Life’s a dream on pleasure island of Mallorca

THERE are few feelings that soothe the soul quite like being looked after.

When someone pays attention to the pesky little details in life or goes the extra mile so you can just kick back and revel in relaxation, it really is a revelation.

And having previously visited Mallorca for jam-packed, full-on-activity holidays with toddlers and, later, teenagers – a whirlwind of checklists, headcounts, military-style operations etc, that was not a familiar holiday feeling.

That is until I discovered Park Hyatt Mallorca hotel and spa – aka paradise found.

Nestled in the Cap Vermell valley near Canyamel on the east coast, off the well-beaten tourist tracks, the Park Hyatt is a gift for the senses before you even arrive. There are stunning mountain views and pretty pastel-coloured villages that seem to pop out of nowhere; the fresh scent of olive groves, almond orchards and grassy plains; and the azure-white glare of secluded coastal coves in the distance.

It’s an immaculately-kept courtyard village built in tiers, brand new but with an authentic Spanish feel. Its peachy-pink stone buildings, sweeping driveway and modern elegance made me feel I was arriving somewhere reserved for royalty, celebrities or lottery winners.

There was a warm welcome from general manager Michael and a very efficient check-in from concierge Daniel, before friendly valet Ivan dropped me off, in one of the resort’s golf buggies, at my room.

The resort is well spread out and you get a good workout walking up and down the pathways to the public areas and restaurants.

The landscaping is a thing of beauty and I loved the morning meanders to breakfast, the pool, the ‘square’ or the spa. There’s a stunning variety of flowers, trees and shrubs. Everywhere is serene with running water all around in the form of waterfalls, little fountains and slow-running streams.

The rooms are unfussy and understated but oh-so-classy – from the crisp linen on the comfortable king size bed, and the marbled spa bath and wetroom, to the beautiful sofas on the spacious but private terrace.

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic islands, Spain (iStock)

Pretty much instantly, I felt the strains of daily life melting away. Everywhere I turned there was a new comforting treat, all provided by a fantastic, smiling team, whose only aim was to please. Fruit, olives, breadsticks and chorizo placed in my room as evening snacks.

There were designer Bottega Veneta toiletries and the biggest, fluffiest towels and robes I’ve ever seen. A tablet in each room gave me instant booking services, Facebook and information about the area, and there was Wi-Fi throughout.

The pool area is sheltered – with a huge canopy over the kids’ pool. And there’s a nearby country club and a number of golf courses.

If you want to venture out, there are hundreds of little hidden gems to discover.

While the day away in Arta with its lovely fortress, little church and quirky winding streets. Or take the 15-minute drive to more touristy areas of Cala Millor and Cala Bona if you fancy people-watching.

Mallorca has become a real foodie destination, with chefs reviving traditional local dishes. Gastronomic experiences range from an authentic paella on the beach to rustic roasts in farmhouse eateries.

Park Hyatt has four restaurants. I tried the tapas bar where Michelin-starred chef Nora served delicious homemade bread, charcuterie, pork stuffed with nuts and dried fruit, and croquettes, followed by a huge rib eye steak. The a la carte restaurant was also superb.

At the onsite Serenitas spa I tried the wonderful Serenity On The Sand – an olive oil skin moisturising treatment and Swedish massage on a heated sand bed. It was outstanding.

And sipping a soothing herb tea on the terrace, overlooking the valley and surrounded by nature, I felt more pampered and relaxed than ever before.

There are dozens of little touches that set this apart as a holiday resort.

Warm cookies in the library; fresh towels and iced water brought to your sunlounger; curtains drawn, lights dimmed and drinks left at your bedside; pancakes, eggs and homemade breads made to order at breakfast. And the friendly “buenos dias” wherever you go.

Whether you’re searching out a dream venue for a special occasion, a family celebration or simply want to add a touch of luxury to your life, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere in the world, let alone on this beautiful island, that ticks all the boxes quite like Park Hyatt Mallorca.