This is my favourite time to visit the Balearics; the start of autumn, when the heat gives way to clear skies and fresh, invigorating air. It’s the perfect season to leave behind the beaches and head inland for hiking, cycling, and relaxation amongst nature.
The destination? It’s an easy choice; the captivating rural charm of C’an Beneït ‘agroturisme’ country hotel, lying at the foothills of the UNESCO Tramuntana mountains, home to Mirabona Restaurant.
Country Charm
Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave this boutique property. It embraces you with Mediterranean warmth, and the calm of an unspoilt landscape. Expect a mountain view pool with daybed bar service; a 0km restaurant, stylish guest rooms and suites, and mesmerising views to mountains on one side, and on the other, vistas over the island towards the Mediterranean.
The verdant landscape is of cypress, olive, and carob trees – crisscrossed by ancient drystone walls and punctuated with ochre and honey-coloured medieval hilltop villages. It is a real delight!
C’an Beneït means the blessed place – and as a guest one certainly feels very fortunate and favoured to be in this beautiful environment. Sitting on the terrace sipping the hotel’s signature Mediterranean rosemary Gimlet, shortly after my arrival, I realised that C’an Beneït was special.
Guest Experiences
Throughout the seasons guests can enjoy memorable, authentic experiences, from tasting local wines in the private wine cellar, cultural events & intimate concerts hosted within the historic courtyards, olive oil tasting in the ancient mill, and wellbeing retreats.
The property is full of rural charm – an historic farmstead with 10 guest rooms, each with their own style thanks to the architecture of the estate.
There’s an original olive oil mill too; and during my recent stay I found the estate’s quaint little chapel. It was actually beside my suite, behind weather worn doors with a romantic patina that reflected a rich history. The modest bell tower was the only clue of what was within.
Mirabona Restaurant
The Mirabona restaurant, with indoor dining and outdoor seating on a vine-shaded terrace, is the destination for locals as well as guests for 0km cuisine, using lots of organic ingredients including fruit and veg from the finca.
Here’s guests can enjoy the hotel’s signature breakfasts.
For autumn there’s a new menu and the restaurant star dishes have been given a seasonal touch.
Hotel Comforts
Toni and his team have retained the laid back appeal of this ‘agroturisme’ yet brought all the attention to detail and mastery of hospitality that he’s acquired from working with some of Mallorca’s most refined properties.
It’s a winning combination – I felt relaxed in the countryside, in a homey place with a friendly team but pampered by the little luxuries in the room like fine linens, fluffy towels, luxury bathrobes by ‘Spirit’ of Nomad’, and upscale L’Occitane amenities. Our suite was a thoughtfully prepared, with a fruit basket including produce from the estate.
It’s a country place but you can still expect an evening turndown executed with flair. The suite had a Nespresso coffee machine, kettle as well as unlimited filtered bottled water. The mini bar was included in the room rate, and stocked with refreshments, beers, and chilled water in lightweight reusable bottles perfect for taking on a hike.
Mallorca Magic
Agro-tourism has a long history in the Balearic rural tourism where guests stay in traditional farmsteads. The buildings are converted into comfortable B&Bs and boutique hotels, yet the estates continue to operate as rural businesses with olive groves, carob groves, sheep, goats etc. It’s a way of both maintaining a traditional organic agriculture whilst offering visitors the chance to be immersed in rural island life, enjoying simple pleasures of tranquillity and seclusion.
At C’an Beneït that rustic charm has been elevated with the luxuries of wonderful cuisine, stylish accommodation, and warm hospitality.
You may recall that towards the end of last year I featured a spotlight on this rural Balearic retreat, created by Mallorca hospitality expert Toni Duran. The leap of faith to open C’an Beneï during the height of the pandemic, is paying off. Together with his partner, Toni has a very special rural hotel that has emerged as a highly desirable Mallorca destination.
You can read my Spotlight feature on C’an Beneït Mallorca here
Contact Details
Website: fincacanbeneit.com/en/
Address: C’an Beneit, Cami de Binibona, 07314 Binibona, Caimari, Mallorca