Despite being a highly popular destination for international visitors, there remain very special corners of this singular island, that remain timeless, calm and quintessentially Mallorca. Finca Serena 5* Resort in Mallorca is one such place, writes Andrew Forbes.
Imagine an exclusive rural resort, where luxury has been pared back to its purest form; exclusivity; authenticity; privacy. Finca Serena is a place where guests are embraced not only my a genuine welcome but by tranquillity, refined comfort and sophisticated spa pampering.
That’s the essence of Finca Serena, which quietly opened this year.
It was last month that I headed back to Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearic archipelago, east of Spain’s Valencian coast. Its postcard perfect coves and beaches, charming historic towns and villages, UNESCO mountain range and sophisticated capital make for a captivating getaway – but admittedly in my experience, the island can get busy.
A new take on a country hotel
So it was such a privilege to be introduced to Finca Serena during my visit to Mallorca. This country property of little more than two dozen rooms is surrounded by peaceful gardens, vineyards and rolling farmland leading to the picturesque, yet undiscovered village of Montuïri. It’s a corner of the island where you won’t find day-trippers or other tourists: it’s like how the island used to be.
Yet, the best thing is that Finca Serena is just 30 minutes’ drive from the airport, mostly on quiet rural roads – it’s a breeze to get to.
I felt as if I had been let in on a secret. This charming, stylish property is evocative of a welcoming farmstead, away from the coastal crowds or the bustle of the city. Once you discover it, prepare to be gently seduced – before you know it you will fall in love with this relaxed pace of life amongst rolling countryside. After all, you hasn’t, once in a while, dreamed of escaping to a simpler life on a Mediterranean island? If so, then is the place you probably you dreamed of, where the warm breeze whispers through ancient olive groves; and songbirds chirp in juniper, Cyprus and lemon trees.
Yet for me, Finca Serena wasn’t like a traditional rural hotel. The 40-hectare estate may classic architecture, and established orchards, wild woodlands and even vineyards. Yet the interior design, gastronomy ad hospitality is a refreshing mix of understated cool, contemporary finesse and a relaxed, vibe. The young, handsome team, dressed in khaki and white linen
In short, as a guest one quickly feels at home, pampered and cared for like an old friend.
Guest Rooms
Natural and authentic comes to mind when you enter your guest room – and don’t be fooled by the simplicity. Attention to detail is subtle but most definitely there, from the carefully crafted, softly polished plaster walls and floors, the high-quality linens and cottons, the custom furniture, mixed with artisan pieces. Guests that book direct with Finca Serena can look forward to additional benefits and treats. I was gifted a beautiful scented candle and linen bag.
My garden terrace suite had a glorious terrace shaded by cyprus trees, with views out over the countryside to the village – this is the Mediterranean that I just love, like parts of Andalucia, and also Tuscany, the simplicity and calm is captivating, and healing.
The bathroom feels spacious thanks to high ceilings. I liked the signature amenities too.
There is rooms in the main house, as well as in small cottages on the estate, offering private terraces.
The private Villa Serena has private garden, a large veranda, living space and a stunning bathroom.
Gastronomy
The owners have maintained the charm of a private Mallorca country home by omitting the classic hotel installations. So, for example, don’t expect a bar – cocktail o’clock is when you desire, one just has to ask.
The same understated elegance is reflected in the Jacaranda Restaurant where the seasonal menu changes daily and makes the most of local products and of course the abundance of produce from the estate – fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and foraged foods. The restaurant has an elegant Palma Terrace that leads onto a tranquil garden, where one only hears the sounds of birds and a fountain. One of the many joys of this calm oasis is that you won’t be subjected to piped muzak everywhere you go.
Breakfast during my stay was served on the main stone cobbled courtyard terrace ‘Los Olivos’ , in the shade of ancient olive trees, overlooking the pool. Table service of hot dishes is complemented by a tempting buffet of rustic breakfast items including homemade fig jam, fruit cakes and fresh pastries.
Wellness, Spa & Activities
Understandably, this luxury rural retreat is perfect for a wellness break. Look forward to regular yoga classes, or even book one of the dedicated yoga holidays The spa, treatment rooms (book a Natura Bissé massage) and gym maybe hidden behind an ancient stone wall, but expect all the latest innovations, and more.
There are bicycles for use on the estate and also a map or running and hiking trails that take you through the woodlands and vineyards.
But chances are, you’ll flop the pool, reading that book you’ve been meaning to finish but never found the time or peace to do it.
Should the urge to explore take over, well, front desk have the know-how to set up private tours, a game of golf or ideas for a self-drive day trip exploring.
Information
Finca Serena is an adults-only property, where accompanied youngsters must be over 14 years old.
Finca Sererna
Montuïri, Mallorca, Spain
Tel: +34 971 18 17 58
Email: info@fincaserenamallorca.com
Website: www.fincaserenamallorca.com
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