As cool as a summer’s breeze

Actress. Madrid native. Vegan. Clara Lago is one of the most recognisable faces of Spanish blockbuster films. Next year she returns to the silver screen with a starring role in ‘The Weasels’, the upcoming film from Argentine Oscar winner Juan José Campanella, director of ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’. We invited her to spend the day with us at the Hotel Calviá Beach The Plaza.

'Wow, amazing!’ she exclaims as soon as she emerges from the Rooftop Nine lift. ‘It’s great!’ she says, as she breathes in the sea air while the breeze tousles her hair. ‘No wonder people don’t want to leave the hotel’. She’s arrived at night, en route from a landlocked city (in this case Madrid), and after stepping out onto this rooftop terrace with views over the bay of Palma de Mallorca and a touch of electric blue from the illuminated pool, she’s experiencing a rush of positive energy—and that feeling will stay with Clara Lago for her entire 24hour stay at the hotel. The DJ’s ambient music adds to the positive vibes, and in between glasses of wine and bouts of contented laughter, we take the opportunity to talk with her.

At first glance, what do you think of the hotel?

It’s modern, beautiful... and, well, the hanging pool is spectacular, even from below. What’s most important for you when it comes to a hotel?

It has to have a good bed. That’s key. And a good pillow. I also love the feeling of a hotel bed with pressed white sheets. From what I’ve seen on the way up here, this place has all of that.

Do you usually make lots of plans when you travel?

I'm super relaxed. I’m really not a fan of sightseeing. To me, there’s no such thing. I’m all about doing what you feel like, what you fancy. I'm more interested in people than monuments. I’d rather get to know the people than the place. Of course, there are some spectacular places that you have to see.

What’s one destination that really impressed you?

El Hierro, in the Canary Islands. I was filming for a documentary series called Atlánticas, directed by Guillermo García and Pedro González, that should be coming out soon. I had never been before. I was stunned. There are some incredible places, forests... it was like filming The Lord of the Rings. I fell in love with the place and the people.

Have you been to Palma before? Well, I’ve done Psicobloc (or Deep Water Soloing: climbing above the sea) here in Mallorca. And I came about three years ago for work, to perform in a play.

You're vegan. What have you tried at the Rooftop restaurant that you liked? The delicious mushrooms and the vegetarian poke.

And what do you think of hotel breakfasts?

I think it's increasingly important for establishments to include a vegan option because of the growing demand, and also because our planet really needs it.

You always pack snacks in your luggage, right?

(Laughing) I always bring food, yes. Since becoming vegan, I have to make sure there’s something for me to eat. For lunch and dinner, I know that you can always get grilled vegetables, or something like that, in Spain. But for breakfast, which is vital for me, not all hotels offer tasty vegan options.

And what do you think of Meliá’s commitment to replacing single-use plastics?

It’s great. It’s essential. I think that every industry needs to start becoming more conscious and contributing more, in its own way.

Going into 2019, one of your dreams is coming true: shooting with Juan José Campanella.

Yes. Son of the Bride is one of my favourite films, so filming with Campanella is a dream come true. The Weasels is a remake of an Argentine film called Yesterday’s Guys Used No Arsenic, and it’s coming out in May.

Where else can we see you?

Gente que viene y ¡bah! (‘People Who Come Along and, Pff!’) is also coming out at the beginning of next year. It’s another film that has a special place in my heart. The shoot was magical and a great experience; super fun. We filmed it in Barcelona.

And you’re continuing your wonderful work with your foundation, Ochotumbao.

Yes, we’re actually a fundraising organisation for other charities or NGOs that work with people, animals or the environment. The idea is to explore different ways of raising funds through art and sport.