Belmond La Residencia: A Cultural and Luxurious Retreat in Deià

The village of Deià, located on Mallorca’s northwest coast, offers a serene and sophisticated alternative to the more bustling parts of the Balearic Islands. Known for its peaceful and artistic atmosphere, Deià has long been a haven for artists, writers, and the international elite. The village itself is a picturesque collection of honey-coloured stone buildings with terracotta roofs and green shutters, arranged in terraces on the hillside. Small, winding streets and lush greenery enhance the charm of the area, while the mild weather, warm in spring and autumn and balmy in summer, adds to its appeal. And at the centre of this enchanting location is Belmond La Residencia — a luxurious retreat that embodies the spirit of the village.

Belmond La Residencia is housed in a collection of historic buildings, including two 16th-century manor houses that have been joined together to form the heart of the hotel. Among its unique features are an olive press room, which has been transformed into a fine dining restaurant, and a watchtower built in the 14th century to protect against pirate invasions. The hotel, which was converted into its current form in the mid-1980s, became part of the Belmond group (formerly Orient-Express Hotels) in 2002.

The hotel has just 67 rooms and suites, each designed in a traditional Mallorcan style with elements of rustic elegance. Guests will find whitewashed walls, wooden beams, terracotta-tiled floors, and an abundance of rugs, antiques, and artwork. For families or groups seeking more privacy, there is a separate villa near the hotel with three bedrooms, a private pool, a kitchen, and a dining area. The hotel features an extensive collection of 750 original artworks, primarily from local artists, making it one of the largest collections of contemporary art in any European hotel. The hotel’s art gallery, Sa Tafona, hosts regular exhibitions that focus on the work of artists based in Deià.

The expansive grounds of Belmond La Residencia cover a variety of landscapes, including citrus and olive groves, tiered terraces, and dry stone walls typical of the region. A sculpture garden adds to the cultural richness of the property, while two outdoor swimming pools, four restaurants, a spa, an art gallery, and tennis courts provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The hotel is also surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains, making it an ideal base for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Guests can take advantage of guided bike tours led by professional cyclists and can even borrow cycling suits from the hotel.

Gastronomy is a key element of the Belmond La Residencia experience. Chef Guillermo Mendez, a native of Mallorca, oversees all of the hotel’s restaurants, including the fine dining restaurant El Olivo, which is located in the former olive press room. The hotel also offers more casual dining options, such as Café Miro, which serves tapas, and Son Fony, where breakfast is served overlooking the pool and mountains. The hotel’s culinary offerings focus on Mediterranean cuisine with a strong influence from Mallorca’s culinary traditions.

Belmond La Residencia’s deep connection with the local community is reflected in its use of locally sourced ingredients and products, from the olive oil produced in its own groves to artisan knives made by a local craftsman. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its goal to produce 40% of its food locally, further enhancing its connection to the surrounding landscape and culture.

Belmond La Residencia’s award-winning spa is a serene space designed in harmony with its rustic surroundings. Treatments use local ingredients, including olive oil from the hotel’s own groves. The spa offers a variety of services, including the Almond Delight Facial and the Olive Activator lymphatic body massage. Guests can enjoy treatments either indoors or on outdoor terraces, with the option of al fresco yoga or Tai Chi classes.

A special addition to the spa is the presence of alternative therapist Anja Burkhard, who visits the hotel once a month for a week-long stay. Anja offers hands-on healing sessions, which many guests have found highly effective for a range of ailments. Her “Body Talk” technique focuses on helping the body heal itself.

One of the unique activities offered at the hotel is the “donkey trail.” Belmond La Residencia is home to five donkeys, and once a week, guests are invited to take a leisurely walk with three of them through the olive groves. The trail leads to a stunning viewpoint, where a traditional Mallorcan lunch is served, featuring local bread, olive oil, tomatoes, cheeses, and meats.

For those looking to explore the area in style, the hotel provides Vespa scooters for guests to use. Guests can visit nearby villages such as Fornalutx, Soller, and Valldemossa, or head to the marina at Port de Soller. Last but not least, the hotel also offers themed picnics, such as the Mediterranean Blue seafood picnic for coastal trips or the Orchard Green picnic for countryside excursions.

For further information, visit belmond.com