After nearly a decade of scouring the Alps for ultra luxurious ski chalets I thought I’d seen it all in terms of architectural ambition and flair. I’ve been wowed by some truly amazing interiors, smitten by furnishing and art works, fascinated by the invention of the designers in terms of finishes and treatments and materials. I’ve been in awe of the panoramic scenery and the efforts of the architects to make sure the property and it’s inhabitants are guaranteed the best views of the surrounding vistas. But, then I’ve recently been lucky enough to repeat the exercise in sunny climes, well away from the mountains.
It’s early days in my search but I can report that so far I’ve found properties to match the very best accommodation that I found in the alps. Instead of snow capped peaks, I’m now seeing sparkling turquoise sea views. The change is refreshing, I still have my all time favourite chalets in the mountains but I’m starting to fall in love all over again with properties in the Mediterranean. Here are five stunners that I’ve found so far in Mallorca.
Villa Luxe
Clinging to a sun-baked hillside, with stunning views of the Med, Villa Luxe oozes luxury and class. Villa Luxe is ultra cool in every respect. Contemporary furnishings and art, both modern and ancient, populate the spacious, light filled interiors. Multiple terraces mean there are many vantage points to view the show-stopping sunsets and stunning views on offer. Conveniently located in Port Andratx, you can sunbathe on Cala Llamp’s sands or hang at Gran Folies beach club for lunch and a swim in the turquoise waters. In reality you may not want to stray too far away from this amazing property and the superb infinity pool.
From the moment you arrive and cast your eyes on Villa Luxes’ palatial form you can see it possesses the ‘wow factor’. There’s something about the way the clean, white lines perfectly juxtapose with the craggy cliff-face it clings to, impressing even those who think they’ve seen it all.
Stepping through the front door, you’re greeted by modern and exciting furnishings. The first thing you appreciate is the glorious natural light beaming through picture windows into the open-plan setting.
The six large bedrooms suites are pretty special, each with their own raindrop shower and fantastic views through generously sized windows. The Master bedroom room just has the edge, with its private terrace that overlooks the grounds and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. The master suite has a gigantic bathtub tucked away into its own nook with window-walls along three sides that bring in the brilliant light and the views to die for.
A gym and a sauna are welcome features that are there for those that feel the need to burn the calories. A neat feature that you don’t often find is a turning platform for parked cars, making the best use of the limited onsite space for parking. Flicking a switch in the exposed-stone wine cellar, rows upon rows of exquisite wines are revealed in the spot-lit golden glow.
Els Comellars
Looking for a villa with a difference? Els Comellars is that property. Villa Els Comellars is the fruit of a collaboration between two masters of minimalist design, John Pawson and Claudio Silvestrin, who have since created the Design Museum in London. A fortress, contrasting magnificently with the brilliant blue sky and vibrant green almond groves that surround it. Els Comellars is a splendid colour show of spectacular proportions.
The complex of geometric structures forms a long procession, walking in single file down the slender stepped path to the villa. Its towering wall of dusty-pink clay rises up from the ground, announcing the entrance through a narrow gap. As far as entrances go, you’ll be more than a little intrigued and it only gets better once you step inside.
An elegant sweep of simplicity, the design of the interior takes centre stage. Walls are white, with magnificent displays of light and shadow presented at each turn. During the day there’s a constant shifting light show playing out across the walls. Although Els Comellars seems like a piece of art, with its lofty exteriors and precise lines, this is still very much a home. Els Comellars is worthy of a Grand Designs programme, Kevin McCloud would be salivating, I’m sure.
Indoors, the lounge and its four white sofas create the perfect space to kick back and relax. The interior spaces are functional, simply obeying the purpose they were set out to fulfill in modern style. Take the master bedroom, for example, in which a plush king-size bed and wooden desk are set upon honey-hued tiles. No art is needed, thanks to the mesmerising dance of light on the wall, that cuts shards across one side of the room. The bathroom is dotted with keyhole windows for the utmost privacy.
You can head up to the rooftop lounge to study the dramatic views below, that stretch throughout the grounds, dotted with almond, olive and fig trees and out to the Mediterranean Sea. It really is in prime position, with the gorgeous beach of s’Amarador reachable on foot via a stony path that runs from the villa grounds all the way down to the coast. The shallow paddling section of the pool which slopes up towards the heights of trees, gets deeper as you swim the 30m length, on the swim back down you get to gaze at stunning simplicity, less is certainly more at Els Comellars.
Can Begonia
A secluded place of serenity, situated in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, Villa Can Begonia beguiles you. An authentic Mallorcan finca, located in the beauty of one of the island’s most striking locations. Here’s a hideaway for those of you with more traditional tastes.
The scent of lavender permeates the air, as you walk the plant-lined path to Can Begonia’s front door. The exterior is an overture to what lies inside, traditional stone and wooden shutters promise a traditional interior to match. You push the door open and instantly feel at peace amongst its open-plan spaciousness and homeliness. Neutral walls, roomy high ceilings and painted wooden beams set a calming tone, whilst subtle yet sophisticated furniture is dotted throughout. The interiors are elegant and ample with pleasing proportions and a roominess that speaks of luxury.
The lounge is the ultimate relaxation area, decked out with entertainment features, such as a TV and music system. I’m guessing you won’t be spending much time here as the outside dining areas are beautiful and the fact that the nights in summer are warm and balmy will probably mean that you’re more than likely to be spending most nights outside dining al fresco and splashing around in the outdoor pool.
Upstairs, the master room, with its ensuite bathroom complete with luxury walk-in-shower and free-standing bath tub is a beautiful space. The Juliet balcony opens out into those breathtaking views, eclipsed by mountains and blue skies. Below, the tropical gardens, filled with palm trees, stretch out into a gorgeous, verdant landscape.
Son Balagueret
Luxury villa Son Balagueret has the charm of a traditional Mallorcan finca, including a fairytale-like 13th-century turret. This beautiful stone built villa is part of the Son Bunyola estate, 680 acres of countryside overlooking the sea and dotted with citrus, almond and olive trees. The villa is constructed in the traditional Mallorquin style and built from honey-hued stone. Inside, exposed ceiling-beams and terracotta-tiled floors blend with colourful furnishings and modern decor. Though Son Balagueret has plenty of historic character, it also has modern amenities such as air conditioning, a TV and Wi-Fi.
The villa’s expert pairing of traditional architecture and colorful contemporary artwork and furnishings is delightful and very pleasing to the eye and is a lovely place to inhabit. The living room, TV lounge and dining area feature stone accent walls, beamed ceilings and cool terracotta floors alongside plush cream-colored sofas, rustic metal chandeliers, wicker dining chairs and a collection of vibrant modern paintings.
The villa is laid out around a private courtyard and opens out into gorgeous outdoor living spaces which are perfect for al fresco dining. A heated pool and shaded dining area along with a pavilion with a sitting area afford views over the estate to the sea. Outside spaces are essential in the summer in Mallorca. It’s wonderful to dine outdoors in the balmy evenings with the crickets in full song. The outdoor spaces here are well thought out and are features that anyone lucky enough to stay here will fully appreciate. The kitchen is tucked into its own space with equal old-world charm, but is fully equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and has a lovely set of doors leading out to the terrace.
Villa Infinitum
Welcome to Villa Infinitum, a stunning and ultra luxurious high-tech hideaway situated in a superb location in Mallorca. Surely one of the most captivating places you will ever spend time in, with 180-degree views of Port d’Andratx and the surrounding hills clearly visible in all their splendour from the rooftop terraces and multiple pools that this gorgeous villa boasts. The location and the views would be hard to top.
Villa Infinitum seamlessly blends into its Mediterranean setting. Huge picture windows reflect the cloudless sky and a clean, geometric build juxtaposes perfectly with the nearby rockery. Its interior is equally impressive. Reclaimed wood and natural stone line the rooms, adding a rustic edge to modern features, whilst cream sofas, statement lighting and dramatic art pieces create a unique environment. The villa is extremely spacious and the light that floods in through the windows seem to bring the outside indoors, placing you squarely in the midst of the stunning scenery.
Equally, at night time, the outdoor lighting is perfect. The twinkling lights of distant Port Andratx look so pretty and the star-lit sky provides a perfect canopy for an al fresco dining experience.
Danny Frith is Director at SkiBoutique. SkiBoutique is a luxury ski chalet agency based in Switzerland.
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