Sunday 3 November 2013

Deya - An Idyllic Village in Mallorca

Deya - La Residencia Hotel

Idyllic and rural Deya [Deia] is probably the most famous village on the island of Mallorca and is paradise for people who enjoy walking, and who do not wish to spend their entire holiday lazing on a beach. Located just inland on the northwest coast, approximately 32km from the airport you enter into a different world, totally away from the hustle and bustle you expect from other popular resorts around the island. Today, you will probably see many artists sitting quietly amongst the pretty streets and steep paths that lead past houses adorned with vines and flowers, and all this with the dramatic backdrop of Puig d'es Teix standing at a height of 1062m.

It is very difficult to find fault with this pretty village, perched on high ground with the steep terraced hillsides packed with vegetable gardens, orchards of fruit trees, almond and olive trees as well as the occasional vineyard.
  


Had it not been for English poet and novelist, Robert Graves, Deya would have remained just an unknown village. Robert Graves, who made Deya his home after surviving the World War I trenches, was visited by many fellow artists including poets, artists and musicians. Deya has always been popular with celebrities including Peter Ustinov, Alec Guinness, Ava Gardner, Kingsley Amis and Picasso to name just a few who have come here to relax in the tranquil surroundings of this village. Robert Graves died here in 1985 and is now buried in the village's cemetery with stunning views over the Mediterranean. His house, Ca'n Alluny, has been turned into a museum where you can watch a short film before going around the house and well-tended gardens. If you wander around the cemetery, you will notice that the gravestones are very small and locals give the explanation that due to the lack of space available people end their days buried upright - hence the need for small gravestones. 


Ca's Patro March - Cala de Deya
If you would like to see Cala de Deya, you will need to make your way down a winding road down to the 200 metre shingle beach of this pretty cove. If you are driving, you will need to be accomplished at driving around tight bends, and you will have to park your car and walk the remaining short distance to the beach. Our advice - leave the car in the town and take the steep walking track that takes about 30 minutes to reach the cove.

You can have lunch at Cala de Deya at the fish restaurant [Ca's Patro March] perched on the rocky platform [I would highly recommend the grilled octopus] and sit for a while overlooking the crystal clear water below. Don't expect anything glamorous as this popular restaurant is very rustic and can often be packed. Alternatively, there is a ramshackle beach bar open during the summer if you just want to grab a snack and a drink. You will notice small caves dotted around the cliffs which have been converted into small boat houses and also double as ideal tiny sunbathing terraces.

In the town itself you will find many bars and restaurants where you can have anything from a light snack to an extravagant evening meal. Try The Village Cafe, especially for lunch, and sit on the open trellised terrace. How about the Michelin star Es Raco d'es Teix - wonderful views, delicious food and excellent service. You will be spoilt for choice as there are over 20 restaurants in the area, so no doubt you will find a few favourites of your own.

Rich foreign residents, like Michael Douglas and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, have taken residence in the region of Deya and the luxury hotels have hosted guests such a Princess Diana and Bog Geldoff - so you never know who you may bump into today!



If a holiday in Deya appeals to you, we show below just 3 of the hotels we can recommend for your stay here.
 

Es Moli Hotel

4* - Es Moli Hotel, Deya
The Es Moli Hotel is known for its wonderful service and good food with a restaurant overlooking the countryside below. The hotel is a converted 17th century mansion house and facilities include swimming pool, sun terrace with loungers and parasols, pool bar, extensive gardens, massage service, beauty treatments, money exchange, organised guided walks, boat trip reservations, shop, gym, tennis court, restaurant and 3 bars. 

There is the additional benefit of a private cove [Muleta Cove] where you will find terraces with sunbeds looking out to sea with easy access to the crystal clear water. There is a good selection of rooms available from singles to suites and the centre of Deya is just 700m from the hotel.

Hoposa Costa d'Or Hotel



4* - Hoposa Costa d'Or Hotel, Deya
The Hoposa Costa d'Or Hotel is just 2km from the centre of Deya and is set at the top of a hill with fantastic views. The closest beach is 400m from the hotel but if you prefer to stay at the hotel, the swimming pool with its loungers and parasols has views over the sea. Other facilities include tennis courts, 24 hour reception with money exchange, bicycle rental, restaurant, pool bar, cafe, gym and extensive gardens. There are just 41 rooms and include standard rooms, suites and superior rooms. 

La Residencia Hotel


4* - La Residencia Hotel, Deya
Probably the best known hotel in Deya, the 4 star La Residencia Hotel is close to the historic centre of Deya and 2.5km to the nearest beach. The hotel occupies two houses built in the 16th century and facilities include 2 outdoor swimming pools, heated indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, spa, art gallery, sculpture gardens, boat excursion, tennis courts, gym, boutique, shuttle service to Cala de Deya, restaurants, 24 hour reception, money exchange, hairdresser, bicycle hire.

There are 34 rooms including suites [some have private plunge pools] through to single rooms. There is even a villa to stay in which is ideal for large families and includes a private pool.



Just give us a call on 01582 421117 or on Freephone 0800 5 677688 and ask us for more details on holidays to Deya. Alternatively you can send us an email setting out your requirements and we will get back to you with a quotation.

Author : Gail Hewitt, Corona Holidays

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