Whether you love a relaxing break or prefer a more active holiday, the luxurious Kimpton Aysla boutique resort on Mallorca is everything you could wish for.
Only three hours ago I was in grey, chilly Glasgow and now I’m in Balearic heaven, being driven past fields of terracotta earth dotted with olive groves, lemon trees and a sea of vivid red poppies swaying in the breeze.
It’s a 15-minute drive from Palma airport to Kimpton Aysla, near Santa Ponça, and on arrival I feel all the stresses of life are left well and truly behind me as I’m welcomed by friendly staff offering me a cooling almond milk drink.
The architecture is a mix of contemporary design and Mediterranean charm. There’s artwork which catches my eye in the breezy reception area. It’s part of an exhibition throughout the resort, curated by Palma based ABA ART LAB.
I spot a bicycle in the corner, with a pretty blue basket and a sign which reads “Take Me, I’m Yours” inviting guests to explore the local area. This proves to be typical of the level of attention to detail there is here and it sets the resort apart from its competitors.
There’s a social hour every night at 5pm to enable guests to mingle and taste local wines. Families and dogs are welcome.
I resist the temptation to indulge in complimentary fruit and artisan chocolates in my room, as I don’t want to spoil the dining experience.
Saba Bar and Bodega with outdoor terrace at sunset is the perfect introduction to Mediterranean flavours. I love tapas – the creamiest burrata, delicious padron peppers, tender squid and rustic seeded bread with aioli and tomato puree.
There’s something to suit all tastes and plenty of choice for vegetarians or vegans. If you’ve a taste for the exotic, the resort’s Pan-Asian experience is unforgettable as you watch chefs prepare dishes right in front of you.
The six-course tasting menu includes kimchi, papaya salad with lobster, gyoza, nigiri and marinated beef with glass noodles, egg and vegetables, followed by a show-stopping dessert of braised pear, tangerine juice and kaffir with vanilla and white chocolate.
By day, Zayt Pool Club with its shady canopy and views of the mountains has a relaxed vibe to a low key soundtrack with DJs and live music. There are swings which children can sit on to eat a lunch of wood-fired pizzas.
Fresh, light dishes using locally sourced produce take centre stage here. Think gazpacho, (my favourite), poke bowls, salads, grilled premium meats and fresh fish. Cocktails are artfully presented, often garnished with pretty fresh flowers, and they taste as good as they look.
Kimpton Aysla offers a comprehensive wellness experience from classes such as yoga, pilates, sound healing, stand up paddle boarding, tennis, and padel, while fitness fans can work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym. Commercial director Gerard Arazo Riera tells me over lunch that the resort has hosted celebrated sports stars including Roger Federer and Jürgen Klopp, the legendary former Liverpool manager.
Golfers can enjoy a round or two nearby at Golf Santa Ponsa (golfsantaponsa.com) which boasts three courses. Golf Santa Ponsa 1 is an 18 hole, par 72 course, which has been host to the European Tour six times with players such as Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam, Lee Westwood, and Vijay Singh taking part.
The 10th hole is allegedly the longest par five in Europe. The resort’s concierge will book golf at your request, and there’s a practice ground in close proximity to the hotel. I give the gym a swerve, opting for a sound healing session instead, and enjoy swimming in all three pools.
The indoor one is calm and cool with a blissful hydrotherapy pool. Outside there’s a large kidney-shaped pool, fringed by palm trees, with plenty of shallow areas for children. The third is adults only with luxurious Balinese day beds and sun loungers. Towels are readily available.
If you aren’t familiar with sound healing: you lie on the floor on a yoga mat while the practitioner uses crystal bowls and other instruments to create healing vibrations. It is so relaxing that I nod off.
My hotel room is airy and filled with natural light, featuring a spacious private balcony adorned with comfortable chairs and vibrant greenery. The view is of the extensive gardens, overflowing with a wide variety of flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses. Birdsong is in the air and butterflies flutter around blooms.
The deluxe bathroom is generously sized and the shower door opens to the outdoors, allowing me to enjoy a refreshing shower in the open air (it’s secluded and private).
If you like to absorb local history then you mustn’t miss a visit to Son Moragues, in the Tramuntana mountains. A guided tour around the restored olive groves with knowledge-able estate manager Joe Holles is fascinating.
The tour ends with a picnic in the shade of olive trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. In all, it’s a beautiful, memorable way to explore one of Mallorca’s age-old treasures.
Factfile
EasyJet and Ryanair both fly to Palma de Mallorca airport from Glasgow. The Son Moragues olive grove experience starts at 55 euros per person (around £47), and can be arranged by the concierge at the resort. Room prices start at £284 per person, per night. If you love beach life, there are many unspoilt beaches on Mallorca: Cala Torta, Cala Deià, Cala Mondragó and Platja de Alcúdia, Es Trenc and Cala Fornells are some of the most beautiful.
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