Enjoy a romantic break in the Majorcan countryside next to Love Island villa
LEANING over the hotel terrace, I take in the Majorcan countryside – and it all feels a bit familiar.
That’s probably because the tree-covered mountains and sandy orange fields are just down the road from the Love Island villa that was splashed all over our TV screens last summer.
But instead of gossiping about last night’s raunchy antics, the couples on the Carrossa Hotel balcony are tucking into three-course dinners of Mediterranean salads, seafood and wine.
The Carrossa is in the Levante hills, an hour’s drive from Palma airport. There are 75 luxury rooms, as well as four large villas with a private infinity pool.
But you will not find the neon signs and brightly-coloured bean bags enjoyed by Millie Court and gang in the Love Island villa.
Instead, there is a tranquil spa with an indoor pool overlooking another terrace with a large outdoor pool and cushioned day beds.
The hotel is also close to some cracking beaches and coastal towns.
Alcudia Bay is a great spot for some beachside tapas, while at the ancient town of Pollensa, you can soak up impressive views from the fort wall that wraps around the town.
We set off to explore the small market town of Arta, a ten-minute drive from the resort, which hosts a large market every Tuesday.
Stalls are sprawled across the main square, splintering off into the side streets, with tourists and locals alike admiring the selection of trinkets.
On offer are clothes, homeware, jewellery and art — most of which is homemade.
But we were quickly drawn in by the smells wafting from the street food vendors selling creamy cheeses, cured meats, German and Spanish baked goods and freshly cooked crisps and sweets. If none of that takes your fancy, there are plenty of traditional restaurants — try Sa Teulera, which does a fantastic paella.
Make sure to also visit the Cuevas de Arta, a group of ancient caves that were once used as a pirate hideaway.
Or head to the Almudaina d’Arta, a mighty Moorish fort with incredible views of the countryside.
After all that exploring, Carrossa is the perfect place to flop. It’s all about relaxing.
The hotel spa offers massages, facials and all the classics, or you can de-stress in one of two types of sauna — a Finnish version or a gentle Bio sauna, which is slightly cooler. Sunwor-shippers will spend most of their time by the pool, which has so many loungers you will never have an issue nabbing a spot.
Better still, waiters will bring you as many poolside cocktails as you desire.
We preferred to while away the hours on the private porch of our Junior Suite, where each morning we were greeted by an incredible sunrise as we sipped our coffee (every suite has its own Nespresso machine).
Inside there’s a modern bedroom, an en-suite with huge walk-in shower and a separate living area, plus a kitchen. Not that there’s much need for cooking facilities when the restaurants at the resort are so good.
For incredible views, head to the main restaurant which uses fresh, local ingredients — the herbs are grown by the kitchen staff in the hotel’s own courtyard.
And although the menu may be short, the wine list is anything but.
Carrossa makes its own wines — a crisp, dry sau-vignon blanc and a slightly smokey red — which are well worth giving a try.
If you are really into wine, then head to the cellar, which has tasting sessions.
Or for something more fruity, the hotel’s rustic, cave-like bar serves cocktails and a great selection of gins.
With picturesque views, top-notch facilities and a state-of-the-art spa, Carrossa ticks all the boxes for a luxury getaway.
Not even the Love Island contestants get it this good.
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