At Home in the Hills




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    EDEN Luxury Travel, The Steamill, Steamill Street, Chester, Cheshire CH3 5AN

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    27 King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6DW

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    Visit us in-person Monday to Thursday, 9:30am - 5:00pm.
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    At Home in the Hills

     

    Join our Travel Director Sally Stileman as she discovers why Belmond La Residencia in Deià has guests returning year after year. From its dramatic Tramuntana Mountain backdrops to unexpected hillside donkey treks, this Mallorcan retreat blends artistic heritage with genuine warmth.

    Eden original

    Words by

     

    Far From Your Average Arrival

    “Surprisingly relaxing. That’s how I’d describe the 45-minute drive from Palma Airport – the scenic route through the mountains setting the perfect tone after navigating Palma’s bustling terminal.

    As we approached the artists’ village of Deià, the hotel felt like an extension of the village itself. There’s no grand entrance: instead, the driveway flows naturally from the main road; the arrival isn’t overly glitzy; and the whole place genuinely looks and feels like someone’s (rather gorgeous!) private home.

    That feeling of comfort and belonging struck me immediately and is, I suspect, why so many guests return time and again.

     

    Monks, Artists and Sir Richard Branson

    Who’d have thought monks would have such good taste? The property’s 18th-century origins fascinated me – these monks didn’t just own this stunning spot (and most of Deià, actually), they created an irrigation system that still keeps the olive and lemon trees thriving today. Fast forward through multiple owners to 1984, when it finally became a hotel.

    Here’s where it gets interesting: the Sheridan family kicked off the artistic connection by donating artwork to decorate the rooms. Then Sir Richard Branson got involved in 1987, putting the place firmly on the luxury map. By 2002, when Orient Express Hotels (now Belmond) took over, La Residencia had already established itself as a magnet for creative souls.

    You can’t miss the art – it’s everywhere. Joan Miró’s Mallorca-inspired pieces take pride of place in their gallery, and yes, some pieces are actually for sale. The entire hotel feels like a carefully curated collection rather than a stuffy museum. No wonder Deià still attracts poets, artists, cyclists and curious travellers. And, with those charming boutique shops, intimate bars and local restaurants all just a stroll away, it’s another way in which the hotel feels wonderfully connected to village life.

     

    Rooms That Tell Stories

    Seventy-three rooms and suites, and not one of them is the same. Each has its own personality – different shapes and sizes, all decorated with local artwork and antiques and all with the usual mod-cons. There’s also a three-bedroom villa about four minutes’ walk away (Robert Grays, which is super popular for families or those wanting a little more independence) though it wasn’t available for me to take a peek at on this particular visit).

    Now, let’s talk views. Every room offers those dramatic Tramuntana Mountain vistas, but – and here’s the honest truth – none have full sea views. You might catch a glimpse if you crane your neck from the higher suite terraces, but it’s quite lateral. My insider tip? Stretch the budget for a suite if you can. The standard rooms are lovely but only offer queen beds. The suites give you so much more space, and those Executive Junior Suites? They come with plunge pools and elevated views – absolutely worth it.

    One thing that is worth considering: this place is built right into the hillside. I was near the top – so it was quite the workout! Yes, there are lifts, but they take a bit of navigation, dropping you at different levels so you may need to take multiple ones. And if stairs are an issue, I’d definitely suggest requesting a room in the main building or as low down as possible.

     

    Four Restaurants, Zero Disappointments

    Well, maybe one… Being an alfresco eatery, the Tramuntana Grill wasn’t open during our visit as it opens a little later in the season to take full advantage of the warmer weather. Speaking of which, the early spring elements kept us dining indoors throughout our stay. But honestly? The atmosphere was so warm, we didn’t mind one bit.

    Each of the four restaurants has its own unique character and the food and drink are exceptional throughout. And breakfast – oh, breakfast! Both buffet and à la carte options will have you seriously considering skipping lunch (until you see those lunch menus, that is!). Spoiling doesn’t even begin to cover it.

    El Olivo was super-impressive, with its six-course tasting menu – proper fine-dining that would hold its own anywhere in the world. But you know what? My favourite was Restaurante Míro, a scenic spot for all day dining and a more relaxed vibe. Sometimes a more casual option just hits a little different.

     

    Adventures Included (Yes, Really!)

    The complimentary activities here list reads like a holiday wish list: walking tours, donkey trekking, cooking classes, olive oil tastings, tennis lessons, yoga, a morning hike with the manager, meditation, painting… I could literally go on and on! And, being known for having one of the best concierge departments in the world, they have a ton of experience in fulfilling the most amazing requests in an instant.

    Cycling is huge here, so we joined an e-bike tour through local villages – which was brilliant fun and I felt completely safe the entire time. The grand finale? An olive grove where they laid on a fantastic traditional Mallorcan lunch. Perfect! We also tried hillside yoga (oh, those views!), and indulged in a handful of spa treatments – pure bliss after all that cycling. They have also just acquired a boat for complimentary sunset cruises, which should prove highly popular once operational.

    One lovely surprise: how family-friendly everything is. I hadn’t expected that, but there were several happy families making the most of it all. And, while the kids’ club may be compact, the focus on outdoor adventures makes everything far more appealing for younger guests than being stuck inside anyway.

     

    Standout Moments

    The hillside donkey trek is one of La Residencia’s most requested experiences, and it’s easy to see why. It’s about 45 minutes of quite steep climbing through the olive groves surrounding the property, but the resident donkeys keep you company and the payoff is a delectable picnic lunch at the top.

    Good company, delicious food and spectacular views over the valley – there’s no finer way to spend the afternoon.

    The spa also deserves a special mention. It’s not the biggest or most luxurious I’ve seen, but it oozes charm and comes with an outdoor hot tub, cold tub and Thalasso jets. The staff were wonderfully friendly, and we all agreed the massages were the best we’d enjoyed anywhere.

    Final Thoughts

    What makes Belmond La Residencia so special? It’s not just the art-filled corridors or those mountain views. It’s not even the fact that monks once called this home, or that your waiter may have been taking care of guests here for decades.

    It’s how it all comes together – this beautiful alchemy of historical charm, artistic soul, and genuine warmth that makes you feel less like a hotel guest and more like you’ve been let in on Deià’s best-kept secret. The service is absolutely impeccable; the staff so friendly, kind, knowledgeable and incredibly welcoming. And absolutely nothing was too much trouble.

    So, by the time you’re sipping your morning coffee and gazing out over the Tramuntana Mountains, you’ll understand exactly why people don’t just visit La Residencia. They return. Time and time again.

    Trust me, you’ll be planning your next stay before you’ve even checked out.”

    VIEW Belmond La Residencia

    Start planning your EDEN Luxury Holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

    GET IN TOUCH  01244 567000

    Start planning your EDEN Luxury Holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

    GET IN TOUCH

    01244 567000

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