La Residencia

Baléares

In the Mediterranean, five islands and a number of small islets lie proudly off the coast of Spain. The Balearic Islands, famous for their magnificent fine sand beaches and torrid night life, is also a Mediterranean jewel with magnificent white mountains plunging into the azure and turquoise waters of the sea. From the top of the narrow creeks, the nuances of blue and green are almost unreal. From there, you can also see the small, secret coves, only accessible by sea. The interiors of the islands contain all the wealth of the abundant Mediterranean flora.

Inhabited for centuries, the main island of Mallorca is marked by history, as a result of successive Roman, Arabic and Catalonian influences, with numerous monuments attesting to this prestigious past. In addition to ancient Talayot structures and prehistoric sites spread throughout the island, Mallorca possesses as many Arab baths as it does Roman ruins. Village by village, the journey in time takes shape. In Palma for example, a Catalonian Gothic cathedral and a superb Arab palace are almost adjacent to each other. On the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana, the city of Deia is one of the preferred destinations for the world’s celebrities. Nicknamed “the village of artists”, Deià has welcomed numerous personalities including Pierce Brosnan and Michael Douglas. As a popular jet set site, the summer months live to the rhythm of its music festival, which in no way disturbs the herds of sheep passing through in the surrounding virgin hills.

La Residencia

The charming and authentic La Residencia, on the heights of the mountain and coastal village of Deia, is surrounded by twelve hectares of centuries old gardens. This five star hotel was built in pure Mallorcan style in the heart of two 16^th and 17th century manors. The magnificent thick stone walls bear witness to an era when they acted as a protection from invading pirates.

The sixty rooms and suites of this veritable village within a village are situated on the cool narrow streets with staircases leading to the different levels and in winding passages with an abundance of greenery.

Some of the rooms are equipped with a terrace or a private swimming pool. All the rooms however, are decorated in a pure, simple Mallorcan style, which although rustic, are very luxurious. The canopy beds are exact replicas of those that existed a century ago, as is the carefully and artistically carved wood used for the Mallorcan furniture. The pure and elegant ambiance of the rooms is extremely restful. In summer, the walls retain their freshness in these rooms filled with authentic character.

Fifty or so contemporary statues are on permanent exhibit in the garden, making it the largest outdoor art garden in Spain. The most beautiful work of art however, is the hotel’s impressive setting between sea and mountain, which guests can admire at will during a whirlpool bath for example, or a game of tennis.

La Residencia also possesses a poolside restaurant, a snack bar and a beach bar. Gourmets will appreciate El Olivo, the hotel’s award winning restaurant which proposes refined dishes and exceptional wines. The Son Fony restaurant serves typically Mallorcan cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Before leaving, don’t forget to throw a coin in the good luck fountain in the entrance hall. Who knows? Your wish might very well be granted!

La Residencia is an exceptional site, and thebest way to capture the true essence of Mallorca, thanks to the total immersion it offers its guests. Simple luxury and timeless charm make it a unique hotel appreciated for centuries by artists of all kinds.

In the 1990s, the famous British entrepreneur, Richard Branson was the owner of the site. Thanks to his reputation, La Residencia became a highly popular spot for celebrities including Lady Diana, Pierce Brosnan, Bono and Gwyneth Paltrow.