Mallorca is a legendary party location, and the yachting and beach bashes are certainly fun – but those aspects alone make it difficult to distinguish it from any other paradise island. The huge popularity of TV series Love Island has shown a glamorous side to the destination; however, clichéd stereotypes of sun, sea, and sculpted bodies remain. By dispensing with these stereotypes and venturing off the beaten track, visitors can begin to explore what makes Mallorca truly unique.
A Beautiful Hike in Deià
Nowhere feels more like an escape than the luxurious estate of Belmond La Residencia in the picturesque village of Deià nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Each week, a delightful hike across the estate occurs with the hotel’s five resident donkeys. If the heat becomes too intense, guests are invited to participate in a ‘meet and greet’ session to help groom the friendly animals. As you stroll through this Unesco World Heritage site, the charming village reveals itself from every angle. The gardens burst with vibrant crimson roses interspersed with neon fuchsia and electric purple blooms. Further along, after passing the Poet’s Walk that honors creatives once drawn to this paradisiacal village, visitors can admire a section of the hotel’s 14 hectares of lush olive groves. Renowned for producing ‘liquid gold’, the olive oil here is vital for supporting Deià’s local residents, and those interested in sustainable tourism can even adopt their own olive tree.
Following a traditional picnic lunch in a quaint stone shepherd’s hut, guests can retrace the donkeys’ footsteps back to the hotel, where panoramic views continue to captivate. The houses set against the skyline appear surreal, reminiscent of a watercolor painting framed by exotic palm fronds.
Hikes occur weekly to prevent overexertion for the donkeys, who spend their remaining days grazing in the estate’s beautiful grounds.
Life in a Finca
In addition to the Belmond, various fincas (country estates with hotels) offer various budget options across Mallorca, cultivating precious olives, lemons, and oranges. Further up the northwest coast, the stunning hilltop retreat of Jumeirah Port Soller provides guests with the island’s signature orange liqueur and tours through the fragrant orange groves.
Among the top accommodations is Ca’s Xorc, perched at the summit of a bumpy mile-long rural track. Friendly sheep from the neighboring fields often greet visitors, while nature fills the air with the sounds of chirping cicadas and chiming cattle bells. Artistic elements, such as a lion sculpture beside the pool and whimsical décor within a miniature lake, enhance the experience. For culinary enthusiasts, Burguera — the island’s sole dairy farm — offers a quirky opportunity to make your own cheese.
For those who prioritize dramatic views without farmyard distractions, the winding road to Sa Calobra satisfies that craving. Keep in mind, however, that this picturesque cove attracts many visitors during summer.
Discovering a Literary Legacy
While Deià — and the Belmond hotel at its core — provides idyllic vistas, the village is also steeped in rich literary history. The acclaimed erotic novelist Anaïs Nin penned a story set here, reminiscent of a literary version of a Love Island romance. This poetic tale involved a lyrical affair between two women who found themselves skinny-dipping in the sea under the moonlight.
In addition, visitors can explore the house of poet Robert Graves, which stands as a testament to his years spent in Deià, recovering from war trauma experienced during the Battle of the Somme.
More literary connections can be discovered in the nearby tranquil village of Valldemossa, home to the Carthusian monastery where renowned composer Frédéric Chopin stayed with novelist George Sand. A museum dedicated to the illustrious pair contains Chopin’s beloved piano, providing further insight into their creative partnership.
Thrilling Cave Capers
Music lovers will find joy in the Coves del Drac, local caves where spectacular classical music concerts precede a dimly lit boat ride through the largest underground lake in Europe. As visitors glide past a peculiar rock formation that resembles a giant hand, the experience is both thrilling and atmospheric. However, for a more serene experience away from the crowds, consider visiting the lesser-known Coves d’Artà. This enchanting grotto, adorned with stalagmites, served as a hiding place for 2000 Arabs during the Christian conquest and inspired early traveler Jules Verne’s 1864 masterpiece, Journey to the Centre of the Earth. An impressive sound-and-light show vividly brings to life notions of heaven, hell, and purgatory.
Away from It All in Artà
The quaint town of Artà is another unmissable highlight. Remote and off the main tourist radar, it is renowned for its 14th-century walled fortress, Santuari de Sant Salvador, where locals sought refuge from pirates. The breathtaking panoramic views rival those of the most picturesque European cities but without the typical tourist crowds. Even during mid-summer, visitors may find themselves alone, gazing over the captivating hillside.
Below in the village, you’ll discover a range of unusual and quirky shops, such as Blanc du Nil at Carrer de la Ciutat 19, where every item is white, showcasing both whimsy and uniqueness.
For those seeking luxury, the Carossa Hotel offers dazzling finca-like landscapes, while art enthusiasts might prefer staying at the art-centric Palacio Sant Salvador hotel, which features a Gaudí-designed restaurant.
