A SOAK IN THE SUNKEN BATH CAME WITH VIEWS OF YACHTS TRACKING ACROSS THE BAY, AND THE DISTANT MOUNTAINS The enviable setting and private spa are just a small part of what makes Villa Sonrei one of Majorca’s most exclusive properties. This large and airy, contemporary villa is decorated with exquisite modern art and, with nine huge and wellequipped bedrooms, it provides everything discerning guests might need. Sat on manicured lawns in a commanding position, the villa benefits from sweeping views that encompass the sea on two sides, the blue smudge of the Tramuntana mountains, and the goat-dotted hill it perches on. It is located just outside the family-friendly resort of Alcúdia, which has atmospheric old town walls, a choice of beaches, and the six-kilometre-long swathe of dazzling blonde sand at Playa de Muro nearby. Just below the villa is the affluent enclave of Mal Pas-Bonaire, which has two small sandy coves that are known only to locals and well worth a couple of hours of your time. It was hard to choose a favourite bedroom, but we plumped in the end for room two, a master suite with a jaw-dropping bathroom. This light-filled space oozed pampering, with its marble fittings, wooden floors, large walk-in shower, and wonderfully classic, arched windows on either side. Best of all, a large picture window at the far end was majestically positioned above a sunken bath. A soak therefore came complete with views of yachts tracking across the bay, and the distant mountains. The other master suite is situated on the lower ground floor and has a larger sleeping space with a fun, informal feel to it. With room to dance around the bed, a corner plot, and the possibility of hiring the villa out for a small wedding or family party, it is somewhere to retreat to for a nightcap, perhaps, after other guests have gone to bed, or, during the day, for easy access to the outdoor pool, with glass doors that open up onto the lawn. Stretching out in a long blue streak from the rear of the house towards the sea, the outdoor saltwater pool is great for swimming lengths in, as well as for general posing. There are a couple of daybeds to one side and some convenient sunloungers just beyond the end of the pool, looking over the edge of the grounds. Weather in spring too chilly for a dip? Never fear; Villa Sonrei has its own spa floor and a large indoor pool heated to 29 degrees. Positioned in a chamber of stone pillars, the indoor pool lines up with its outdoor equivalent in pleasing symmetry. There is also an indoor hot tub, plus a small sauna and steam room that can be heated on request. The kitchen is a slick, stainless steel affair, focused on efficient food preparation, while the villa itself centres around, and draws light from, a small courtyard containing a fish-filled pond. The staff are lovely and, during my stay, consisted of a caretaker and cook, while the hosts, who speak perfect English, are also only a phone call or message away. Once we had orientated ourselves, a string of blissfully peaceful days unfolded in a gentle routine. Our cook would lay out a fortifying spread for breakfast each morning on the indoor dining table, consisting of tea, coffee, croissants, chocolate spread, bread, jam, butter, ham, and orange juice. We would then take the car out to either Alcúdia, Pollença, or to the local coves for a paddle, and return to make our own leisurely lunch from tomatoes, avocado, local cheese, ham, bread, and fruit, eaten at one of three dining tables on the vast terraces that wrap around each floor of the house. The quiet afternoons were for swimming and reading before connecting up to the villa’s top-notch sound system for a sunset soundtrack as the sea, mountains, and entire horizon blushed a deep pink. Many a bottle of Majorcan bubbles fizzed down as we enjoyed feeling as if we were on top of the world – well, at the top tip of Majorca at least. The villa’s terraces are easily some of the best places on the island to witness these spectacular sunsets. Once night had fallen, the two spacious and luxuriously appointed lounges called. The main lounge is a sociable space and a calming mix of pale colours and natural textures, with bleached-grain side tables, a modern fireplace, a large sofa seating around 10, and some well-curated, intriguing pieces of contemporary art. The second lounge is a cinema room, with a giant television linked up to Apple TV and Netflix (the latter being available in the bedrooms also). The nine bedrooms are mostly split between the first and lower ground floors and there is a lift in between. If travelling in a large group (the villa sleeps 18), there are unlikely to be arguments about who has which room, as they are all incredibly spacious, with sea views in all but two, and seating areas either in the rooms or just outside. The rooms on the lower ground floor all have sliding doors out onto the garden. Just one room is smaller and equipped with only twin beds, situated on the ground floor. Following our time there, it will be hard, if I’m honest, to return to Majorca and not long for Villa Sonrei. It really seems to offer the best of everything: access to the north’s most coveted spots, but also peace and privacy from a hilltop location that grants a beautiful and unique panorama of this ever-popular island. CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS For all villas holidays – especially to an A&K Villas' Favourite such as Villa Sonrei – we advise early booking. For more information or to discuss a reservation, call our villas specialists on 01242 547 705. 38 | AUTUMN/WINTER <strong>2019</strong>
MAJORCA THIS LIGHT-FILLED SPACE OOZED PAMPERING, WITH ITS MARBLE FITTINGS, WOODEN FLOORS, LARGE WALK-IN SHOWER, AND WONDERFULLY CLASSIC, ARCHED WINDOWS ON EITHER SIDE akvillas.com | 39
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