Discover a quieter side of the village with a Deià winter getawayNovember 29, 2019

The days when Deià was a best-kept secret are long gone. But, between now and let’s say the end of March, the village becomes wonderfully quiet and tranquil to the point of being pretty much empty. Which is why real aficionados set aside time for a Deià winter getaway, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Especially in the Tramuntana mountains, a Mallorca winter can be cold and stormy. There’s occasionally snow on the peaks, which gives Deià and the West Coast a nicely alpine feel. This is also the time when we welcome the rain which will replenish our water stocks after the demands of summer. 

It’s life-affirming to see and listen to crystal clear stream that runs through the village down the Clot and to the sea when it’s full and racing over the rocks.

But, although it can be cold and wet, there are many days when the sky is cloudless and blue, particularly in the strange faux spring of January when the almond trees may begin to blossom. On days like these, when the sun comes out, you can take your coffee outside and, if you’re in a suntrap, you’ll even be able to take off your winter coat.

As you can imagine, these bright, sunny days are perfect for hiking in the mountains or down to Cala Deià. 

You might even want to take a short, sharp dip in the sea down at Cala Deià. Wild swimming at this time of the year is absolutely invigorating. The sea is usually at its clearest and cleanest and there’s likely to be no-one around to hear you scream when you slip into the water.

But, if you’re not brave or crazy enough to take the plunge in December, Charles Marlow offers rental properties with the pure luxury of heated pools.

Recharging your batteries on a Deià winter getaway

If you’re seeking peace and quiet to recharge your batteries or work on a creative project, a Deià winter getaway is ideal. 

There’s nothing more inspiring than being warm and cosy in a house with a view of the sea or mountains. For example, El Niu or Sa Quinta – both available for rent through Charles Marlow.

The only problem is that you might find yourself so absorbed in the breathtaking landscape that you discover you’ve been gazing into space for hours. Still, disconnecting is meant to be good for our creativity.

Charles Marlow also offers winter rentals with working fireplaces, which adds a whole other level of cosiness and potential distraction or inspiration, depending on how you choose to look at it. As one of the most charming aspects of strolling through Deià and surrounding landscape is the evocative aroma of wood smoke, it’s satisfying to know you can make your own contribution.

How quiet is quiet?

If you’ve chosen a Deià winter getaway, pure peace and quiet might be what you’re after. Or, you might be celebrating Christmas and New Year with family and friends in a group. But you’ll still want to get out and wander the village.

Some of the village’s restaurants stay open all year round. A hearty breakfast at Sa Font Fresca and a mug of chocolate a la taza, essentially hot chocolate pudding in a cup, will set you up nicely for the day. Or, if you succumb to the temptation of adding a cheeky cognac, send you straight back to bed.

This is perfect if you’re staying at Can Topa, one of the modernised town houses Charles Marlow offers for a Deià winter getaway. Can Topa has a working fireplace and central heating, a neat little office space and charming views of the village. 

There’s usually a New Year’s Eve party at Sa Fonda, the funky bar in the middle of the village. If you’re lucky, the semi-legendary Pa Amb Oli Band might play to the wee wee hours. 

Deià’s general stores and pharmacy are open for everyday essentials.

Further afield

Winter is also the perfect time to explore Mallorca. The roads are far quieter than in the summer and it’s great fun to head for one of the smaller, off the beaten track, villages or towns on market day. There’s bound to be one restaurant serving delicious traditional warming Mallorcan winter stews in every village.

Winter is also an excellent time to explore Palma. The city is quiet and as peaceful as it ever gets. There’s also plenty to do. 

Because of the Northern European influence, the festive season begins now and runs until after January 6th and the arrival of the Three Kings, the traditional Spanish time to give presents. 

Palma celebrates the fiesta of San Sebastian, one of its joint patron saints, on 20th January with live music in the squares of the Old Town, neighbourhood barbeques and mass partying. San Sebastián is also celebrated all over the island, as is the fiesta of San Antonio on January 16th. Pets are blessed at local churches on January 17th. The fiesta of beautiful, pure Saint Agnes is on January 21st. 

Should you be contemplating a Deià winter getaway, Andreas, Charles Marlow’s West Coast rentals manager suggests you think about booking somewhere now. ‘We’re seeing more and more people renting homes at this time, especially Christmas and New Year, so please get in touch soon. Also, many of the villas we have on our books are already booked for summer 20201 We’d hate for you to be disappointed.’

Email Andreas at rentals@charlesmarlow.com or call +34 971 936 427.