Mallorca / La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca

A sense of place

Like Hydra or Montmartre, Deià has that magnetic pull for the creative crowd. But while Belmond, a world renowned luxury brand, may seem like it’s gate-crashing this bohemian bolthole, it was very much invited, allowing itself to be shaped by its location rather than the other way around. Over three quarters of the artwork on display were made in the area and the sculpture garden was created by local artist Juan Waelder – one of three artists around who helms the silver clay and lino-cutting classes. There’s also British artist-in-residence Alan Hydes, who bestows his gifts for painting onto eager apprentices.

In pursuit of…

…the influence of the Muses. Having a special relationship with the artistic throng allows for some special insider access. Inspiration flows through the village, where an invite to visit the cobbled cottages of local creatives guided by the hotel’s art curator, Cecilie Sheridan, is almost like stepping into the opening scene of a movie. The ones where you’re introduced to the eccentric artist, obligatory pencil behind their ear and works-in-progress littering the floor. Even further afield there’s an artsy aura, like in Palma where tours reveal hidden treasures like Spain’s most famous guitar maker or a pop-art ceramicist; and seeking out the enigmatic Drach caves leads to private concerts and boat trips below the stalactites.

A Carrier curation

Enticing the likes of Robert Graves and Andrew Lloyd Webber, there’s something special in the air of Deià, and to know what hooked them you have to get out and find it. First, a walk through the private olive groves alongside La Residencia’s donkeys end at a little Shepard’s hut, set up for a long leisurely lunch of local bread and cheese. Then, to experience the outcome of breathing this seemingly enchanted atmosphere, head to the hotel’s nearest neighbour to sit for a portrait to take home.