Tucked away in the verdant mountains on Mallorcas’ north-west coast lies La Residencia, a twin historic manor house that forms a jewel in the crown of the Orient Express groups hotel portfolio. The hotel has an award-winning restaurant, beautiful interior and a wellness spa, La Residencia is situated in the charming, bohemian mountain village of Deià, Mallorca surrounded by gardens dotted with orange, lime, lemon trees and olive groves. We headed to Deià to spend a day exploring, stopping by La Residencia for a spot of luxury and I think you’ll agree the view speaks for it’s self!
The Hotel: Formerly owned by Richard Branson, the twin historic manor house building is now part of the Orient Express collection. Beyond the hotel’s fabulous outdoor pools, tennis courts and gasp-worthy panoramic views are individual villas with private terraces and a luxurious wellness spa.
Located a short hike from the beach La Residencia offers the perfect opportunity to swim in the sea coves, walk through the hills, meander through the village and browse the art galleries or just a chance to sit on the terrace and sink a cold one in a truly idyllic setting. The award winning El Olivio in La Residencia is every bit as fabulous as the surroundings and the terrace bar boasts an extensive menu with full afternoon tea priced at €40.
Out on the terrace is a white Yamaha piano which of course we couldn’t resist sitting at, i’d like to tell you; I tickled the ivories charming passers by, sadly, the reality was more hysterical laughter caused by my Elton John impression! ‘Candle in the wind’ doesn’t sound quite so whimsical in a broad Yorkshire accent. With the sun beaming down we took time to laze about the terrace, laughing, chatting and taking in the spectacular views.
The Area: Back in the forties Deia established a reputation as a foreign artists’ colony with the poet and novelist Robert Graves making it home. The village is small with one central street, some lovely little restaurants, cafes and bars nestled between independent art galleries and shops selling local produce. Blissfully unspoilt by the tourist trade, the architecture, scenery and streets retain their original character, you’ll not find any unsightly new developments or multi-storey hotel blocks around here.
From Deia you can scramble down to Cala Deia, a small shingle beach set in an attractive cove, where local artists still continue the Graves tradition of naked swimming and long parties at weekends. There are two restaurants here, with fresh fish as their speciality – they are only open during the summer season.
We enjoyed an afternoon frolocking at La Residencia and walking through the village, before heading to Cala Deia for a dip (bikini intact).
‘Happiness is a way of travel, not a destination’
Christine
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