Luxury Hotel Review: Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca

Nestled in the heart of the Tramuntana Mountains, overlooking the stunning small town of Deia, a village known as a place where many famous people over the years have come to spend time, lies La Residencia, an outstanding luxurious hotel combining traditional charm with modern comforts. Having celebrated my wedding at Belmond La Residencia, me and my wife received a complimentary night for our first anniversary and we were excited to finally spend a night at this wonderful hotel that made our wedding night so special.

This review delves deep into my experience, offering insights and recommendations for those considering a stay in this idyllic retreat.

First Impressions

Upon arrival, the village of Deia captivates you with towering Tramuntana mountain peaks, which frame the village. As you approach La Residencia, the stone-clad houses of La Residencia, melt perfectly in with its surroundings, not making it obvious from the outside that there lies a five-star hotel within its stone walls. We arrived right before our check-in at 15:00, and the welcoming atmosphere is felt the moment you step out of the car, where staff immediately greet you with warm smiles and offering to park your car and take the luggage to the room. The hotel’s exterior is a harmonious blend of traditional Mallorcan architecture and lush gardens. Walking into the reception of the main building feels more like walking into a rich friend’s living room rather than a hotel lobby and you immediately get a sense of the relaxing atmosphere that this place embodies. The staff congratulated us on our anniversary and showed us to our room, a deluxe double room located on the second floor of the main building.

The Room

Once in our room, we were greeted by a bottle of complimentary Cava and some small delightful pieces of pastry. The bed was covered in rose leaves in the form of a heart. The bathroom – large and spacious with a double sink, bathtub, and separate shower. The view is beautiful, as it is from all corners of La Residencia, overlooking the surrounding mountains and the traditional stone houses with green windows in Deia. The attention to detail is noticeable in every part of the room from its rustic white walls with visible wooden beams, the marble bathroom, and a small and cozy sitting area.

The Facilities

The Pool Area

Having checked in to our lovely hotel room, we quickly got changed into our swimwear and were ready to explore the rest of the facilities, that this place had to offer. The main pool area is located one level up from the main building, here there are plenty of sunbeds overlooking the simply jaw-dropping landscape. On a small table next to each set of sunbeds lies a small electronic bell, where you can quickly call a waiter and order anything off the pool menu. The beer is obviously overpriced at 10€ for a small bottle, but what can you expect from a place like this?

Another level up from the main pool area lies an additional pool, smaller in size but reserved only for adults. Next to the pool lies a table with magazines and board games that you can choose from. The same concept works here just, hit the small electronic bell and the staff attend to you within a short moment.

The Spa

Heading further up in the hotel complex, lies the hotel’s spa, featuring an indoor swimming pool and a sauna. As with everything at La Residencia, the tasteful interior decor of the spa shines through while the aroma immediately puts you in a relaxed state of mind. The swimming area is spacious with multiple daybeds with large glass windows which allow an abundance of light through, making it a perfect place to enjoy when the summer sun is too strong. Walking through the spa leads you to a spa’s terrace, from which you can overlook the beautiful village of Deia while you enjoy a bath in their heated jacuzzi.

The Gym

The hotel also offers a well-equipped gym and two tennis courts for those who wish to stay active during their vacation. The gym is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, with several treadmills, free weights, and resistance machines, each piece of equipment maintained to a high standard.

The Tennis Courts

The tennis courts, situated amidst the hotel’s lush gardens, provides a great opportunity to play tennis surrounded by the beauty of Deià. The hotel offers equipment rental, and if you’re looking to improve your game or just have a friendly match, private coaching sessions can be arranged through the concierge.

Dining

As we already knew from our wedding night, the culinary experiences at La Residencia are nothing short of spectacular. La Residencia offers two restaurant:

El Olivo is the crown jewel of La Residencia’s dining options. Set in a meticulously restored 16th-century olive press, this fine dining restaurant offers an elegant and romantic atmosphere, with an upper terrace (we reserved it for our wedding night) and a lower larger sitting area. Under the soft glow of candlelight, guests can indulge in a menu that offers phenomenal local Mallorcan cuisine with dishes that are always crafted from the freshest local ingredients combined with, as the Michelin Guide calls it, “an encyclopedic wine list”.

Café Miró offers a more casual yet equally charming setting that is best enjoyed for lunch but is also open for dinner. The inside of the restaurant with its collection of 33 original Joan Miró artworks, terracotta tile, wooden beams, and piano creates a posh yet artistic atmosphere. This bistro-style eatery serves a diverse menu ranging from light snacks and salads to more substantial Mediterranean dishes. The terrace, overlooking the picturesque village of Deià and the azure Mediterranean Sea, provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch or an evening cocktail, capturing the essence of Mallorcan life.

The Breakfast

I think that everyone can agree that one of the best things when staying in a hotel, especially a luxurious one, is the breakfast! And La Residencia does not disappoint in this regard either. Son Fony is La Residencia’s breakfast venue, open daily 7.30 and 10.30 am, and located on the opposite side of the main swimming pool. The breakfast offers a wide variety of options, including freshly baked pastries, local cheeses and charcuterie, seasonal fruits, a wide selection of hot dishes prepared to order, and everything else you could possibly imagine. Son Fony with its high ceiling and a glass roof, brings in an abundance of sunlight onto the breakfast buffé. While you enjoy your breakfast on the terrace, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and gardens will give you a peaceful and calm morning atmosphere. Pro tip: Try the homemade beetroot juice which was absolutely delicious.

The Service

The level of service at La Residencia was exemplary. Each staff member, from the reception to the housekeeping team, went above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Their genuine care and attention to detail, whether it was in arranging a surprise picnic basket or offering insightful recommendations for local explorations, made us feel truly valued as a guest.

When to go?

I would recommend visiting La Residencia during the same time of the year as I would recommend you visit Mallorca, which is between end of September to mid-October. Temperatures will be a lot milder during this period, compared with the desert-like-climate during the summer months while the sea will still warm enough to go for a swim in. Additionally, prices also tend to be slight lower during the shoulder-seasons. Normally, rates start from 780 €/ night for a double in the low season and hike all the way up to 1550€ in the high season.

Things to do around Deia

If you are one of those people that get bored after just a day laying by the pool. Here are some of my top recommendations to do while staying at La Residencia in Deia, Mallorca.

Go for a swim in Cala Deia

The closest place from La Residencia to go to for a swim in the medditerrainen is Cala Deia, located roughly 40 minute walk down from La Residencia (or 9 min by car). Cala Deia is a small picturesque little cove with crystal clear water surrounding by rocky formations. Its not the most beautiful cove in Mallorca, however its a perfect spot if you want to make contact with the sea, without traveling too far from La Residencia. Next to the beach lies a restaurant, where you can enjoy a cappucino or some fresh seas food after a swim.

Hike The Mountain Peak Overlooking Deia

Having visited Deia multiple times I always wanted to climb to the top of one of the dramatic mountains overlooking this beautiful little town, so eventually I decided to find a way to get to the top! The hike is know as the Valldemossa – Puig Gros loop trail, starting in Valldemossa and finishing in Valldemossa. The hike is about 10 km long in total and follows the GR 221 trail. To get to the trail start from the parking lot in Valldemossa and make you way to the marker seen on the map below. From there the trail starts and leads you on to a dirty road up the mountain.

The trail is well marked with signs and is rather challenging but manageable if you are in decent physical shape and it will take you rought 3-4 hours to complete, if you include rest and time for admiring the stunning views. I recommend that you download the app Alltrails, which is a great app to keep track that you are on the right path.

Hike from Soller to Deia.

Another popular hike, that I have done and recommend, is the one from Soller to Deia. The hike is about 17 km long and will take you around 5 hours to complete. During the hike you will walk along orange trees with marvelous views of the Mediterranean Sea. Refreshment stops are available on the way in the form of small private houses selling freshly pressed orange juice. The trail starts in Soller city center, from where you follow the GR 221 trail. Again, I do recommend that you check out app AllTrails, which will help you make sure you are on the right trail.

Port De Valldemossa

Port de Valldemossa might not be on every traveler’s radar, mainly because of the twisty, narrow road that snakes down to it through the mountains. But if you ask me, that’s part of its charm. This tucked-away spot feels like a secret, away from the more crowded spots along the Tramuntana coast.

When you finally get there, the sight is something else. A quaint harbor, surrounded by high cliffs covered in green, with just a few old stone houses and boathouses by the water. It’s so quiet, you can hear the sound of the waves and the occasional call of a seabird. The water here is crystal clear and a great place to go for a swim, the beach might be pebbly, but that only adds to the untouched vibe of the place.

There aren’t many places to eat, but the ones that are there serve up some really tasty seafood and local dishes. It feels authentic, like you’re really experiencing a part of Mallorca that most don’t.

Port de Valldemossa is one of those places where you can sit back, breathe in the sea air, and feel a bit more connected to the world around you.

Banyalbufar

Another underrated gem on the Tramuntana Coastline is Banyalbufar, roughly a 30-minute drive from Deia and La Residencia. Nestled in the heart of the Tramuntana mountains, its charm lies not just in the stunning landscapes but in its quieter, more laid-back atmosphere compared to the island’s busier destinations. This village, with its terraced hillsides that date back to the Moorish era, creates a unique and beautiful backdrop.

Getting there from Deia is a beautiful drive with winding roads offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean at every turn. But once you arrive, the pace of life seems to slow down, inviting you to relax and soak in the beauty of the place.

The village’s main beach, Cala Banyalbufar, is a mix of pebbles and rocks, framed by dramatic cliffs and a great place to go swimming. Located only a short walk downhill from the main road. The water here is crystal clear and it’s usually calm, making it perfect for a refreshing dip without the massive crowds that cover many of the more popular spots of the island, such as Es Trenc or Alcudia beach. There can at times however be a lot of jellyfish at the sea, so I do watch out so don’t get burned. I got burned myself when I was swimming in Banyalbufar and it hurt quite a bit.

Conclusion

La Residencia is an extraordinary hotel, and I can assure you that whatever your reason for choosing it for your vacation, you will not be disappointed. The price point is, of course, steep, and it’s understandably not a place most people would spend their vacation. However, I recommend staying there for a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary (as I did), a birthday, or to celebrate achieving a goal. Having celebrated my wedding there and also our anniversary, my heart is filled with joy when I think about La Residencia, and its without a doubt a place that I will continue to revisit for future special occasions.