La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca, Mediterranean

You simply cannot beat the stunning location of Mallorca’s La Residencia. It sits in the heart of the artists’ village of Deia, amidst the towering UNESCO World Heritage listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on the island’s north-west coast. Set in 12 acres of ancient olive and citrus groves on a hilltop, the mountain and sea views are utterly awe-inspiring! Bought by Sir Richard Branson in 1987 and now owned by Belmond, La Residencia is unquestionably one of the Mediterranean’s most renowned and romantic hotels. It’s worth every minute of the 45 minute winding mountain climb by car from Palma airport, around hairpin bends, past sheer drops and gorges. Two Manor Houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries have been lovingly restored and furnished with local antiques and fabrics to create a hotel of unsurpassed style and charm. Many of the friendly staff grew up in the area and are only too happy to share stories of local history with you. Nods to Deia’s artistic heritage are evident in the hotel’s art gallery and sculpture garden.