It was like a kind of magic. A hotel in Mallorca that left me spellbound.

Situated at the foot of the UNESCO protected La Tramuntana mountains, surrounded by a lavish park and gardens in 326 acres of unspoilt nature, Castell Son Claret estate has an unparalleled sense of freedom, access to pure mountain air and spectacular views.

Named one of the Leading Hotels of the World, it was clear to see why as we rolled into the grand courtyard, a stunning step-back-in-time country castle that mesmerises with tranquil courtyards, charming service, a pool, and even private pools off certain suites, along with luxurious serene surroundings.

The estate was founded in 1450 and the castle dates from 1888 boasting 41 elegant suites and rooms, surrounded by an Arabian garden alongside the fragrances that come with it including almond blossom and lavender, all of which are used in their spa treatments.

It’s safe to say that the team at Castell Son Claret in Mallorca has not been resting on its laurels during the unexpected downturn in the international travel business during the pandemic.

Instead, the team has been considering what luxury leisure travellers will be looking for in the future and how the country estate can meet the renewed demand for suite accommodation that provides the reassuring comfort of space, nature and privacy. The result is the addition of four new Garden Suites, a new ‘garden service’ dining option, and a fresh new gourmet restaurant, Sa Clastra, named after the traditional central open-air patio or cloister at the heart of Spanish castles such as Castell Son Claret.

Our first night there involved a visit to the beautiful Olivera Restaurant, an idyllic spot for leisurely dining with spectacular views from the sun-dappled terrace across the hotel’s swimming pool to the mountains beyond.

The food was on a whole other level, we ordered oysters which were crisp and delightful with the fresh local Mallorca lemons squeezed on top. The menu selection was excellent with many delectable options. Mallorca has been long admired for its dazzling coastline, and as such, I’d highly recommend sampling their Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine a la carte, offering options brimming with local produce including olives, almonds and of course wine. A highlight had to be their roasted octopus with grilled spring onions and romesco sauce though – incredibly fresh.

Feeling something a little more special? Sa Clastra is the new gourmet restaurant offering led by talented Mallorca Chef Jordi Canto. Named after its location in the romantic central patio or cloister at the heart of Spanish castles such as Castell Son Claret, the ambitious team take classic dishes from around the world and reinterpret them using local produce. Sa Clastra honours the heritage of the slow food tradition, bringing lamb reared in the pastures close to the hotel, oranges from Sóller in the north, cuttlefish from Port Andratx, and lemons from Castell Son Claret’s own estate.

As you’re seated in the beautiful castle wall courtyard cossetted in the warm flow of the soft lights reflecting off the castle walls and night sky, you can’t help but feel butterflies. I’d highly recommend the wine pairing option as this continues the exploration of fine Mallorca produce, with suggestions from smaller private and family-run cellars on the island, delivered by the most marvellous sommelier.

Castell Son Claret opened its four new garden suites at the end of March 2021. Each of the four 75 square metre suites has a light-flooded living area, large bedroom and spacious bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow an uninterrupted view of the breath-taking landscape of the Tramuntana mountain range that hugs the Castell estate, bringing nature right to the doorstep. The elegant, modern design and the interior décor of the suites are by the well-known Spanish design firm, Decagono and Juncosa, giving the new suites a modern lightness. Some design highlights, such as the elegant lounge table by the American modernist designer, Warren Platner, or the lounge chair by Cassina, take their inspiration from the mid-Century style of the 50s and 60s when Mallorca became the glamorous meeting place for the international jet set.

Castell Son Claret’s large estate and the surrounding countryside provides plenty of outdoor space, naturally allowing for ‘distancing’. To complement this, the hotel recently introduced a new dining concept, ‘Garden Service’, whereby guests can order food and drinks from their room service menu to be delivered to one of the many private corners of the hotel’s grounds and gardens – a must when visiting here!

Aiming to take the stress out of your Spring/Summer 2022 travel arrangements so that guests can take pleasure in planning their holiday, Castell Son Claret offers a ‘door to door’ arrival service; meeting guests at the airport and escorting them directly to their private car for an exclusive 25-minute transfer to the hotel. This added an extra layer of calm to our incredible experience at Castell Son Claret.

If you’re looking for an experience like no other, Castell Son Claret is just that.

Garden suites at Castell Son Claret are priced from Euro 1,225 (from GBP 1,056) per room per night.
Rates include daily breakfast, tax and service.
Bookings can be cancelled free of charge up to 72 hours in advance of arrival.

Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International