The late Princess Diana was only one of the many famous guests who’ve sought relaxation, sanctuary, and privacy at Mallorca’s 5-star Belmond La Residencia hotel, located in the mountain village of Deià. But you won’t read tabloid-style revelations about celebrity guests in Louise Davis’ debut memoir, Hideaway Hotel – Secrets of a Mediterranean Celebrity Retreat (pub Ant Press). Instead, readers will find a discreet and fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this much-loved hotel.

Louise worked as public relations manager at La Residencia for twenty-two years, witnessing changes to the property, its ownership, and management. She wrote her debut memoir after retiring from what is probably one of Mallorca’s most enviable PR roles.

Having worked in hotel PR myself (for a couple of international chains and a country house hotel in the UK), I found Louise’s book an interesting read. I imagine anyone who’s stayed at Belmond La Residencia or has an interest in hotels, hospitality, tourism, or public relations, will also enjoy finding out more about this iconic hotel. I found the details about its history and cultural and community involvement particularly interesting.

I interviewed Louise Davis for my podcast ‘Authors in Mallorca’ and you can hear our conversation on the link at the end of this post..

If you’d like to read Hideaway Hotel – Secrets of a Mediterranean Celebrity Retreat by Louise Davis, you’ll find it on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. If you’re in Mallorca, check out Universal Bookshop in Portals Nous — where owner Kay Halley is an enthusiastic supporter of local authors.

New General Manager for 2021

There’s been a change at the helm of Belmond La Residencia this year. Following the departure of Ulisses Marreiros — who was at the hotel for eight years and has now moved to Belmond’s Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro — Thomas Moons was appointed general manager.

Moons brings more than 15 years’ international hospitality experience to his new role in Deià, having worked at renowned hotels in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Dubai, before joining Belmond in 2012. He worked for the company in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, before moving to Peru. Under his leadership, Miraflores Park in Lima gained recognition as South American’s Most Romantic Resort, Peru’s Leading Hotel Suite, and Peru’s Leading Business Hotel in the 2020 World Travel Awards.

‘It is my great pleasure to lead the team at La Residencia,’ Moons said of his new role. ‘Together with my team, I look forward to welcoming guests back to the storied history of La Residencia when the hotel opens for the spring season, and taking the hotel and brand to new heights.’

The five-star Deià hotel is expected to open for the 2021 season on May 17th.

And so another chapter begins for Belmond La Residencia…

Suzi Quatro – Lyricist, Poet, Autobiographer, Novelist – Authors in Mallorca

Detroit-born Suzi Quatro made her distinctive mark on the glam rock scene in the '70s and has been in the music business ever since, as a singer, songwriter, and musician. She's also presented radio and TV shows and acted – playing  Leather Tuscadero in 'Happy Days', the lead role in 'Annie Get Your Gun' in London's West End, and parts in several British TV series including 'Midsomer Murders' and 'Absolutely Fabulous'. Her 58-year career – so far – continues with a European concert tour this year, kicking off in April at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Writing is a passion for Suzi and, as well as penning lyrics, she has also authored five published books: 'Unzipped' – autobiography (Hodder) 'Through My Eyes' – first of a series of illustrated coffee-table books (New Haven Publishing)'The Hurricane' – a novel (New Haven Publishing)'Through My Words' – 2nd in series of coffee-table books (New Haven Publishing)'Through My Thoughts' – 3rd in series (New Haven Publishing)During Suzi's recent visit to Mallorca (where she and her husband have a home), we met in Puerto Portals to chat about her writing life – and more.  We talk about the writers who have influenced her; her writing methods; the two books she's just finishing (a second novel and a collection of poetry); the effects of the Covid lockdown on her work and life, and more. For Suzi Quatro's website and 2022 tour dates, see here.  Click here for tickets for Suzi's April 2022 concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London.PODCAST THEME TITLE: “Lifestyles”COMPOSER: Jack WaldenmaierPUBLISHER: Music Bakery Publishing (BMI)The novel ‘Daughter of Deià’ by podcast host Jan Edwards is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. 

1. Suzi Quatro – Lyricist, Poet, Autobiographer, Novelist 39:22
2. Simon Kenion Shears – The Fitness Author 35:09
3. Christine Greenslade – Children's Author 35:18
4. Lizzie Graham – Author (with Anna Deacon) of 'Wild Guide Balearic Islands' 37:28
5. Dr Timothy Ashby – Historical Fiction & Non-Fiction Author 42:16

Jan Edwards Copyright 2021