Finca Es Castell

The epitome of what a Hotel Guru hotel should be, Finca Es Castell is small, elegant, laid back, full of atmosphere and offers discreet friendly service. Plus of course great food and a stunning location. If you want a slice of rural Mallorca without having to pay through the nose, then you'll find it here in spades! Set amid 750 acres of working farm (much of the vegetables and meat are used in the delicious food), Finca Es Castell is an 11th century farmhouse (one of the oldest on the island) which oozes character and retains many original features including a staggering olive press which is beautifully smooth from centuries of use. Indeed the layout of the property is exactly as it was in the 15th century, there's been no knocking through the walls here! Rooms are spacious and decor is simple rustic chic throughout; white walls, an eclectic mix of modern and classic art and well placed pieces of antique furniture. The overall feel is of easy comfort - this really is a home from home and guests are encouraged to treat it as such. If it's too hot by the pool, grab the hammock under the olive trees or take your book to the sitting room inside, whilst helping yourself to the honesty bar on the way. The food is fab - there is no choice, but if there's anything you can't eat then let James know in advance and he'll sort it out. Everything is locally sourced and the majority of the ingredients are grown on site (on the farm) from the vegetables and salad to the melt in the mouth lamb and smooth olive oil. Dinner is served on a rooftop terrace with sublime views of the surrounding countryside. Watch the sun set behind the Tramuntana mountains in one direction and the moon rise over the Pollensa plain in the other. Come here for a spot of total relaxation. Or if you prefer a bit of action, it's perfectly placed for hikers to make the most of the Sierra de Tramuntana, which rise up behind the property. Beaches too are just a short hop in the car. All this and it's family friendly too! Quite simply Es Castell is the ultimate hidden gem.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
Boutique hotels are often a triumph of style over substance, “lots of sizzle, but little sausage”: Finca Es Castell, by contrast offers a wonderful combination of accommodation in an unspoilt 11th Century manor house, with modern comforts, top quality food and an attentive and laid back service. It's a boutique hotel without the boutique attitude.

What is there to do in the area or on site?
Relax and listen to the sounds of sheep and crickets! Our finca boasts 750 Acres of its own land, and so is completely isolated, but there are walks, tennis courts and bikes and massages on site for those with wanderlust. Palma and the nearest beaches are both just a half hour away.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
We offer a full buffet self-service breakfast featuring cheeses, local hams and meats, cereals, a selection of freshly baked breads and cakes, fruit salad, freshly squeezed orange juice and, for people such as myself who need the cholesterol fix, bacon and eggs!

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
We offer top quality fresh home-made evening meals six nights a week, and we also offer light lunches. This area of Mallorca is incredibly well served with small, high quality restaurants, there are ten or so within 15 minutes drive from us, including “Ca Na Toneta”, “Daica”, “Joan-Marc”, “Micelli and Santi Taura”, all googlable

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Our suites and superior rooms which have incredible views across the plains in the middle of Mallorca, but as there are many public terraces and due to the tranquillity of the area, rooms with terraces really aren’t a necessity.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
We welcome children in the summer and easter holidays, we can offer extra beds (on request) or a family suite. We have a games pack for children, but we do ask that families be respectful of other guests.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
I would think your readers would not need any message from me to convince them to visit our unique hotel.