Savour the sound of silence at Mallorca’s Castell Son Claret

Magaluf’s infamous reputation as a party-hard resort should not put you off discovering what the rest of the beautiful island of Mallorca has to offer. The luxury market is a growing (and lucrative) one on Mallorca – which boasts hotels under the Jumeirah, St Regis, and Marriott brands, and will have a Park Hyatt from 2015. But there has also been an increase in the number of independent luxury hotels and, from this spring, discerning travellers will be able to relax and recuperate at Castell Son Claret located on a tranquil 325-acre estate in the southwest of Mallorca, near the small village of Es Capdellà. Shipping magnate Klaus-Michael Kühne and his wife Christine bought the estate in 2010, and the 18^th century buildings have since been restored and converted into a luxury rural hotel, with great care and attention to detail. Surrounded by fragrant landscaped gardens, it’s located in the foothills of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tramuntana mountains. The main part of Castell Son Claret lives up to its name – having the appearance of a castle – but the hotel includes other restored estate buildings, including stables. Castell Son Claret (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World) has 38 guest rooms and suites – some of which have private terrace or even a garden. Two of the suites in the former stables have their own private swimming pool. Spa facilities include an indoor pool, Moorish hammam, and private treatment rooms. There’s a mini-gym, tennis court, outdoor pool, and bicycles for those who’d like to explore the spectacular estate on two wheels. The hotel has its own bakery, a bar in the converted chapel, and two restaurants – including Zaranda, which was awarded a Michelin star when it was located in Madrid, and again when it relocated in 2010 to Mallorca’s Hilton Sa Torre hotel. Chef Fernando Pérez Arellano and his team move to this new location to offer guests and diners an exceptional culinary experience. Ironically, Castell Son Claret is located in the municipality of Calvià – home to many of the island’s best-known resorts, including Magaluf. But, rest assured – which you surely will – this new luxury hotel feels a world away.