Rustic minimalist retreat with spa, farm-to-table dining, and nature focus
Camí des Racó, Ctra. Camide Cala Mitjana, Km1.5, 07579 Artà, Balearic Islands, Spain Get directions
"At Es Racó d'Artà I was struck by how the monochromatic design and landscape blend felt utterly cohesive: arriving at the gates was jaw-dropping. The five-star hotel and wellness retreat in Mallorca sits less than 15 minutes from the beach and smelled of salty Mediterranean air, white flowers, and fig trees that reminded me of my childhood, and its main house dates back to the 14th century. The estate includes two multi-bedroom villas, several casitas, a restaurant and a spa/shop (where I discovered the Cortana garments), and it could actually house us and many of our 68 guests for multiple days of events. That said, the property wasn’t deeply experienced in hosting weddings (ours would only be among the first), which made local expertise and the right planners crucial." - Kaitlin Menza
"Shot in black and white to heighten the contrast between the infinity pool’s flat, reflective surface and the rugged, windswept landscape of northeastern Mallorca, this minimalist retreat reveals a strong bond with nature. I composed off‑center frames that weave textures of water, rock, concrete, and vegetation; in one, lines from the pool’s edge lead the eye calmly toward the horizon, and in another the sleek, modern pool anchors the bottom third against an olive tree grove, forest, and a distant hilltop church. Inside, minimalist design meets artistic furnishings: warm native wood, a piece of local art trailing along a stone staircase that draws the gaze upward, a lounge bathed in afternoon light where an open book, timbered ceilings, and a window onto rolling olive‑green hills invite unhurried relaxation." - Mark Fedeli
"Architect/designer Antoni Esteva and his long-time associate and builder Jaume Danús are behind some of Mallorca’s most fascinating hotel projects, but this is their best yet. The traditional possessió, or estate, sprawls across acres of glorious countryside in the island’s pristine north-east corner, with elements of monastic refuge, farm stay and nature reserve. The main building, a mansion whose foundations date from the 13th century, has a fortress-like air. Rustic minimalism is Esteva’s stock in trade. This strikes first in the whitewashed interior, the predominant use of natural fibres and the total absence of clutter. Locally crafted objects are artfully positioned (a hat on a hook, a basket in a corner) but the soundtrack is silence. All-round wellness is the point of a stay here. The spa focuses on meditation and water therapies, plus there’s yoga. The wooden slab that serves as a reception desk has no computer and the mobile-phone signal is deliberately reduced. Esteva knows that paying lip service to green values simply won’t do any more, so the property uses solar and geothermal energy and has an ecological water-treatment system. Fruit, vegetables, honey and olive oil come from the organic garden, wine from its vineyard. Natural infusions and kombucha are offered instead of commercial fizzy drinks. If all this sounds too austere to be truly comfortable, know that the effect of a few days here is one of deep, transformative relaxation. Es Racó is somewhere from which you’ll emerge a changed person. —Paul Richardson" - Roxy Kavousi-Walker, Stephanie Rafanelli

"Even among Balearic farmhouses transformed into luxe, private escapes, Es Racó d’Artà stands out for the size of its estate—encompassing not just a farmhouse but nearly two dozen outlying casas and casitas—and for the sheer excellence of its design by well-known local architect Toni Esteva." - Guide MICHELIN
"An upscale hotel and spa that combines chic design with restorative wellness facilities, recommended for a pampering stay on the island's rugged eastern coast." - Jessica Hendricks Yee Jessica Hendricks Yee Jessica Hendricks Yee is an American jewelry designer who was born in Paris, grew up in New York City, and currently lives in Mallorca. Her work has been covered by Vogue, Goop, and MSNBC. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines