Looking for a spot to rest your weary head in Mallorca this summer? Charlotte Hogarth-Jones discovers the ultimate private residence in Port d’Andratx.
“Home from home” is a phrase often bandied about in the hospitality industry today – and yet, all too often, the most luxurious villas and hotels feel like anything but. Not so at Villa Infinitum in Port d’Andratx, Mallorca, a glamorous five-bedroom private residence that manages to offer both ultimate luxury and cosy comfort all in one breath.
Perhaps it’s because the villa’s owner, Nick Bampton, books himself in there from time to time. Villa Infinitum is a place that it’s easy to relax and live in, thanks to an emphasis on making things as straightforward as possible. “I was tired of staying in properties where it would be a full week before I worked out how to turn on the outside light,” explains Nick. “I wanted somewhere without hundreds of different switches – just a place that you could settle into as soon as you walk through the door.”
It’s also down to particularly canny interior design too. Enter the villa’s spacious living room, for example, and you’ll be welcomed by a roaring fire, and textures that play off each other – raw, light wood floors topped with plush rugs in neutral shades, cosy sheepskin throws over B&B Italia furniture, minimalist beds topped with velvet cushions and chunky quilted comforters. You’ll find touches of rock and roll glamour at every turn, but it’s not showy – a 24-carat gold sculpture by artist David Harbour, for example, is nestled unassumingly in a small courtyard that backs onto a hillside filled with lemon trees, while a well-stocked games room gives a nod to the Rolling Stones.
Just a three-minute walk to Club de Vela yacht club, or a 10-minute stroll to the port – with its impressive array of small, romantic restaurants and bars – the location of Villa Infinitum is truly unbeatable, and it’s just a short, easy drive from Palma de Mallorca itself. Floor to ceiling windows on every floor look out onto the boats below, and while the view is impressive, the property isn’t overlooked in any direction.
Perhaps that’s a good job, as it’s the perfect party pad. On the ground floor you’ll find a two-bedroom apartment that’s just right for friends, teenagers or children and their nanny, while on the second floor there are three spacious bedrooms, all with king sized beds and bathrooms stocked with bespoke organic toiletries, which are made by a local German artisan just 1.5km away, up in the mountains.
Of course there are all the facilities you’d expect from a private villa of this level. There’s a small gym equipped with the latest kit, and a spa – where treatments from facials to pedicures can be booked in advance – plus a sauna and a wave pool inside too. A private cellar with local wines, champagne, and over 10 different gins is restocked every week, and guests can pre-order their favourite soft drinks and tipples in advance, whatever they may be. The real selling point, however, has to be the villa’s grand roof terrace – ready to receive a crowd, the team here have already hosted all sorts of events here, from 50th birthday bashes, to laid-back boozy lunches, to a private concert from soul singer Mica Paris or a tapas evening served by Michelin-starred chef Mark Fosh’s own team of chefs, accompanied by live Spanish guitar.
And, what Villa Infinitum has going for it in terms of style, it more than matches in terms of service. You’ll awake to a grand breakfast spread each morning, and a private cook chef can be arranged in advance, along with wine tastings, boat trips, and more. Most guests, however, whether yachties or not, can’t resist the lure of beautiful Port d’Andrax at night. Charming, yet spirited, small but with some of the best food and drink on the island, it’s a bit of a hidden gem.
“When you sit out here, having a gin and tonic as the sun goes down, and look out at all the boats and the winking lights of the town, almost everyone wants to get out there,” explains Bampton. “For me, the best time to visit is around May-June, or September-October,” he goes on, “right then the temperature is lovely, and for me those lazy evenings that start out here on the terrace and end up in the centre of town are just magical.” Which might go some way, then, in explaining why Infinitum villas already has its eye on a second, boat-related property coming soon… Watch this space.
Take exclusive use of Villa Infinitum from €15,000 per week, based on 10 people sharing. This includes daily breakfast, daily maid service and a dedicated villa manager. Minimum stay of seven nights. For further information or to book, call +44 (0) 7471 935741