La Residencia in Deià is one of my three favourite hotels in Mallorca; I even included it in my novel Daughter of Deià – enjoying the hotel vicariously as I wrote the story. (My heroine was paying the bill!).

If your budget doesn’t stretch to overnight stays in this iconic property, you can still visit and take advantage of the gorgeous views over the village and out towards the Mediterranean, and enjoy the lush gardens.

The village of Deià is a hub of activity once holidaymakers start arriving in any number, but you’ll feel serenity wash over you within the perimeter of La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel.

New Opening Hours at Café Miró

This year, La Residencia has decided to keep Café Miró open all day from 12:30h until 23:00h. It’s a great development because now you can make the most of exploring Deià without watching the clock to make sure you don’t miss lunch service.

The terrace offers gorgeous views and a relaxed ambience in which to enjoy dishes from Café Miró’s new menu. But if it’s your first visit to La Residencia, don’t miss the opportunity to check out the interior too, where you’ll find 33 original works by the Barcelona-born painter, sculptor, and ceramicist Joan Miró on display. And, as an aside, if you’ve never visited the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró in Palma, it’s well worth going – for the chance to see the late artist’s studio on his adopted island. You can almost imagine him strolling in to take up his brushes.

The New Menu

My previous lunch at Café Miró was quite a while pre-pandemic; what we ate with friends was international fare. But this year’s menu feels much more Mediterranean and is more family-style; this means dishes in the middle of the table to share (although you don’t have to!). It’s a style of eating that, for me, epitomises the Mediterranean way of life. I love the idea that you can share several dishes, because it can be difficult to choose when faced with a menu of so many temptations.

Six of us sat down to lunch at Café Miró, sharing dishes placed in the centre of the table. Here are pictures of just some of what we enjoyed. I’m assured the octopus was delicious, although I cannot bring myself to eat it these days, after watching My Octopus Teacher on Netflix. Each to their own. We also had the most delicious cheesecake I’ve ever eaten – with fig jam. Sadly I wasn’t quick enough to take a photo before it was demolished.

Good to Know

Prices are of a level you’d expect in a 5-star hotel of high repute. Eating at Café Miró is a real treat though, and when you take into account the quality of the cuisine, the excellent service, and heavenly setting, it’s worth the splurge. What a great way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or just being in one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

The choice of spirits on the drinks menu is extensive and includes Mallorcan labels. If, like me, you have to drive from Deià, you’ll appreciate the good choice of non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks. I highly recommend the fresh lemon mint juice (12€). Who needs alcohol when you can sip this?

You can also come to Café Miró for a very civilized afternoon tea (15-18h).

Café Miró has live music every evening from 19:30h.

©Jan Edwards 2022