Belmond La Residencia

Hotel review

There are very few hotel exteriors as unassuming as La Residencia in Deia. The design is so clever that from the roadside hardly any of the buildings can be seen. Even from the lovely terraces of the church of Sant Joan Baptista a few hundred metres away on the opposite rise, it is not obvious that there is even a hotel in that space. The subtlety of design, the native stone, all carefully contouring with the geography has allowed the development to grow around the core of the two original 16th century manor houses, without impacting the landscape. The rooms are linked by hidden corridors and lifts, and a maze of stone paths and steps meandering through acres of beautiful pools and gardens filled with olive trees and cypress.

The village of Deia is perched on the slopes of the western edge of the Tramuntana mountain range. This affords La Residencia a grandstand view of the ocean below. Unsurprisingly, the artistic influence of this UNESCO world heritage village, is felt throughout the hotel where over eight hundred artworks can be found. Cafe Miró alone has more than thirty carefully curated, original paintings by Joan Miró hung on the walls, each one positioned to create a feeling of being in an exquisite home rather than an art gallery.

There are 71 elegant rooms and suites of various sizes and aspects, and a luxury 3 bedroom self catering villa, all stunningly appointed with four poster beds, fabulous art and fine textiles. Most have terraces offering views of the mountains and the sea and some have their own plunge pools. The bathrooms are spacious and sophisticated with gorgeous bath products, walk in showers, his and hers’ sinks and a bath in which to luxuriate after a busy or not so busy day.

There are four restaurants at La Residencia. To start the day Son Fony is located overlooking the main pool where quite honestly you can order or choose virtually anything you fancy, from fresh pastries to Iberian hams, local cheeses, organic á la carte eggs, all complemented with fresh local produce and homemade preserves. The fine dining restaurant El Olivo offers tasting, á la carte and vegetarian menus in a stunning old building which used to house the olive press. Café Miró is for more informal dining amongst the artwork or outside on a wonderful terrace overlooking Deiá. The Pool restaurant, slightly less formal again offers lunch & dinner in an airy poolside location.

To complement the restaurants you can choose from several other culinary experiences including a classic afternoon ‘Tea with Miró’ served on exclusively crafted Miró porcelain.

The superb hotel facilities mean that many guests do not stray far from the magical setting of La Residencia. However there are several good local restaurants within a short stroll if you would like a change or something simpler.

The lovely spa includes an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms. For the more energetic there is a fully equipped gym and two tennis courts with a resident tennis coach. The hotel also offers various planned activities including an exclusive donkey trail through the estate, a glorious walk amongst ancient terraced olive groves with resident donkeys, followed by a picnic of traditional Mallorcan dishes at a shepherd's refuge. There is an artist and sculptor in residence should you fancy improving your artistic skills.

If you want five minutes peace, there is a children’s club to entertain your little ones with lots of varied activities, and then you might escape to the adults only pool.

None of the above would happen without the fabulous staff. Nothing is too much trouble and much care is taken to create a warm homely ambience. It is no surprise that guests return again and again to La Residencia which is truly an oasis of rustic charm

Stephen Brown Review published: 2018-10-31