The Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas has stepped up the level of luxury in Mallorca, once seen as a party island for Brits has now become one of the chicest of the Balearic Islands. The hotel has been a big part of the catalyst, perched in the hills in a private estate, filled with ancient olive trees and incredible views of both mountains and the sea. The property is an oasis of first-class amenities and services tucked away in the natural beauty of the landscape making it the ultimate Spanish countryside escape.
Location
Located a few miles inland, occupying the vast estate and beautiful scenery of the countryside, it is three miles away from the quaint and picturesque town of Artà. Within a 15-minute drive you will be within reach of the famous beaches of Cala Millor, Alcudia and the beautiful seaside village of Colonia de Sant Pere. Golf lovers get the privileges of being only 30 minutes by car to world-class courses such as Capdepera, Canyamel, and Son Servera.
The Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas vibe
Nestled in between the mountains, your senses become at one with nature, the smell from the sea and columns of lavender fills the air. The property is massive, covering over 350-acres of pristine countryside, we drove up the winding driveway through the ancient olive trees (some over 200 years old in very funky shapes.) The hotel building itself is set in the heart of the sprawling estate, once formerly a historic 16th century country estate, the building was converted and restored into a 75-suite paradise while maintaining and preserving its original charms, it has a tiny church and a traditional-style courtyard where herbs are grown.
Passing through the hotel’s historic exterior, you are greeted by a refreshed and contemporary interior that exudes a very elegant and rustic chic style, checking in was a pleasant and effortless process, where we were warmly greeted with a glass of champagne upon arrival, setting the standards high for our Mediterranean escape.
Spa lifestyle
Surrounded by unspoilt countryside and panoramic views of the sea and mountains, I was delighted to find the 1,500 sqm state-of-the-art wellness oasis. Built into the hilly landscape, it offers three level of pure indulgence, on the rooftop there is a 20-metre-long heated outdoor pool with incredible views of the estate and lined with inviting sun loungers.
Stepping down the stairs you enter the main facility, designed to the highest quality and specification, the interiors use the calming natural colour tones of the landscape, featuring exposed stone walls and floor to ceiling glass windows for maximum natural lighting. Inside offers Mallorca’s largest sauna area, steam bath, ice fountains, and the eye-catching 17-metre indoor pool.
There is an extensive list of pampering treatments for you to spoil yourself, from a variety of massages to beauty treatments, for the fitness gurus there is a modern fitness centre fitted with world-class equipment’s, Technogym training facilities, EMS and the spa lounge provides morning yoga classes.
My Room
I stayed in a junior suite with a terrace, once formerly the stables to the vast estate it has been converted into series of snug suites. My countryside retreat, spanning a total of 45 Sqm which was made to feel extra bigger by the high beamed ceilings and beautifully positioned layout. The space is open planned, with the bedroom and sitting area divided by steps leading down towards the private patio which overlooks the flower meadow and surrounding mountain landscape, a great private spot where you can enjoy sunrise or sunset.
The interior uses natural wood, beige, and light colour tones which is inspired by the natural landscape with vibrant purple accents in the furnishings. My favourite highlights from my room were the small yet thoughtful touches integrated throughout from the extensive pillow menu to the adorable hotel bag.
Those looking for extra space or privacy, you can opt for any of the property’s four private villas, offering four or five bedrooms, it is the perfect for gatherings and families wanting an extra bit of luxury.
A gastronomic experience
Guest will get to enjoy the gastronomy experience crafted by the culinary team at Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas, offering sophisticated international dishes with Mallorcan influences.
Breakfast is inside the main building of Carrossa or out on the sunny terrace. There is an extensive buffet that includes high-quality cold cuts, cheese, smoked fish, fresh fruits, and an array of baked goods. Hot dishes are available to order from the a la carte menu and I would recommend the poached eggs with spicy guacamole on toast.
Lunch
For a relaxed dining setting head to Bistro Badia, sitting outside you are able to take in the breath-taking view of the bay of Alcudia. The menu has a comprehensive choice of Mediterranean dishes to choose from. Classic dishes are expertly prepared, it takes a lot for me to talk about a salad, yet the simple Caesar salad at lunch blew me away, using homemade Caesar salad dressing and only fresh vegetables, local, if possible (from the hotels own grounds), it showed the dedication to gastronomy at every level of dining. We suggest going for the Paella, freshly caught fish from the bay and local sourced produce, the dish surprises us with its own distinct aroma and flavour profile that makes it something extra special.
Dinner
Carrossa Restaurant is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant and gaining a reputation as a gastronomy hotspot, ran by chef Felix Renner, taking you on a culinary journey, tasting a new interpretation of Mediterranean Cuisines with refined influences of international flavours. Felix and his ambitious team provide a seasonal selection of al la carte offerings, as well as an impressive daily changing set menu.
I ordered the veal chop, a very generous portion cooked sous vide. This sophisticated method of cooking allowed the delicate meat to be cooked at a precise temperature, the veal was then topped off with a rich truffle gravy, Romanesco and gnocchi sautéed in butter and sage.
Drinks
Drinks The romantic wine cellar at Carrossa is fully stocked with Spanish and internationally recognized wines from Italy and France to Austria, Germany among others. As well as wines produce from within the estate. Our favourite was the Bodega Conde de Suyrot, a white wine made in Mallorca, a very aromatic and complex wine with apricot and almond aromas. There is a wonderful in-house Sommelier who is always available to guide you through and wine tastings are available to book, a wonderful way of learning about the rich history of the wines and property.
The Bar
Tucked away by the side of the historic courtyard, Carrossa’s Bar Oro is where guests can go and enjoy an expertly prepared cocktail in a chill yet upbeat environment, if you’re with a group I recommend sitting in the intimate cave, the perfect spot for a celebration, fitted inside is a plush built-in purple velvet sofa and romantic lighting which showcases the beautiful natural stone walls inside. The must have drink is the Carrossa Gin, made from Mediterranean herbs, it is a highlight of high-quality local produce.
Why Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas is special
Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas offers 5-star luxury for the couples, groups and families. Here you have the chance to sample incredible cuisine, enjoy a countryside setting and the opportunity to sample the world-class spa and well-being.
But what made Carrossa stand out was the team. Impressively every staff member I met during my visit was multilingual in Spanish, German and English. Brilliant at what they do, making sure every detail of the trip was pleasurable as possible.
To discover more, visit: carrossa.com
All imagery courtesy of Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas.
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