Review: Belmond La Residencia
Spain | August 30, 2022 | Hollie-Rae Brader
Hollie-Rae Brader checks out the hidden jewel on Majorca's northwest coast
Location: Hidden among a vision of palm trees and greenery in the pretty village of Deià, on Majorca’s northwest coast.
The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the pebbled beach of Cala Deià and 30 minutes from Sóller, although I’d recommend taking a boat trip to the Port of Sóller, rather than driving. The airport is about an hour and 30 minutes away.
First impressions: Belmond La Residencia has a real sense of place. Housed in two renovated but rustic 16th-century stone manors, it feels truly Majorcan.
With the Unesco-protected Tramuntana mountains encasing the hotel, the scenery is out of this world – lush forest green merging with the terracotta rooftops of Deià.
The hotel ticks the boxes that every high-end property should, but is relaxed and fun.
The facts: La Residencia has 71 rooms and suites, but the building’s age and prior uses mean each is slightly different. There’s also a three-bed villa.
The rooms cascade down the mountain side, with views of the main pool, plus cypress and olive trees. Most rooms have patios and terraces, and some have private pools, including my suite – a giant one bed with a separate living room and enormous bathroom.
The food is exquisite at both El Olivo’s and Café Miró, the latter of which pays homage to artist Joan Miró with 33 original paintings on the walls. Seafood is divine here, but so is everything on the menu, which showcases Majorcan produce.
The property has two outdoor pools – one adult-only – as well as an indoor option. There are tennis courts, a spa and even donkey trails. Art is important at La Residencia, with more than 800 pieces on display, including sculptures, and an on-site gallery.
Ideal for: This property bends over backwards for families, with a kids’ club for those aged four and over, mini bathrobes and slippers, plus bottle warmers and babysitting services.
Staff had even decorated our bathroom mirror with drawings and a sign saying ‘Bienvenidos Theodore’ for our little boy.
Explore: Head out on foot to see Deià, home to a handful of cute boutiques and cafes. Recommend clients take advantage of the complimentary two-hour boat trip offered by the hotel. Valldemossa, home to a Carthusian monastery, is only a short drive away, and well worth visiting.
Wow: The setting is incredible. From my suite’s patio, I must have taken a thousand photos of views over the hotel pool and the gorgeous backdrop of the mountains. That view will be etched in my mind for years to come. Simply outstanding.
Book it: B&B in a Classic Double Room starts from £425 per night.Belmond.com
Hollie-Rae Brader
Hollie is editor of Aspire’s print and online products. She is responsible for the running of the club and ensuring the content produced and the events organised are relevant to the Aspire audience. She was previously deputy news editor and cruise writer for sister title Travel Weekly. She loves exploring new destinations and is gradually ticking new countries off her list. She most enjoys writing about cruise, South America and Japan. Before working in the travel industry she held news reporting roles at the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star.