With its traditional architecture, sleek design and unspoilt surroundings, Es Raco d’Arta is the perfect blend of the traditional and the modern, a feat that proves that true luxury today is contact with nature. It’s hard to make a hotel that’s both upscale and simple, and the owners seem to have found the recipe to help their guests get back to basics. Es Racó d’Artà is a small eco-friendly hotel designed as a retreat to disconnect and regain harmony. Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, talks about his experience at this hotel like no other.
A veritable temple to disconnection
Es Raco d’Arta is located just a few minutes from the pretty town of Arta, the nerve center in the northeast of the beautiful island of Mallorca, which boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the Balearic Islands. Arta’s pretty castle can be seen from the hotel. The hotel’s location is its first major strength: it’s nestled in a vast 185-hectare estate, with its own vineyards and olive groves.
Even the mountain surrounding the hotel belongs to the Es Raco d’Arta estate. The estate backs onto the Le Levant nature park. On an island as popular as Mallorca, to find such an estate untouched by construction or visual pollution is out of the ordinary. Here you are in the middle of the beautiful Mallorcan countryside, far from the crowds and the hassles of everyday life. I’ve lived in Mallorca, and this is pretty much where the Luxe Wellness Club adventure began, so I can attest to the fact that Es Raco d’Arta couldn’t be better placed.
The feeling of disconnection and calm is complete from the moment you arrive. It’s no coincidence that here we find the work of the same architect Antoni Esteva, who designed the famous Six Senses Vana in India. This man knows how to create uncluttered spaces that invite you to relax.
Es Raco d’Arta is also a successful example of luxury ecotourism . Energy is provided by solar panels and a geothermal system, and the hotel uses mainly local products.
The hotel is essentially designed for adults, although children can stay here, although I’d say it’s not a particularly kid-friendly hotel (no dedicated activities, for example). You can see my own daughters in my video at the end of the article, but bear in mind that this is not very representative of the hotel’s population: mostly yoga and meditation enthusiasts looking for a break from their city life.
It’s very much my style of hotel and architecture. A skilful blend of modern and old, with plenty of space, to create a poetic setting .
I stayed at the hotel in November, and despite the onset of winter, it was still quite possible to swim in the superb infinity pool overlooking the horizon and Arta. Note that this pool is treated naturally without chlorine.
Charming casetas
Most of the rooms are actually small terraced casetas (like a small house), each with its own terrace and small garden, and a beautiful open view of nature. Some even have private pools. There are twenty-one in all, so the hotel remains very intimate.
Of course, you won’t find any traces of marble or gilding here. The walls are white, the materials natural, and not even a poster to catch the eye. If televisions are present for those who wish, they are entirely hidden in an ingenious housing system. As you can see, everything here invites you to relax, respect silence and commune with nature.
I find the bathrooms spacious and beautiful. Featuring a bathtub overlooking a small garden, and a separate shower inside, they also have an attractive outdoor shower. Our soaps and shampoos are natural and top-of-the-range.
A lovely spa, with daily yoga and meditation
The spa is another undeniable highlight of the establishment. It boasts a beautiful, light-filled indoor pool surrounded by a stone wall, a sauna and hammam, and alternating hot and cold baths to stimulate circulation. A wide range of treatments can be provided in a number of attractive cabins.
Es Raco d’Arta’s wellness offer stands out above all for its meditation class every morning (either outdoors or in a dedicated room), followed bya yoga class (either vinyasa or hatha) and that these courses are included in the price of the night.
I was able to try out both courses, and found them to be excellent. The view of nature and the sound of birdsong help you get to the heart of the matter.
Other wellness activities are offered regularly and included in the package. The traditional sound baths, but also painting and basketry workshops, for example.
The other major attraction is, of course, the many footpaths adjacent to the property, which take you right down to the sea if you have to.
Local and organic catering
Es Raco d’Arta serves local food produced mainly by permaculture and the estate’s organic vegetable garden. In the near future, the estate’s organic wine will even be available for tasting. The cuisine features Mediterranean vegetables.
Here’s a sample menu when I was there: cream of spinach and broccoli, quinoa salad with dried fruit and kale, pumpkin lasagne. Many vegan and gluten-free options are available, even for breakfast.
I loved the restaurant terrace, which faces the view and the olive trees, and is beautifully furnished. Suspended lights create a very special atmosphere in the evening. We were able to have all three meals on the terrace, including the evening meal, even though it was early November – proof of the mild climate at these latitudes.
Those of you who have been following me for a long time know that I love breakfasts in wellness hotels, as they offer an impressive variety of healthy products, and I was not disappointed at Es Raco d’Arta, quite the contrary. Take a look at the photo below: plates full of color, full of life!
I have fond memories of the food served at the restaurant. It’s a far cry from the convoluted gastronomy of some high-end establishments. At Es Raco d’Arta, simplicity is also on the plate, but with fresh produce and carefully crafted flavors.
Our feeling
Es Raco d’Arta is one of the highlights of the slow life. Everything here invites you to relax and let go. Slow down and enjoy the moment. This hotel is a true bubble of well-being, a place we’d like to keep secret. A hotel we recommend with our eyes closed.
Luxe Wellness Club
Our video
Nota Bene: You can see my children in the video, but this is not representative of the hotel (very few children).
Book Es Raco d’Arta
Take advantage of our expertise in wellness breaks and contact us for a personalized quote for Es Racò in Artá.
Rates : From around 420 euros per night in low season in a double room, in summer from 630 euros per night. Yoga and meditation classes included. Exclusive Luxe Wellness Club benefits: room upgrades subject to availability, early check-in/late check-out, and a complimentary bottle of organic wine on arrival.
Call us for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
