Travel review: Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas, Majorca
Majorca is famous for many things, including its beautiful sandy beaches and coastline, tennis star Rafa Nadal and, er, Love Island.
But there’s much more to it. The biggest of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, it also features sheltered coves, limestone mountains and Roman and Moorish remains.
Like many Mediterranean islands Majorca has been colonised and conquered for centuries, from the Phoenicians in the eighth century the Romans, naturally, the Moors from North Africa and finally Spain.
Since the 1950s tourism has transformed the island into a destination for foreign visitors, with booming tourist areas like Magaluf, Palma Nova and Alcudia.
But there also hidden gems like the the brand new resort of La Carossa, an upmarket, spa, wellness and golf resort just a few miles inland at the north-east of the island.
Majorca's newest five-star hotel, The Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas opened last May, enjoys stunning views and is not far from the romantic town of Artà.
Formerly a family home, obviously a huge one, the owners decided it was too big for one family so now it has been converted into an exclusive spa resort featuring, beauty treatments, saunas, steam room and two swimming pools.
It sits on the brow of a hill in acres of grounds covered in astonishing magical groves of olive and almond trees, many stunted and twisted into weird shapes over centuries to look like something out of Lord of the Rings.
Their produce, however, cannot be underestimated.
Facilities at the resort include, massage and beauty-treatments, with high-end cosmetics, while wellbeing facilities include gym, with heated outdoor infinity pool and relaxation lounges, poolside bar and yoga activities, plus the indoor pool.
For fine dining there are two restaurants with a mixture of Mediterranean dishes and the choice of eating on the terraces with spectacular views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
There is also a selection of assorted regional and Spanish premium wines for degustation sessions in the resort bodega
Accommodation includes rooms in the main manor house itself and villas, while newly-built luxury suites offer tranquility and luxury living with a touch of privacy, all just a short walk from the main centre.
The suites have private terraces and feature natural stone floors and bathroom fitments, with walk-in showers and air conditioning, with luxury fittings throughout.
Situated just a few miles inland from the famous beaches and bathing at Cala Millor and Alcudia, it is also just down the road from where TV favourite Love Island is filmed.
If you fancy a morning or afternoon shopping, the charming little town of Artà is just about four miles away with its weekly markets and cultural events
Golfers have no fewer than four attractive 18-hole golf courses within reach in just 15 minutes drive, including Capdepera Golf, Canyamel Golf and Club de Golf Son Servera, where you might rub shoulders with owner and keen golfer Nadal. All also offer their own fine cuisine after a tiring day on the course, with Capadera offering excellent tapas.
A little further afield you can find fine seafood dining while looking out over the Med at Restaurante Lago, at Son Serra de Marina. Among the varied menu is a sensational authentic seafood paella, certainly the best I have ever tasted, and all with a relaxed ambience.
A hidden gem, unlikely to stay hidden for long.
Fact box
There are three seasons, A is February 23 to April 14 and October 13 to November 17, B is April 14 to June 30 and September 8 to October 13 and C is June 30 to September 8.
Room rate per night inclusive of breakfast start at 180 euros for a standard room to 425 euros for a superior suite in high season.
Packages include seven nights including gourmet half-board from 859 euros pp.
Alternatively a four night incuding gourmet half-board and three treatments from 625 euros pp or seven nights with four treatments for 1,025 euros.
Golf packages include: Four nights including gourmet half-board and two green fees on two 18-hole courses near the resort from 599 euros per person.
Alternatively there is a seven night gourmet half board package which includes four green fees at top golf locations from 1,139 euros per person.
Other special rates are available on request.
For more information visit carrossa.com
Telephone: +43 4852-61122 M: +34 637-104680
E: info@carrossa.com
Most airlines offer flights to Palma from most airports in the UK
