Mallorca’s 2025 season has begun for La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel, in the mountain village of Deià. Although the hotel is closed in the winter months, plenty goes on behind the closed gates to ensure that the 5-star hotel continues to meet the increasing demands of its discerning – and well-travelled – guests. Art, wellness, cuisine, and sustainability have all been under the microscope and further enhanced during Deià’s quietest months.

Art

The hotel’s ‘Artists in Residencia’ project returns for the third time. For 2025, the hotel has partnered with the global art platform, Artnet. Three international artists (names to be announced on March 31st) will receive a dual grant covering living expenses and production, as well as accommodation and a studio at the hotel for two months. These fortunate artists can also teach art classes to hotel guests.

Wellness at La Residencia

The hotel’s restyled spa is not the only wellness enhancement. La Residencia now collaborates with the cycling brand Bianchi, enabling guests to discover this spectacular area of Mallorca on two wheels. The hotel has acquired two road bikes and two e-bikes for guests’ complimentary use, stored in the new Bianchi Bike Hub on the property. In addition to meditation and yoga, Pilates classes have been added.

Cuisine

Chef Pablo Armando has launched his third season at the helm of El Olivo, La Residencia’s fine dining restaurant, with tasting menus based on the culture, gastronomy, and ingredients of Mallorca. Working under La Residencia’s executive chef, Guillermo Méndez, Pablo is passionate about farm-to-table dining. Two versions (one shorter) of the tasting menu are offered and named ‘Mayurqa’ (220€) and ‘Deyá’ (180€).

On the subject of cuisine, an exciting event is planned for this year at La Residencia: ‘The Art of Flavours on Tour’ is a gastronomic festival featuring prestigious guest chefs. This event follows the success of four editions of this festival at Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, in Madeira. I can’t wait to find out more.

Sustainability

Two wonderful (in my view) collaborations have been made under the umbrella of sustainability. First, the hotel has created opportunities for employment and training for people facing special challenges, in collaboration with Esment. Members of the Esment Terra team will be responsible for the cultivation and maintenance of seasonal vegetable crops as well as the management of the hotel’s olive groves, which are home to some 2,000 Mallorcan olive trees.

A further collaboration with local honey company Mel Vici focuses on artisanal beekeeping. Five hives were established in the olive grove last year producing honey for hotel guests to enjoy. And we all know how important bees are to the environment. On Monday afternoons, La Residencia offers guests a complimentary bee experience, which sounds amazing.

Whether returning to La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, or making a first visit, guests will find plenty to enjoy this season.

Jan Edwards ©2025