A new resort sits above ancient caves, writes Rachael Burnett.
Looming ahead of me, like a column in a Gothic cathedral, is one of the largest stalagmites in the world. It seems to be reaching for the heavens, although in reality, it has a long, long way to go.
Evokingnumerous religious connotations, the prehistoric Caves of Arta have been attracting curious "worshippers" for years, and the various atmospheric chambers given Dante-esque names such as Hell, Paradise and Purgatory.
Caves of Arta, Majorca. Photo / 123RF
Following a visit, author Jules Verne is said to have found inspiration for his sci-fi classic
, but gazing up at an arched roof of dagger-like stalactites, I easily imagine we're on a different planet altogether.
The caves lie along the coast of Capdepera, on the less-visited eastern side of Balearic isle Mallorca. With party towns like Magaluf usually grabbing headlines, much of this Spanish spot's sophisticated and cultured side is often overlooked. But that's all about to change.
Last year, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation chose to open their first European property here - and they're confident that Park Hyatt Mallorca is unlike anything else on the island. Built in the style of a traditional Mallorquin village, with beautifully landscaped courtyards, winding stairways, towers and arches, the 142-room resort nestles into the side of the Canyamel Valley.
It's around an hour's drive, through rugged fields dotted with windmills and olive groves, from Palma airport in the west of the island.
When I arrive, I'm struck by the stunning views out to the Balearic Sea, cast across a sunken terrace garden, lined with gnarled olive trees.
After being served a welcome drink of champagne, I'm whisked off to my new abode in one of the resort's smart golf buggies.
Thoughtfully laid out, my room has been decorated in a relaxed, homely style. But it's also thoroughly modern. Clever technology allows me to seamlessly connect my phone to a Bluetooth speaker in the bathroom and TV screen concealed in the mirror. Basking in the morning sun on my private terrace, I enjoy a quiet breakfast, which I order using a tablet that even allows me to book a specific time slot.
One of the property's star features is the Serenitas Spa, with seven treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room and outdoor Jacuzzi. I indulge in a Swedish massage in a private treatment room with its own terrace, and when I am able to open my eyes, I'm greeted with superb views of the valley.
Glazing over at the thought of running, jumping and sweating, I choose to take it easy, relaxing in the sun by one of the hotel's three pools. Only the call of mealtime stirs me from a slumber; with so many fine options to choose from, I don't want to skip a single opportunity to eat.
Park Hyatt Mallorca. Photo / Anthony Parkinson
Majorcan, Catalan, Spanish and Asian dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farms and fishing ports, and served in three restaurants. One of my favourite spots is the Tapas Bar, where chef David Garcia, from Madrid's Michelin-starred restaurant Albora, has devised a creative take on Spanish classics.
Spas, sunshine and suppers aside, it would be criminal to come all this way and not see the surrounding area.
An hour's drive from the hotel, in the picturesque village of Consell, is the Ribas winery, one of the oldest wineries in Mallorca. I walk around the vineyards, where the Ribas family has been making wine for more than 300 years, and sample some fine blends at a three-course lunch in their grand 18th-century ancestral home.
That afternoon, a little wobbly from my vineyard visit, I decide to stay close to the hotel. The neighbouring national park offers several hiking trails, which can be explored by foot or by bike.
As the sun is setting, I trek through woodland buzzing with cicadas up to an ancient beacon tower on a hilltop overlooking the valley. The sky is so clear, I can even see neighbouring isle Menorca on the horizon.
Also close by is an idyllic cove with crystal clear water and white sands. After paddling in the calm sea one morning, I head to the tree-lined squares, boutique shops and bustling street cafes of small town Arta.
From here, it's a short journey to the caves, first discovered by French geologist Edouard Martel in 1876. But their history, I learn on a guided tour, goes back further.
Jaume I found 2000 Arabs hiding here with their cattle during the Christian conquest, and hermits and smugglers are also reputed to have taken up residence.
Contrary to the images its name might conjure up, the Paradise chamber is certainly not my idea of home. Instead, I amble back to my own temporary little corner of five-star heaven, where I could quite happily be consigned for eternity.
