LJs Ratxo – Boutique Natural Mallorca Retreat, Organic Cuisine, Sustainability Commitment

LJs RATXÓ is a sophisticated Eco Retreat in the Mallorca countryside, set within a private valley, offering unrivalled privacy, tranquillity, and rural style. Here you are a truly valued guest, where attention to detail is exquisite. Dining is wholesome, largely organic, and highly creative, using many 0km ingredients, including fresh produce from the property’s kitchen garden. LJs Ratxo is also committed to offering luxury travel in a responsible, more sustainable way.

Retreating to the country is a time-honoured way of restoring one’s spirits by relaxing amidst lush greenery, breathing fresher air, and letting nature perform its own form of healing. For me, I couldn’t think of a better place to enjoy this, and have radiant sunshine as well, than in the magnificent Mallorca countryside at luxury eco retreat LJs RATXÓ.

Set within a private valley and nature reserve, this luxurious boutique hotel can only be reached via a private track, providing guests with the perfect location for privacy and tranquillity, far away from the bustle of everyday life. Even during high season, here you will find the authentic Mallorca, a place of slow travel and slow living. Close to the sparkle of the coast and the translucent waters of the Balearic sea, yet worlds away, in a secluded, privileged haven of natural peace, where you will feel in true harmony with your surroundings.

The magic of LJs Ratxo:

It’s all in the details

It feels good to travel more responsibly with respect for the environment, but I still love my creature comforts and LJs Ratxo knows a thing or two about that. No sooner had I landed at Palma’s international airport, than I received a welcome Whatsapp greeting from General Manager Juan Carlos Gacal. As we entered the terminal we were met by the elegantly dressed agent for Transfer Class who were all set to whisk us through the countryside to the private estate of LJs Ratxo.

Arriving at the property feels magical. The quiet lane meanders through dense pine forest, and becomes increasingly rustic, as one enters the wildlife preserve, called Reserva Park, also owned by the property, which offers a multi-adventure outdoorsy experience here in the heart of the Tramuntana mountains.

After 20 minutes or so passing through wilderness, one arrives at LJs Ratxo, a historic Finca that has been restored and reimagined as a 25-room, 5-star retreat. The grounds are surrounded by wild nature yet are just the right side of manicured. Ancient, twisted olive trees, stand amongst palms and Mediterranean planting that runs down to a stream that runs through the property, the gentle sound of water filling the air.

Set amongst the trees are artworks by Joan Bennàsar, the renowned sculptor, bringing an elevated sense of sophistication to this natural enclave.

Welcome

You feel part of the family when you arrive, welcomed with warmth it’s a very meaningful greeting. Once shown to our delightful suite, our luggage was already there, the airline tags removed and in their place, leather LJs Ratxo tags had been added.

Beautiful details at LJs Ratxo:

Sustainability

This Eco Retreat also walks its talk by introducing a Green Traffic Light system where guests can explore the status of the retreat’s sustainability projects. Those completed include the use of umbrellas with solar panels to illuminate the restaurant, reusing wood from the environment to make decorative pieces and the maximum use of local products in the bar and restaurant menus. They are also working on sourcing and cultivating plants endemic to the area, adding more renewable energy sources, and using hybrid or electric vehicles for guest transport.

Design and Amenities

Surrounded by the lushly forested slopes of the valley, LJs RATXÓ conveys a sense of harmony with its natural surroundings. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, or in cooler months enjoy the heated indoor pool with solarium in the elegant spa. Complimentary yoga classes are available, and if guests are new to yoga, they can request a test class to see if it is a practice they might enjoy. And to assist guests with reconnecting to nature at LJs RATXÓ, its Natur-All Organic Spa offers a new concept in wellness. The comprehensive spa menu offers a  range of massage styles from around the world, including Ayurveda and Shiatsu, tailor-made rituals, a traditional hammam, aromatherapy and beauty treatments that include oxygen facials, Asian manicures, and pedicures, as well as hairdressing and makeup services. Elena the spa manager is relaxed and friendly and will create a personalised experience for guests.

Spa set amongst nature at LJs Ratxo:

Rooms

It has 25 rooms across six categories ranging from a Superior room to Royal Suite. All rooms are styled in a soothing mix of neutral hues, cool stone flooring and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces carved from sustainable timber to create a boho-chic vibe blended with Mallorca countryside charm throughout.

I adored the stone-built property. Our room was on the first floor, with a balcony that was in the canopy of the trees. Welcome details included organic grooming amenities in a cotton bag including after-sun and even locally produced fragrances. A chic gesture of French champagne offered in an artisan terracotta wine cooler was a lovely indulgence.

An elegant guest suite at LJs Ratxo:

Gastronomy

Under the expert guidance of chef Maria Salinas, the kitchen at LJs RATXÓ produces a succession of delicious dishes with the accent on organic, including vegetarian and vegan options. Not only is all the produce locally grown, but much of it is also from the retreat’s on-site kitchen garden. During summer, the spacious outdoor terrace forms the gastronomic heart of LJs RATXÓ, while the indoor Roots restaurant is used during the cooler months and is synonymous with sophistication.

The gourmet breakfast at LJs Ratxo:

The cuisine was grounded, local and unfussy, yet still had a level of sophistication of fine dining. Each day we enjoyed surprises and seasonal treats that made you feel connected with the destination.

Al fresco lunch a LJs Ratxo:

And when cocktails are called for, the Ginebró bar offers guests a cosy and warm ambience to enjoy a Mallorca Mojito. Guests can also order from a room service menu on those occasions when more privacy is desired.

Dinner at LJs Ratxo, including their won label wines:

Unique Experiences

It was an unforgettable experience to be invited to have a tree on the LJs Ratxo estate names after me! You can be part of this sustainable project by following the progress in restrung and enhancing the local environment and as a gesture of this, I had an olive tree named after me.

Connecting with the destination at LJs Ratxo:

I adore nature, and it was such a  special morning to spend with the local guide who took us through the Reserva Park that encompasses LJs Ratxo, seeing the local flora and fauna and understanding more about their conservation work and care of animals.

Esploring the Reserva Park, natural animal preserve at LJs Ratxo:

Final Thoughts

Mindful, meditative, and magnificent. Staying in this wondrous natural valley, ensconced in refined comfort and style was a genuine treat. Dispel any misconceptions about Mallorca as a busy island. This Balearic beauty is rich in flora and fauna and has so many tranquil corners, and LJs Ratxo must surely be amongst the finest.