Sara Dower slips quietly out the back door to escape the dreariness of it all and head to the sunshine island of Mallorca to discover one of its hidden treasures…
The Hotel Carrossa is an intimate rural boutique retreat tucked away amongst the rolling hills of Levant near the historic town of Arta on the north-east side of the island. Just opened in May 2018, the hotel boasts uber-modern accommodation made up of 75 rooms and suites all furnished to the highest quality, and three fincas and four villas. All are beautifully appointed with the latest mod cons which combine wonderfully with the estate’s richly preserved 300-year history. It’s a real amalgamation of new and old and is specifically designed with the adventurous discerning traveller in mind.
This soulful stately country estate is scattered about and camouflaged amongst verdant green soft foliage, enjoying impressive views of the bays of Alcudia and Cala Millor with glimpses of the dazzling Mediterranean in the distance. I get the impression very quickly that it seems to have captured a high-end international market with a mainly German-speaking traveller.
The Carrossa caters also for weddings or private celebrations and has a wonderful backdrop and ‘village-like’ square in which to consider either.
Certainly if it’s calm, solitude and reflection that you’re after, you’ll definitely find it here, but also the hotel will appeal to the traveller with time to spare and a hunger to explore.
Out and about
Activities are abundant. Keen cyclists are plentiful and so too are bike-hire outlets, offering a great opportunity to explore the countryside by saddle. It’s a great way to get around without the worry of parking, especially in the towns where traffic is quite busy during the high season.
The caves of Arta are a must see; a tour guide takes groups around the jaw-dropping underground marvel of ancient rock formations where, if you look carefully, you can see shapes of angel wings and animals. Or take a step back in time and visit Pollencas farmers’ market for an abundance of Mediterranean fruit and veg with colourful, sun-warmed skins, lemons and peppers as big as melons and street sellers displaying their traditional wares.
Alternatively, if it’s views that you are after, head to the 18th-century El Cavalri church where, once you’ve made your way up the 365 steps, you won’t be disappointed – the vista is pretty special.
Or if golf is your game, you’re also in the right place, with four of Mallorca’s leading courses (Club de Golf Alcanada, Son Servera, Capdepera and Canyamel) all within easy reach. Plus there are preferential green fees to Corrossa guests.
Wellness, fitness and fine cuisine
There’s a fabulous state-of-the-art wellness centre at the hotel offering spa treatments as well as a high-tech gym – with the reward of perhaps taking a dip in the grounds’ infinity pool or doing a spot of sunbathing on the deck afterwards.
Throughout a stay at the Carrossa you’ll soon realise that the food is its defining glory. The dining experience is sublime with a wonderfully crafted and thought-out menu and a range of mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes. The all-day Badia Bistro with wonderful panoramic views offers a more international feel, and if you get the chance to eat al fresco, the Lubina a la sal (salt-encrusted sea bass) comes highly recommended, served with new potatoes and a tomato and cucumber salad and enjoyed with a chilled bottle of locally grown wine.
There’s a deep-seated family ethos at Carrossa; Peter Hamacher and his team want all their guests to feel completely pampered, welcome and catered for at all times, always making themselves available throughout your stay. The family also has very successful luxury Austrian retreats amongst its portfolio – in the mountains of the Leinz Dolomites and in the heart of Hohe Tauern national park.
The Hamachers should be very proud of what they have achieved here. The property exudes a warm friendly vibe combined with a little slice of luxury that I think will appeal to the traveller that likes their home-from-home comforts. Go prepared to be seduced by Mallorca too, and with a journey time of just over three hours door to door it’s definitely worth the trip.
Carrossa II – in trademark Carrossa luxury
This summer the Carrossa also offers another holiday option; if it’s the high winds and salt in your hair you long for, then perhaps consider the hotel’s luxury yacht. Its 10m vessel is for the exclusive use of the hotel guests and can either be booked as part of a new package or added to an existing stay, depending on availability.
Under the guidance of a fully qualified, experienced captain, who can tailor the voyage to suit the group’s requests, up to six guests at a time can add a day at sea aboard the yacht to their holiday from June to September.
Berthed just 15 minutes away, in Colònia de Sant Pere, the Greenline Neo Hard Top is for the exclusive use of Carrossa guests and offers an unforgettable holiday experience – with exclusive drinks, catering, fruit and sandwiches all provided.
The luxury yacht package (starting from €1,155 per person) is a seven-night stay, which entitles guests to their choice of room category, a half-board stay and a one-day trip at sea.
Peter Hamacher, director of sales and marketing for owners Hamacher Resorts, said: “It’s an exciting development and we are sure it will prove to be a popular addition for our guests to enjoy Carrossa’s five-star luxury at sea.”
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