A Mallorcan Muse
Visit Deià
Hemmed by the rugged Tramuntana Mountains, Deià brims with natural beauty. Let your senses be inspired by this enchanting village, and become part of its impressive artistic legacy.
SET OFF FROM BUSTLING PALMA along quaint winding roads, past beguiling emerald forests and smoky grey hills. As the landscape unfolds, the horizon drops steeply into the dazzling azure of the Balearic Sea, or climbs higher into charming olive terraces.
Rounding a corner, a small cluster of ochre-coloured stone buildings come into view. Immaculately tiered and dotted with signature green shutters, Deià is a picture-perfect village that remains barely touched by time. Robert Graves was among the first of a long succession of artists, writers and poets who found inspiration in this magnificent setting. It is now home to a well-established artist community, which gives it a special atmosphere all of its own.
AN ARTISTS' RETREAT
The artistic spirit is especially resonant at La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Deià, a romantic retreat nestled beside the village. Pieces from the hotel’s impressive private art collection can be glimpsed in the guest rooms or carefully curated in the expansive sculpture garden. Guests can also find inspiration in the on-going temporary exhibitions, held in the hotel’s Sa Tafona gallery.
An exclusive exhibition of work from Joan Miró can be found in the hotel’s Café Miró. Take a seat and dine spectacularly, surrounded by 33 of the artist's original paintings.
Cecilie Sheridan, the curator of La Residencia’s private collection, can also take you on a tour of the village. You’ll be introduced to the local artists who have studios in Deià, while also hearing about the fascinating local history and people from a true expert.
You may want to continue your exploration of Miró’s creativity further afield by visiting the Fundació Mirò in Palma, which houses a collection of works created by the artist during his 27 years living in Mallorca.
CAPTURED MOMENTS
When the muses strike, you’ll find plenty of ways to get creative as both resident and local artists run a spectrum of classes you can actively participate in. Put brush to canvas with an expert painting masterclass, or create something three-dimensional with an exciting sculpture or ceramics workshop.
The village is not just a hub for the visual arts. Visitors here can also let the written word give form to their ideas, following in the footsteps of the many writers, poets and essayists who have found inspiration in this beautiful village. Take a seat on a sun-splashed terrace, soak up the romantic vistas, and let your imagination lead you to new undiscovered worlds.
Capture your time in Deià with the ultimate selfie—a personal portrait, painted by artist David Templeton. Having also painted the portrait of Robert Graves, your likeness is in safe hands. Be inspired by a staying in a hotel that is a work of art in itself.
