Having successfully made the transition from holidaying to homestead — and truly living her best life in the process — here, British photographer Carlie Tasker talks about how she put down roots on the Balearic island of Mallorca, in addition to how moving abroad has influenced her thoughts on jet-setting, staycations, and life in general.
Choosing to make Mallorca my home two years ago was a transformative decision that has completely changed the trajectory of my life. While Mallorca has always been a magnet for those in search of sun, sea, and a laid-back lifestyle, it’s the fascinating cultural blend that stole my heart. As a British expat, I could only attempt to capture the essence of Mallorca after endeavouring to fully immerse myself in the island’s unique way of life. From the lively fiestas and the bustling markets to the wholesome interactions with locals, every day feels like a new adventure in visual storytelling.
The island has an undeniable allure, drawing artists, writers, and dreamers from around the globe. It’s a place where creativity flourishes, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary — and I’m very grateful to call it home.
Living on this beautiful island has had a huge impact on how I travel. While the constant urge to jet off to distant lands — which is how I felt when I resided in the UK — has subsided, my passion for a good hotel remains unwavering. Now, my favourite way to spend a free weekend is to take a staycation, and the island has plenty of beautiful boutique hotels to choose from.
The Lodge Mallorca
For instance, The Lodge Mallorca, in idyllic Sa Pobla, is one of the most recent additions to the island’s hotel scene.
Nestled within the UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and interwoven with fragrant fields of lavender, almond trees, olive groves and orchards, The Lodge is a restful retreat with a deep-rooted connection to its natural surroundings.
During the summer, I had the pleasure of spending two nights here — and having stayed at The Lodge’s sister hotel, Finca Serena Mallorca, a few months earlier, my expectations were sky-high (and happily exceeded).
The gastronomic experience at The Lodge is nothing short of extraordinary; its Singular Restaurant, guided by the culinary expertise of the two Michelin-starred chef Ramón Freixa, serves some of the finest Mediterranean cuisine on the island. It’s always commendable to see chefs working with local ingredients and authentic flavours, and most of the dishes on the menu are made with elements cultivated from The Lodge’s own land.
Within the hotel itself, Crittall-style doors and clean lines integrate seamlessly with the exposed ceiling beams and natural brick preserved from the original 500-year-old farmhouse building, which has been artfully restored inside and out. The tranquil interiors fuse contemporary and vintage furniture, with many pieces sourced from Mallorca’s renowned Consell flea market — which happens to be one of my go-to spots for a leisurely Sunday morning.
My short (but oh-so-sweet) stay at The Lodge made me feel as though I were on holiday, while remaining at home — a feeling every guest is sure to experience, whether a Mallorca resident or not.
Where (else) to stay
Hewn into Palma’s rocky coastline, Cap Rocat is converted fortress which feels wonderfully secluded with a drawbridge, bunkers, and suites in former shooting buttresses, and a private cliffside beach.
Time seems to move more slowly at Can Ferrereta, a made-over mansion in a sun-drenched corner of sleepy SantanyÃ, made all the more idyllic by the spa’s seaweed wraps, yoga classes, and landscaped pool.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Palma’s old town, the highlight of Sant Francesc Hotel Singular is its cathedral-facing rooftop pool, plus the stables-turned-restaurant serving fresh Mediterranean fare.
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