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Slow down the pace at this Mallorcan farmhouse retreat that’s serene by name and by nature
From the moment you turn into the cypressflanked driveway and wind your way up to reception past olive groves, fruit trees and vineyards, it’s clear why Finca Serena is named so. In fact, once you’ve been greeted on the terrace with a crisp glass of Cava, one of the first things you’ll notice is how quiet it is. Set on a Mallorcan farm estate that sprawls over 99 hectares, the finca has been designed with tranquillity in mind. It has just 25 rooms and suites scattered around its grounds and buildings, making it feel as though you’ve got the place all to yourself.
FROM THE OLIVE TREE-SHADED TERRACE, THERE ARE VISTAS OF THE ISLAND’S ROLLING PLAINS
Guestrooms, spread between the main farmhouse and original stone outbuildings, are all unique, and each has its own secluded terrace. Cool, calm and contemporary interiors come courtesy of the hotel’s director of interior design, Pilar García-Nieto, and Mallorcan architect Sergi Bastidas. Honey-hued stone exteriors open into rooms of restful greys and neutrals, natural materials (think washed linens, rattan and reclaimed wood) and subtle references to the finca’s agricultural heritage, with features such as sliding barn doors and whitewashed rustic beams.
As beautiful as the finca is inside, it’s the grounds that are the star of the show. From the olive tree-shaded terrace, there are vistas of the island’s rolling plains and Puig de Randa mountain, with a sole soundtrack of birdsong and the wind rustling through the trees. The hotel takes its motif from the little birds that frequent the grounds, and you’ll spot references to them everywhere, right down to the salt and pepper shakers at the breakfast tables.
Outside, you’ll discover an Eden of established plants and trees, including over 800 ancient olive trees that provide the finca with its own oil. There are also 10 hectares of newly planted vines and three vegetable gardens, all of which guests can explore via six kilometres of pathways that run throughout the estate. Of course, you could also just relax by lounging under the bougainvillea beside the pool or take time out in the state-of-the-art spa with its steam room, sauna, yoga studio and tempting array of treatments, instead.
The hotel’s restaurant, Jacaranda, offers views of the palm-filled gardens through its arched windows – on balmy evenings, you can also dine al fresco. The three-course menu changes daily according to what’s available in the kitchen gardens, and dishes take their cue from traditional local fare – albeit with a few contemporary twists. And that’s Finca Serena’s ethos down to a tee – unpretentious, made with love and with a deep respect for history and the natural surroundings. From £357 per night (fincaserenamallorca.com).