The Place
Mar i Vent is spectacularly sited on the coast road next to the village of Banyulbufar. The terrain drops steeply down to the sea to give stunning views, and the Vives family, who have been here for some years, have made the most of their situation: bright, airy rooms have little south-facing terraces to get the most from the heart-stopping sea views. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. In the restaurant, an a la carte menu offers Mallorcan country cuisine alongside an unusually interesting selection of Spanish wines. The large, kidney-shaped pool on the cliff is nothing short of an architectonic masterpiece.
Banyulbufar is originally an Arabic name, meaning ‘little vineyard by the sea’. It’s small, with 500 inhabitants, and perched on vineyard terraces, which have been producing wine since the Moslem occupiers first planted them well over 1,000 years ago. If you’re staying at Mar i Vent, a short walk through this idyllic settlement is a must: villagers and holidaymakers alike seem peaceful and content; it’s hard to believe you’re on the same island as the ever-more-hectic large resorts.