Welcome to An Artist In series. In this series a different artist, that is intimate in different parts of the world, will share their insider tips for where to eat, stay, see the best art, sketch the best views, rest at their favorite cafes and more. You will be able to go out and adventure here in the US and abroad and feel like your best friend shared the best kept secrets about an area and you can explore with confidence.
In this episode Julia Muller is sharing about her favorite spots exploring Mallorca, Spain.
My visit to Mallorca, Spain was an experience that I carry with me every day. The magic of this island is in the golden light, the green window shutters, lemon trees, orange trees and pomegranate trees all overflowing with their fruits. It’s the miles and miles of olive groves with sheep that have bells around their necks, bright bougainvillea, sculptures and ceramics spilling out of the neighborhoods, the friendliest cats roaming the streets, hiking down cliffs to get to coves with the bluest water, fresh baked ensaimada, Joan Miro’s art, artists in every village & getting to purchase things right from the hands of the makers. This is a peek into those moments!
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at a beautiful airbnb in Soller that was up on a mountain in the olive groves. The home felt authentic to the culture and added to the experience of living like the locals. Lots of natural textures from the stones and beautiful light that flickered through the olive branches. There are sheep, donkeys and cats that are on the property to greet you when you wake. There was even a bottle of olive oil made from the olives in the yard for us to use during our stay.
Es Raco D’Arta is a hotel that feels like a retreat for the soul. It is tranquil, healing, filled with art, gorgeous presentations of food and so inspiring to the senses. This space invites you to unwind and recharge surrounded by nature. It has spas, communal rooms to explore that feel like art exhibits and a pool with a gorgeous mountain view. It’s described as “A place of worship, where nature prevails, based on sustainability and design.”
Belmont La Residencia is nestled in the Tramuntana mountains in the charming village of Deia. This village was one of my favorite spots to explore and the charm had me in awe. This hotel is very art focused and hosts artists in residence each year. There is art spilling out of every room and on every wall. They have a Miro cafe and their own art gallery which makes this place the perfect escape for any artist.
WHAT TO DO
Joan Miro Home, Studio + Art Exhibit
‘Fundacio Pilar I Joan Miro, Mallorca’
This was our first stop in Palma after our overnight flight and it was so inspiring as it set the tone for this trip and the beauty we were about to see. This museum is one of my favorites that I have seen and it is even hard to put into words. His canvas’, paint brushes in rusted buckets, use of color and shape, and getting to step into his mind. I loved getting to see the range of work that he made and I appreciate that he never kept to one idea or medium. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, printmaking, collage; and he curated his space with objects of design.
A few days later while walking around the village of Valldemossa, we stumbled upon a exhibition featuring some of Miro’s graphic poster designs.
Museum / https://miromallorca.com/es/
Exhibit / https://cartoixadevalldemossa.com/en/spaces/joan-miro-collection/
THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN
One of my takeaways from my time in Mallorca was the reminder to take things slow, notice the details around me and to appreciate the small things that feel good to us. I loved laying my towel out on a cliff next to the water and taking out my book to read, or gathering a bowl of figs and watercoloring a still life in my journal. It is a small token to take back home to remember the beauty of what I experienced and how it made me feel in that moment. That is the feeling on this island. Everyone is here, together, and sharing their beauty with what they create. Whether it’s food, clothing, pottery or community, everyone has a deep love for what they do and how it makes them feel and how it makes others feel around them and it is a special feeling. There is attention to detail there like I have never seen before. It is the perfect place for artists to be inspired.
MEDITERRANEAN BEACHES + COVES
The blue water that invites you to stop what you’re doing, pause time and enjoy nature. These were some of my favorite days of the trip.. exploring the small fisherman coves and feeling the golden sun. Some spots involved hiking down (which is always worth it) and others were out on the cliffs where locals were sunbathing and reading their books. I love spending time by the sea and going for a swim or collecting shells. It is another way of connecting to the land, living in the present moment and appreciating beauty.
Places to swim: Playa de Cala Pi, Cala s’Almunia, Sa Calobra, Cala Llombards
WHERE TO SHOP
The shops across Mallorca are gorgeous. They are filled with unique and handmade goods. Getting to talk to the makers and the shop owners and you can feel how much passion they have for what they have made and how they are so excited to share it with others – it is really special!
Some of my favorite shops that I visited:
(1) Call Vermell [Books, Sculptures, Pottery]
(2) De Monio [Cafe + Shop]
(3) PANELA [Ceramics, Art + Open Studio]
(4) Tienda SONMO [Olive Oil, Local Produce, Fresh Cut Flowers]
(5) The Ruta del Fang / Pottery Route [Artisanal Path of Clay + Ceramics]
Mallorca is such a beautiful island filled with intention and art to be discovered on every corner. I have reminders around my space of the different makers and moments from my time there. A handmade ceramic bowl filled with the shells that I found or a jar of apricot jam with a handwritten label. These are the small things that bring joy. Mallorca made me feel grounded, connected to my myself and nature and reminded me to slow down and take time to notice.
www.juliarosemuller.com
instagram / @juliarose_studio