Residencia, too, is the place to let inspiration flow.
Even the artistically challenged are taken in by the 16th and 18th century manor houses and olive and citrus groves that surround the medieval watchtower; finding themselves willingly taken hostage by the area’s creative air.
Presidential Suite
Bistro table at La Residencia
Tower Suite seating
La Residencia Suite
Presidential Suite lounge
Presidential Suite living room
Like Hydra or Montmartre, Deià has that magnetic pull for the creative crowd. But while Belmond, a world renowned luxury brand, may seem like it’s gate-crashing this bohemian bolthole, it was very much invited, allowing itself to be shaped by its location rather than the other way around.
Over three quarters of the artwork on display were made in the area and the sculpture garden was created by local artist Juan Waelder – one of three artists around who helms the silver clay and lino-cutting classes. There’s also British artist-in-residence Alan Hydes, who bestows his gifts for painting onto eager apprentices.
Having a special relationship with the artistic throng allows for some special insider access. Inspiration flows through the village, where an invite to visit the cobbled cottages of local creatives guided by the hotel’s art curator, Cecilie Sheridan, is almost like stepping into the opening scene of a movie. The ones where you’re introduced to the eccentric artist, obligatory pencil behind their ear and works-in-progress littering the floor. Even further afield there’s an artsy aura, like in Palma where tours reveal hidden treasures like Spain’s most famous guitar maker or a pop-art ceramicist; and seeking out the enigmatic Drach caves leads to private concerts and boat trips below the stalactites.
It’s no surprise that artistry works its way into the dining here, with chefs hosting cooking demonstrations and crafting locally sourced feasts to accompany picture-perfect hilltop views from El Olivo, the ancient-olive-mill-based restaurant that’s known as one of the best on the island. Meanwhile, when they’re not on some form of artsy adventure, self-improvers regenerate their creative cognitions with open-air massages or Tai Chi in the gardens. Whatever the endeavour, it’s usually capped off with an evening wander along the resort’s dreamy Poet’s Walk.
No one is arguably more imaginative than children, so while La Residencia isn’t designed especially for little prodigies, they’re certainly welcomed into the guild with open arms; getting messy in pottery workshops with the resident sculptor (who also teaches the grown-ups) and making cookies in a cooking class.
While downtime sees them making friends with the resident donkeys and indulging their inner pamper-prima-donnas with specially designed spa treatments.
Enticing the likes of Robert Graves and Andrew Lloyd Webber, there’s something special in the air of Deià, and to know what hooked them you have to get out and find it. First, a walk through the private olive groves alongside La Residencia’s donkeys end at a little Shepard’s hut, set up for a long leisurely lunch of local bread and cheese.
Then, to experience the outcome of breathing this seemingly enchanted atmosphere, head to the hotel’s nearest neighbour to sit for a portrait to take home.
Conservation and sustainability are at the very heart of Richard Branson’s 1,300-acre private estate – a 16th-century finca meticulously restored to honour its heritage on the Mallorcan northwest coast.
Neighbouring its namesake – a pretty little port village just along the coastline – Ikos have anchored their all-inclusive luxury concept on Balearic sands, beckoning families looking for a little extra ease.
Emerging as a pop of coral against the Tramuntana foothills, this palatial estate bestows nothing shy of treatment fit for the aristocracy of its past.
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