Retreat to Mallorca in Autumn
| 31st October 2019
Mallorca has always been a popular destination going back, it seems, forever. In Summer you’re guaranteed scorching hot sunny days, Mallorca is a no brainer when you need to get away from not so guaranteed weather that we often experience the UK. Just a two hour flight will see you propelled to a land of tapas and wine.
But how about Mallorca in Autumn, the crowds aren’t in such numbers, the weather remains in the early to mid 20 degrees and if you are lucky you can pick up some bargains when it comes to flights. What could be better?
View from La Residencia Hotel, Deia, Mallorca
I was in Mallorca recently on a Yoga retreat. Correction, I was carrying the bags of the Yogi, Caroline Wilkinson who was running a yoga retreat in the small picturesque village of Deia just forty five minute taxi ride north west of Palma.
The Tramuntana mountains, Deia
Hugged by the Tramuntana mountains, Deia is a jewel of a place with a village shop that sells everything, one or two clothes and gift shops and amazingly for such a small place, it also has around twenty restaurants to choose from. Although many were closed at the end of the summer season, there was still a good selection. Our favourite being Xelini’s, a large Tapas restaurant with incredible food and wine with friendly staff.
Deia village main street
Deia has wonderful views, walks and swimming. It is a good walk to the ‘Cala’ with two very good restaurants and bars. Along the path to the Cala is a fabulous restaurant/bar called ’S’Hortet’. This family run restaurant serves fresh homemade vegetarian and vegan food and craft beers and was a wonderful find particularly on the way back up the hill to the village.
Way marker to the Cala, Deia, Mallorca
Cala Deia, Deia, Mallorca
S’Hortet restaurant and bar Deia, Mallorca
Deia has become a magnet for many artists, writers and musicians over the years. Robert Graves the well known poet made Deia his home and many others have followed since. He lived on the edge of the village and today his house has been turned into a museum and is well worth a visit.
C’An Gelat, Deia Retreat, Deia, Mallorca
View of dining area outside C’An Gelat, Deia Retreat, Deia, Mallorca
Deia is a very chilled part of Mallorca and now even more so. ‘Deia Retreats’ was established in 2017 by Jane Winterbottom who settled in the village in 2011. After 16 successful years as a DJ in Manchester and around the world as ‘DJ funk boutique’, Jane changed her career path and studied kinesiology and sound healing and came to Mallorca with her holistic thoughts with a view of setting up a retreat.
Album 1
Deia Retreats provide wonderful facilities for those looking for calm and wellbeing. With beautiful rooms/accommodation, pool and a healing garden ideal for yoga, pilates and tai chi workshops plus all manner of other courses. It is the place for letting go and relaxing. Deia Retreats can be hired by teachers, therapists and facilitators for their own classes, courses and workshops.
Jane, with her background in the music industry as a sound engineer has also built a recording studio and looking to the future, as a place for musicians to chill and write new music.
Out of season is the perfect time to explore the island by bus, bike, car and even the train. A short bus ride from Deia takes you to Soller a traditional small working town with a lovely restaurant/bar framed square. Having explored the narrow streets, take a table and have a beer while watching the world go by.
From Soller you can take the old wooden train to the port and sandy beach. the other way goes to the city of Palma approximately an hours picturesque journey through orange and almond groves, eventually arriving just walking distance to the hub of the shops and restaurants of Palma.
While the yoga was happening back in Deia, I headed to a restaurant for lunch that I was tipped off about. Samuel Gough and Eddie Hart’s ‘El Camino’ hiding down one of the many narrow streets, is a modern take on the traditional Tapas bar. While sitting at the marble topped bar and drinking your first glass of vino tinto you can watch the chefs prepare and cook your order. The food is amazing and a great buzz of atmosphere and thoroughly recommended.
El Camino Restaurant, Palma, Mallorca
Palma is a wonderful city for foodies and those that want a bit of culture and I believe, a year round destination all of its own even at Christmas time. I have been to Mallorca many times over the years and have found that it has much more to offer than just sun, sea and clubbing and with pleasant and not too hot temperatures in spring and autumn, it is the perfect time to explore.