CA'S XORC
Chic Mallorcan mountain finca with fabulous views
ONE OF MALLORCA’S FABULOUS FINCAS, Ca’s Xorc is set on a ridge high in the hills between Deia and Sóller.
A winding track leads up to this
away-from-it-all hilltop hideaway – once an 18th century olive mill – with
its sensational views over the Sóller valley and the mountains beyond. It’s a hangout for both celebs (a few big-name rock stars have rolled down here) and for fast-laners ready for some
lazing and luxe.
Hidden corners and terraces perfect for unwinding set things off a treat at Ca’s Xorc. A
beautifully landscaped infinity pool – gorgeously floodlit at night – is dramatically set on a cliff-edge. Laze on a lounger and soak up the vistas or
bubble away in the jacuzzi, set above a little waterfall. Wander among the olive trees, listen to the tinkle of sheep bells and breathe in the scent of lemons.
Hit the spot
High above the Sóller valley and the sea.
Bedtime
Splash out on a deluxe room and you get a private terrace or balcony, and a fireplace. The Vista rooms also live up to their name.
Be savvy
Book early – rooms are snapped up months ahead. You may find the climbing single track driveway a challenge.
Be smitten
A fabulous finca find.
Farmhouse fireplace
Inside, Ca’s Xorc oozes Mallorcan rustic chic.
Individually designed bedrooms come with pale whitewashed walls, cool stone or tiled floors, wood beamed ceilings, well chosen antiques and crisp white bedlinen.
Four poster or coronet beds are draped in drifts of muslin.
Some rooms have
farmhouse-style wood fires perfect for curling up around in winter and a
private terrace where you can clock 360 degree views. All have well kitted-out bathrooms – some with bathtubs – plus satellite TV.
If you love upstairs, you’ll love downstairs. Mallorcan flowers deck the terraces and stone archways in colour, while tall lanterns and lavish cushions add splashes of Morocco.
First-rate cooking is another highlight at Ca’s Xorc. You can dine at the huge farmhouse-style communal table or in a pretty dining area in the finca’s former olive press. There’s also a
panoramic dining terrace outside, and a Moroccan style tent should you decide to throw a private party. Just be sure to book a table on check-in _ they go fast.
If you can tear yourselves away from this peaceful Eden, you’re close enough to Sóller, Deia (with its art galleries and little beach) and Fornalutz to make excursions a breeze. Just go easy on the sangrias before taking those hillside hairpin bends on your return.
Ca’s Xorc was reviewed by
Room for Romance
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
Try Ca’s Xorc’s
signature paella at lunchtime and dine at night on the inventive dishes conjured up by talented head chef Guillermo Moya Igarza, in which
local specialities are the star. Opt for the à la carte or the six course tasting menu, set off by an extensive Mallorcan and Spanish wine list.
Imaginative dishes include
carpaccio of Sóller prawns with rocket salad and pesto, ricotta icecream and shaved parmesan, and
tataki of tuna served with fig marmalade and soy sauce. Finish off with four kinds of chocolate or maybe pineapple soup with coconut icecream. Be sure to book your table well in advance, they get snapped up very quickly.
Dining out
Half way between Deia and Sóller, Bens d'Avall has great views and an eclectic menu – try slow roasted fish of the day. You’re spoilt for choice in Deia, where good choices include Sebastian's.
Where?
Ca’s Xorc
What’s cooking?
Try sea bass with creamy beetroot and green asparagus with squid tagliatelle and Nollyprat salsa. Finish with a tiramisu macaroon with coffee icecream.
Dress the Part
As chic as you like.
Top table?
On the terrace – naturally.
See & Do
Spend a morning exploring Sóller – you can even walk there along the leafy Deia-Sóller footpath – and board the old wooden train for a ride to Palma. You can also take boat trips along the coast from here. A tram trundles along the seafront, where you can enjoy the evening passaeo.
The pretty village of Deia – made famous by the writer Robert Graves, who penned I, Claudius while living there – is still something of an artists’ colony. You can walk down the rocky path leading to a pebbly cove far below, where there’s good snorkelling and a couple of little beach cafes. Much-visited Fornalutx is another pretty spot in the Sóller valley. Of course, you may simply want to laze by the pool with a couple of paperbacks.
Shop
Head for the little galleries of Deia and snap up some pottery, jewellery or a painting or two.
Spa
Book an aromatherapy massage and bliss out by the pool.
After dark
Star-gaze after dinner on the terrace with a local
digestivo.
Dates
May
Sóller’s four-day Fira fiesta in the second week of May, marking the town’s victory over the Moors.
Late August
Don’t miss the parades and spectacular fire show at the Fiesta de Sant Bartomeu.
GETTING THERE
Location
Carretera de Deia, 07100 Sóller, Mallorca
Parking
There is free guest parking.
Trains
You’ll need a car here – though there is a scenic train linking Palma and Sóller.
Taxis
EUR 20 from Sóller town.
Airport
Palma – 20 miles
Take the scenic (though winding) mountain road to Sóller or arrive in just 40 minutes via the tunnel.
Rooms and suites
12 rooms and suites
Special features
Rooms epitomise Mediterranean chic. All have satellite TV, minibar, safe, aircon whilst deluxe rooms have a seating area to chill out in. They have great views except the two courtyard facing rooms.
Also…
Five deluxe rooms come with a fireplace for cooler nights and abalcony terrace – some with 360 degree views.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 195 – 300, plus 7% tax
Open/closed
Closed from early November to early March.
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 11am. The spread includes delicious juices and home-baked breads.
Room service
Available 24 hours.
Children
Welcome, though Ca’s Xorc is not best suited to young children.
Pets
Best leave Fido at home, the resident sheep and donkeys get nervous around dogs.
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Spanish, English, French, German and Dutch.
Wedding license?
Yes, Ca’s Xorc makes a perfect place for a wedding or house party with up to 100 guests catered for .
Your contact – Carina Cleirbaut