“Perfect tranquillity reigns here.” So English poet Robert Graves described Deià, the idyllic village in northwest Mallorca. Home to La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel, this creative enclave exudes a special energy. The light bouncing off the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana Mountains has long attracted artists and writers alike.
The hotel has the distinction of nestling between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea – ideal for early-morning dips and afternoon hilltop hikes. Honey-coloured buildings are surrounded by olive groves, citrus trees and flourishing gardens. Individually designed rooms and suites feature Mallorcan paintings by local artists, sun-splashed balconies or private plunge pools. There's also a sumptuous suite with private pool designed by Matthew Williamson, another set in a medieval watchtower, and a deluxe self-catering villa.
In this quiet haven, guests can relax in two outdoor swimming pools and an award-winning spa with indoor pool. There are tennis courts, a fitness centre, an acclaimed restaurant set in a former olive mill and a casual restaurant serving Spanish tapas. Art abounds in every corner, from the in-house gallery and sculpture gardens to Café Miró, where original works by the Spanish artist adorn every wall. Creative classes are offered by the hotel's artists in residence and a complimentary walking tour takes guests around local painters' studios.
Onsite activities range from treks in the olive grove with the resident donkeys to hands-on cooking classes. Romantic dinners can be arranged on the Mirador, a private terrace overlooking the sea, reached by the hotel's scenic Poets' Walk. To explore further afield, customised adventures include an excursion to a secluded palace of art, sailing excursions and exclusive vineyard visits.