Honeymoon Review: Castell Son Claret, Mallorca

Why go?

Lording over Capdella’s lush, hilly landscape, this restored 15th century castle is a top-drawer foodie destination with a serious spa and acres and acres of rolling countryside to fully unwind in.

Honeymoon style:

Castell Son Claret speaks to the modern romantic: an alluring blend of nature, pampering and fine-dining. Couples can keep themselves busy with a range of activities or simply lean into lavish offerings.

Set the scene:

Wrought-iron gates part to reveal a palm-lined driveway leading up to an imposing 19^th century castle ensconced in pristine gardens. Hazy silhouettes of the La Tramantana mountains are a magnificent backdrop, adding to the dramatic scene.

Despite its grand, turreted character, an instant home-from-home sensibility is keenly felt upon arrival. Couples are greeted with a warm welcome and refreshing glass of lemonade squeezed from estate lemons.

Within the castle itself, a new-meets-old scene unfolds, where traditions and history are honoured and given a fresh contemporary spin. Glorious archways, dark woods, tiled and marble floors nod to the building’s history, yet are given a modern, elegant treatment with avant garde artworks and furniture. Outdoors, a chlorine-free pool peers over a wild, scrubby valley dotted with almond and olive trees. Cushioned sun beds line it, soaking in those pretty valley views and generous Mallorcan sunshine.

Rooms:

Rooms and suites are spread between the main house and the other smaller buildings scattered close by. Each is spacious, light and airy with a minimalist-meets-rustic décor. King-sized bed are dressed in divine linens and a selection of pillows. But, it’s the attention to detail here that will make your honeymoon remarkable – the hand-written welcome note, the small complimentary bottle of Champagne, the selection of fruits and an Ensaïmada (a local delicacy, freshly baked by Castell).

In addition to the little luxuries one would expect from a smart hotel (air-conditioning, a powerful hairdryer, cloud-soft robes and towels), a high-spec television doubles as digital artwork and the coffee machine feels more Manhattan than rural Mallorca. Bathrooms are filled with REN products which can be lathered on for lovely rain-showers.

One of the greatest features of this hotel is that all rooms enjoy terraces, balconies or patios. The five Deluxe Pool Suites, as the name suggests, are honeymoon heaven for their private plunge pools, while the family-friendly Garden Suites have bucolic views across the grounds.

Suite in Mallorca — Castell Son Claret, Suite

Food and drink:

The hotel is home to two truly outstanding restaurants which are popular with well-heeled locals, as well as guests. Olivera has a Mediterranean menu suited to all palates. Chef Pep Forteza’s lobster, avocado and mango ceviche is a fresh, zingy starter after a long day in the sun. The highly-recommended 4 Mediterranean tastes in 8 croquettes is beautifully presented on a ceramic artist’s palette and the Gillardeau oysters served with all the garnishes are particularly tasty. Highlights include the Iberico pork secreto with Mallorcan spices, the Madeira, Moroccan-style shoulder of lamb and any of the fresh fish specials from the neighbouring harbour, Andratx. Vegetarian options are limited to a selection of salads and homemade pastas. Those with a sweet tooth will relish the lengthy pudding menu. Castell’s lemon tart – with lemons sourced from the grounds – makes for a fabulous finale. A lighter, more casual lunch menu has also been designed to enjoy poolside.

Breakfast is served on on Olivera’s lavender-laden terrace. It’s a decadent (and photogenic) buffet affair of granolas, prime cold cuts and local cheeses, fruits, homemade yoghurts and local dishes. There is also (quite literally) a wall of baked breads and pastries from the on-site bakery. In addition to the buffet, guests can enjoy daily specials of various egg dishes, pancakes and a rather opulent supplement of Premier Cru Perlita Caviar, as well as an array of fresh juices, loose-leafed teas and coffee.

Fine-dining restaurant, Sa Clastra, is a fresh arrival. Chef Jordi Canto’s tasting menus honours generations of recipes, tricks and secrets woven into Mallorcan gastronomy. In addition to the 6 course, 10 course and vegetarian menu, there is an option to customise the menu and choose your dishes. Ideal for discerning diners.

In addition to food, head sommelier, Sebastian Longo, is well-versed in both Mallorcan and international wines (the fine Mallorcan wines are the ones to go for). There is also impressive cocktail menu which pays homage to the Tramuntana landscape. If you love a martini, you’re in for a treat.

The story:

This former castle is rich in Mallorcan history, dating back to 1450 with a renovation taking place in the 19^th century. Christine and Klaus-Michael Kühne lovingly restored the castle to its former glory, though with modern touches that give it an air of easy elegance.

Family-friendly:

Cots, extra beds and highchairs are available, along with a stellar babysitting service.

Spa:

In the hotel’s sumptuously pared down spa, Bellesa de Claret, couples can float between the hammam, sauna, ice fountain and a heated salt pool. Treatments use lotions and potions made from herbs and flowers plucked seasonally from the estate. An assortment of expertly-crafted massages can also be enjoyed outdoors in the grounds, under the shade of a cabana.

honeymoon review Castell Son Claret Spa — Castell Son Claret Spa

Location:

The hotel is (delightfully) under an hour from the airport, and the local village, Capdella is a short and easy drive away. What’s more, the stunning nature reserve, Galatzó (just 6 miles away), opens up numerous hiking and cycling opportunities for hotel guests.