Header: Courtesy of the Belmond hotel
In the heart of Deià, a picturesque hamlet on the island of Mallorca recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, has revealed the new look of its historic Villa Robert Graves. The private six-person villa was updated by the acclaimed interior design firm Studio Ashby. Named for the celebrated British poet Robert Graves, who lived in and wrote about Deià for 50 years, the villa is a secluded getaway just a short walk from the central hotel, allowing guests complete privacy while having full access to all the hotel’s amenities. The project was a gentle renovation, aiming to elevate the existing spaces while giving them a fresh sense of life.
A deep dive into local craft and art
Studio Ashby founder Sophie Ashby is known for her soulful and varied style, and for this project, she looked to the local Mallorcan culture for inspiration. Her design weaves the area’s natural beauty and artistic traditions into the fabric of the villa. Ashby believes that art gives a project its soul, and she carefully chose unique antique pieces from the original estate to sit alongside beautiful Spanish artifacts. She worked with local craftspeople to bring in special details, such as drapery made from Mallorcan linen and custom-blown glass lamps.
The villa is also decorated with pieces from La Residencia’s own art collection, which has been put together by the Sheridan family since 1984. This collection features works by local talent and characterful ceramics, showing Belmond’s ongoing support for the area’s artisans. Sophie Ashby mentioned her experience working with the hotel’s art consultant, Cecile Sheridan, noting:
“We enjoyed collaborating with the hotel’s trusted art consultant Cecile Sheridan selecting artworks that had a natural synergy with our design. Most of the pieces are an ode to Mallorca and its landscape, adding an edge to the design with their dynamic colour and patterns.”
Connecting with the mountain landscape
Another core idea in Ashby’s design philosophy is creating a strong connection between the inside and the outside. This concept is perfectly realized in the villa, which has incredible views of the Tramuntana mountains from its three floors. The interior materials were chosen to reflect these grand surroundings, with +34 oak, green-stained timber, and porcelain terracotta floors. These earthy materials are set against forged iron and bronze ceiling lights. At the center of Ashby’s work is the art of layering. She brought together strong shapes, vibrant patterns, expressive rugs, interesting antiques, and many plants throughout the décor to make the space feel alive and lived-in.
An artist’s retreat for modern living
The updated villa is a quiet, artistic sanctuary that feels like a home away from home. The ground floor contains a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a bar, and an outdoor terrace with a dining area for eight people. A magnificent mural created by local artist Jorge Estevez Valencia is the centerpiece of this space. The artwork was inspired by a line from Graves’ poem ‘The Climate of Thought,’ which beautifully captures the villa’s calm, nature-focused feeling.
The master bedroom, with its own dressing room and bathroom, is on the first floor. The lower ground floor has two more bedrooms and bathrooms. Ashby’s design choices carry through to the outdoor areas, where guests can relax on the private terrace or by the pool, nap on the daybed, or use the outdoor bar and kitchen for a barbecue. The three double bedrooms were designed for flexibility; two can be changed from double to twin rooms, and the master dressing room can also be set up as a nursery, making the villa suitable for both families and groups of friends.
The full Deià experience
Staying at Villa Robert Graves provides more than just a beautifully designed space; it grants guests unlimited access to the broader facilities of La Residencia. This includes treatments at the award-winning Spa, private tennis lessons with a mountain backdrop, and opportunities to explore the scenery on guided walks or bike rides. The hotel’s dining options range from candlelight dinners at El Olivo to leisurely lunches at Restaurante Miró, which is home to 33 original Joan Miró paintings.
The hotel also offers a program of authentic Mallorcan adventures, such as daily sunset boat rides along the coast, creative workshops with the hotel’s “Artists in Residencia,” and cycling excursions in the mountains in partnership with the Bianchi brand. This special retreat offers a serene, art-infused escape that genuinely reflects the soul of Mallorca.
