A hidden Majorcan gem

Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas, Majorca

Travel by Bill McCarthy

Majorca is famous for many things, including its beautiful sandy beaches and coastline, tennis superstar Rafa Nadal and, er, Love Island.

The stunning La Carossa resort in Majorca

Early morning view of the hotel and reception area

The outdoor infinity pool is heated and has stunning views

One of the luxury villas available

The relaxing sauna, spa and steam area within the hotel complex

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.

**The outdoor infinity pool is heated and has stunning views**

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.