THE RUSTIC SPANISH FINCA

Finca Can Llamas, Mallorca

As soon as you arrive, you’ll discover that Finca Can Llamas is appropriately named. Your hosts Francesca and Alfred own a farm next door that’s home to fluffy llamas, as well as a menagerie of other animals, including peacocks and a young buck deer. There might even be baby emus running about (Francesca incubates them in her kitchen!). Any young children in your group will quickly be enchanted. In fact you all will be, waking every morning to the sound of cock-a-doodle-doos and peacock cries.

Arriving is a bit of an adventure; the narrow road leading to the villa is a little hairy to drive along. But once inside, all is tranquillity. A large mature garden is filled with trees, pots, sculptures and different areas to explore – and, crucial for families, a good-sized swimming pool. A large eating area for 10 under

a canopy, plus loungers, hammocks and lots of shade makes the finca ideal for retreats in the heat of high summer. Inside, a large kitchen and dining room is a good space to cook, eat and chat. It’s perfect for a multigenerational family; with three bedrooms, children bunk together in their own bedroom (with bathroom) and early-rising grandparents have their own quarters with en suite.

Can Llamas is a short drive from the charming town of Pollença and the equally delightful Puerto Pollença. Head for the pine walk at the far end of the port, with its fabulous 1930s villas and a hotel once frequented by Agatha Christie. Or just explore your immediate surroundings: the garden, the farm and woodland walks in lovely countryside. BOOK IT Finca Can Llamas sleeps six people in three bedrooms. Simpson Travel has seven nights from £154 per person. It also offers packages including flights and car hire; simpsontravel.com