5 years ago when Globespan started flights to Palma from Aberdeen and we had the option to book our holiday independently we started looking at hotels in the more remote parts of the island. We ended up booking 3 nights in Palma 5 nights in Soller and 3 nights at Finca Es Castell in Binibona near Ciamari.
We hugely enjoyed all 3 hotels but without doubt we enjoyed Es Castell the most. It was an oasis of calm after our stay in Palma. Indeed we enjoyed our stay so much that for the first time in 20 years of holidaying as a couple we returned to a hotel for a second time and then a third time with Mrs H’s parents with us.
Finca Es Castell is just outside the village of Binibona on the edge of the Tramuntana Mountains. It nestles on a hillside with spectacular views across the plain towards Inca.
On our first visit we were met by James who along with his wife Paula runs Es Castell. James gave us a quick tour and then showed us to our room. The first thing that strikes you about Es Castell is the total peace and quiet. It sits about a mile from the village and is still part of a working finca. The setting is wonderful with stunning views all round. The hotel has 12 rooms and it never feels busy, may of the guests tend to be out and about during the day and it is normally very quiet by the pool.
James and Paula have managed to create a small bit of paradise in Mallorca along with their excellent staff you are made to feel very welcome, they manage to be very attentive but manage to do so without being obtrusive. Staying at Es Castell feels more like staying with friends than at a hotel.
Our room was fantastic, traditionally furnished with quality period furniture adding to the ambiance of the 900 history of the finca. It had everything you needed especially whisper quiet and effective air conditioning.
Breakfasts are a buffet type with a good selection of cereals, cold meats, fruit and cheeses, there is a great variety of fresh crusty bread and rolls, eggs, how you like them and omelettes are cooked to order. There is a choice of freshly squeezed fruit juices and water as well as wonderful freshly ground coffee and fresh pastries.
There are tea and coffee making facilities in the room as well as a supply of water.
During the day you can make tea or coffee at the poolside or help yourself to water. There is also a selection of biscuits crackers pastries and cakes to which you can help yourself. There is a fridge at the pool so guests can serve themselves soft drinks, beers and ice creams at very reasonable prices.
To sit at the poolside soaking up the sun as well as the views enjoying the peace and quiet is a wonderful way to pass the day.
Just when you thing things couldn’t get any better there is the prospect of dining there in the evening. The evenings menu is set out in the morning and is usually four courses. They can cater for all tastes but the set menu has never disappointed us.
The evening meal is served on a roof terrace with panoramic views a truly special setting. The food is simply fantastic, it top quality local produce much of it from the finca cooked in a simple yet elegant style that allows the ingredients to speak for themselves. The quality of the food is as good as you will find in the best restaurants irrespective of price. The food is only part of the experience, just sitting there watching the evening sun setting listening to the distant tinkle of goat bells getting closer as dusk sets in and they come down from the hills for the night, it is a truly magical experience.
The fact that we have gone back 3 times shows how highly we rate this hotel, and it is not just us many of the guests go back year after year for their slice of heaven that is Finca Es Castell. James, Paula and their staff make you so welcome if you go once you will definitely want to return again and again.
We haven’t been for a couple of years as we are visiting different parts of the island but we will undoubtedly be going back.
Finca es Castell in the distance
Our room
A welcome gift from the owners on arrival
It was our anniversary when we were there and we were given these as a gift
The hotel, pool and gardens
Some of the views and the roof terrace.
The old olive press