El Vicenc de la Mar Evaluation
Over time I’ve usually been requested which is the perfect a part of Mallorca. Effectively, on the subject of a Mediterranean island as various as Mallorca, it’s by no means a query of the place’s greatest, however what fits your journey type.
Uncover the north of Mallorca
The east is famend for its bays and coves, the south is well-known for its seashores, nightlife, and the thrill of Palma, which in flip is a world’s away from the scenic west coast and the craggy mountains of Tramuntana. For me I’ve at all times adored the rugged, rural inside with picture-perfect villages, in addition to the north coast which actually holds an attract. I am keen on the pure magnificence of the Cap Formentor, probably the most northern tip of the island, and the attraction of the seaside city of Pollensa, with its hanging sea views, and charming foremost sq. surrounded by fairly cafés and bars.
It’s on this northern coast that one finds the energetic beachside hamlet of Cala Sant Vicenç, and the exquisitely designed El Vicenç de la Mar lodge. Tucked into its hillside setting, overlooking the village and one among three stunning bays, the lodge brings collectively the genuine, pleasant type of a boutique hideaway, along with the type, gastronomy, and luxe touches of a flowery metropolis bolthole.
When you’ve picked up your rental automotive at Mallorca’s airport, you possibly can be ensconced in your room at El Vicenç de la Mar in lower than an hour. But should you’re arriving within the morning, why not meander slightly, having fun with the nation lanes lined with banks of lush wildflowers, and historic carob bushes, having fun with the shocking discoveries you may make alongside the best way? I handed a fantastic Roman bridge on route and took a second to cease and discover the close by ‘Coves de l’Alzinaret’, a really fascinating assortment of historic, prehistoric burial caves set right into a pine-clad hillside near the village of Cala Sant Vicenç.
Lodge El Vicenç de la Mar
But, I used to be undeniably excited to succeed in my vacation spot and uncover the brand new El Vicenç de la Mar lodge. Upon arrival, reception embraced me with the heat of this distinctive Mediterranean island. This welcoming house, wealthy within the textures and hues of the vacation spot, with native cork, stone, and textiles, was really dropped at life by the real friendliness of the entrance desk workforce.
U Mayol bistro
Lunch on the terrace U Mayol, the relaxed bistro on the bottom flooring units the scene for what’s to be a really scrumptious keep. Select a desk on the shaded terrace, within the firm of visiting cyclists and hikers, or inside by the bar. Santi Taura is Mallorca’s most celebrated chef, completely conveying the sluggish tempo of genuine island life. His menus give new life to historic recipes, made with distinctive native components. His Michelin-star restaurant DINS, at sister property, El Llorenç de la Mar in Palma is often totally booked, however right here at El Vicenç de la Mar you may benefit from the memorable flavours and superb dishes of his award-winning kitchen, completely ready by Chef Santi Martorell.
For lunch that meant tasty fried sea anemones, crispy on the surface and delicate and flavoursome inside. It was a very good time of 12 months to attempt the tuna tartare with a spicy creamy dressing. The ocean bass was completely ready, with a standard type aspect dish of sliced potatoes, made irresistibly tempting with pan-fried peppers and onions bursting the Mediterranean flavour.
Mediterranean design
Then it was time to chill out within the room, with a siesta. A couple of years in the past, I stayed on the sister property, El Llorenç de la Mar, with its extravagant design and styling.
You’ll be able to learn The Luxurious Editor profile assessment of El Llorenç Parc de la Mar right here.
But right here on the sea view El Vicenç de la Mar, the Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland has fallen for the simplicity of a pure Mediterranean type. I actually cherished the abundance of pure supplies and calming textures throughout the property with occasional pops of color and artistic surprises with a curated assortment of artwork and photographic prints.
Rooms & suites
But my jaw actually dropped after I made it to my room – or ought to I say suite. There are 35 visitor rooms together with swim-up rooms, with terraces and direct entry to a 17-metre pool, junior suites, and an impressive Penthouse suite, with non-public panoramic terraces non-public pool.
I used to be staying within the signature non-public pool suite – a 41 sq. metre sanctuary with a non-public salon, a big bed room with a dressing space and a spacious tub and bathe room.
It’s like an ideal sea-view residence, with an enormous terrace that means that you can get pleasure from the perfect of the Mediterranean way of life, from a morning dip adopted by an espresso to a night sipping a wonderful cava below the celebrities. The view is out in the direction of the cove and the mountains past that ignite with the heat of the setting solar, creating stunning shapes and shadows, well-known on the island.
The eye to element is in all places all through the suite, from comfortable pool flip-flops and designer seashore bag to luxurious bathrobe slippers and fantastic grooming facilities. The toilet is so effectively designed, with a separate moist room space with the bathe and huge bathtub – there are many plush towels too and all of the facilities you want, from a pure loofah to tub salts.
When you ebook instantly with the lodge, you may count on extra treats too, together with the primary minibar included, in addition to a departure present, like native olive and Mallorca salt.
El Vicenç restaurant
This island has change into a classy foodie vacation spot, with tempting eating places hidden away in villages and alongside the coast. However I can guarantee you that you simply’ll not need to go away El Vicenç de la Mar. The signature eating is to not be missed
The atmosphere of El Vicenç restaurant completely fits this nation’s coastal setting. Relaxed, laid-back class with calming interiors and a big terrace for eating below the celebrities. Jesus my waiter and sommelier managed the proper stability between a pleasant relaxed welcome, {and professional}, well-informed service. He wine suggestions started a journey to island wineries whereas the menu epitomised the signature type of Santi Taura, delivered with aptitude and fervour by Chef Santi Martorell.
Home made bread made with native carob flour, specifically chosen olive oil and pore starters of salmorejo and a prized beef croquette started a memorable night of meals and wine.
The ‘stuffed aubergines, Santi’s method’ is extraordinary. A basic dish, elevated to wonderful eating, because of layers of flavour. Chef Martorell tells me that to make the jus he begins with some 50 litres of inventory, earlier than lastly decreasing it to eight litres of advanced, wealthy flavours.
Suckling pig is an island delicacy, and right here it may be loved in a lightweight, refined method. The fish dishes are equally spectacular, with hake loin in inexperienced sauce with potato gnocchi and snow peas, a recent feast of tastes and textures.
Traditional deserts have been given the Santi Mediterranean contact, with the creation of a deconstructed ‘no’ lemon tart, in addition to a Mallorcan tackle the basic fondant with the native almond coolant with ice cream.
Breakfast
For me, a desk service breakfast is an actual luxurious, and right here at El Vicenç de la Mar, the primary meal of the day is taken to the following degree, actually, as it’s served on the roof terrace with views to the Mediterranean.
Wellness
The surprises proceed the following day with my go to to the spa. This bijou lodge not solely punches above its weight with gastronomy however wellness too. The spa is spectacular, with a big pool, hydrotherapy circuity, sauna and steam rooms, and signature spa remedies utilizing merchandise from the famend Natura Bissé.
When you’re feeling playful then there’s additionally a video games room and library, and yet one more shock, a non-public cinema for personal film nights.
Experiences and actions
Along with the three native sandy coves, the entrance desk will probably be completely satisfied to suggest close by mountaineering trails. I can personally suggest a go to to the pure surprise or Cap Formentor which additionally gives a well-liked biking route alongside the winding street, as much as the lighthouse.
Moreover, there’s snorkelling and scuba diving within the superbly clear waters, and the caves I discussed early. These hypogeum knowledge again to the Bronze Age and are stated to be probably the most spectacular in Mallorca. Chicken lovers will benefit from the superb number of visiting species, as that is additionally an vital level for migration.