Mallorca – On our first trip to Mallorca (also known as Majorca), part of the Balearic Islands in Spain, Mr. King & I stayed at Mirabó de Valldemossa, a rustic villa with an impeccable mountain view. For city people like us, it was the ideal spot to relax and unwind.

“Mirabó, which dates from 1500, has been enjoyed by and belonged to our family since the end of the nineteenth century. Today, converted into a hotel, it preserves its character, redolent of traditional and undiscovered Majorca. Its location, 500 mts. high in the middle of the Sierra de Tramuntana, offers absolutely spectacular and unique views over the valley and the famous village of Valldemossa.” (source: www.mirabo.es)

To reach Mirabó, the car ride was appr. 45 minutes from the airport. It took several very narrow and sharp hairpin turns to get through its hilly gravel driveway. When we arrived, the view of the Mirabó was breathtaking in the late afternoon sun.

The villa houses 9 rooms, each with a view of the valley. The décor is country chic – Spanish style!

Mr. King & I enjoyed our breakfast on the patio, which was adjacent to a beautiful garden of lemon trees. Breakfast included eggs, breads & pastries, cereals and seasonal local fruits such as very large grapes and fresh figs served with freshly squeezed orange juice and tea/coffee.

The “chef” was a Polish young lady, who looked more like a student than a gourmet cook. But she could certainly cook! For one of our dinners, she made us this delicious seafood paella!

Though there are many sights to see in Palma and also in the nearby villages such as Valldemossa, Soller and Deia, the grounds of Mirabó are equally worthwhile in exploring. Mr. King & I took a morning stroll along the trails behind the villa, where we found the most lovely olive trees and wild flowers –like a scene out of the film classic, “A Room with A View.”

From Mirabó, we had a spectacular view of the village of Valldemossa that is perhaps most famous for hosting prominent guests such as Polish composer, Frédéric Chopin and his French lover, writer George Sand. It was during his visit with Sand to Valldemossa that Chopin achieved one of his most productive periods of composition. With just one look at the scenic mountain-view, I came to understand why Chopin was so inspired!

All photos were taken by Mrs. King.