The Place
Artà is a small rural town in the northeast of Mallorca, all palm-lined avenues and winding alleys. Away from the main tourist routes, its Tuesday market, the small archaeological museum and the church are especially picturesque. Jardi d’Artà encapsulates the spirit of the town: unspoiled, charming and relaxed.
Its pretty façade makes it almost impossible for the passer-by to guess what’s inside: fragrant terraced gardens built on different levels, filled with palms, bougainvillea and white angel’s trumpets. There are hidden enclaves for reading and relaxing, and a small emerald-coloured pool to cool down after a day visiting the island.
The main building is a 19thC Mallorcan house and there is an annexe where some more rooms are found. Some have balconies over the garden and the pool; from your window you can gaze at the pretty roofs of Artà and the church of San Salvador. No two rooms are the same: one is inspired by Moorish influences, another is set in a 800-year-old chapel, and one can only be reached via a balcony through orange and lime trees. They are decorated in a simple and fresh style, with light colours and attractive patterned headboards and sofas.
Head chef Francesco Favoloro’s cuisine has often been praised as creative and authentic. His dishes, with fresh fish, octopus, seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs grown in the garden, are well fitted to the dinner setting: an elegant dining room with patio and quirky lamps and furnishings. The menu is à la carte.
You can explore the pretty countryside around Artà by foot, and there are tennis and golf facilities close by. If you don’t want to leave this secluded corner of relaxation there is an in-house gym and spa with Turkish bath. Breakfast is available (surcharge) only from 8.30am, or you can explore the small cafés in town.
All pictures on the left side were taken by photographer Uschi Burger-Precht.