Montemar Baix

MOUNTAIN-VIEWED ESCAPE

Set in the scenic countryside of Mallorca’s north-eastern coast - close to the pretty villages of Moscari, Selva and Campanet - Villa Montemar Baix is an idyllic haven. Beach and mountain views are matched by the stunning offerings on its doorstep, with an impressive array of sculptures and fruit trees ripe for the picking. The villa’s sprawling estate is shared with another property, which makes it ideal for bigger groups or for sourcing fresh competition on the tennis courts.

Upon first sight, Villa Montemar Baix could be mistaken for a live-in art gallery and not a home. In every room, enviable artefacts and antiques demand your attention, from oversized vases to carved wood statement pieces. If only you could carry some of them back home in your suitcase. But for now, you’ll just marvel at how they transform even the simplest of rooms into eye-catching spaces that make it tempting to never leave the villa’s interior. Such beauty is lost on the teenagers, who make a beeline straight for the lobby’s pool table. At least everyone’s having fun.

In the lounge, you take a moment to refuel on the plush, L-shaped sofa, as your delightful concierge gifts you with a complimentary bottle of champagne. Now you’re truly on holiday. You come up with a quick plan to drop bags in rooms before congregating by the poolside to enjoy the last few hours of daylight. You’re rewarded with the master bedroom, for discovering this gem of a villa – but you’d have been happy with any of the sprawling suites. Still, Nothing can beat your room’s direct access to the covered terrace, with its carved stone seating and wooden coffee table, where you’ll be sure to take advantage of early morning sunshine in peace.

In the grounds, you’re hit with the fragrant scent of almond, olive and fruit trees, which help evoke a mood of tranquillity. The backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains is an otherworldly sight, causing you to feel truly removed from the ordinary. By the entrance of the house, an impressive sculpture stands before you, and the most exceptional feature of all is, of course, the pool. Centred within wooden decking, with padded sun loungers dotted around, its crystal clear waters beckon you in, and you obey – swimming luxurious laps in its 55sq m pool.

As the afternoon closes in, the culinary mastermind in the group fires up the barbeque. Trays of aperitifs make the rounds so that, by the time the terrace table is laid with steaming fish and grilled vegetables, you’re ravenous. The wine and good company inspires you each to share your hopes for the holiday, and you’re all in agreement that you’d like to spend as much quality time as possible at this extraordinary hideaway.