The Best Gardens In
The Balearic Islands

Gardens are an important addition to any home, and for a hotel on the leisurely island of Menorca they’re an absolute must. Gardens that travel with the seasons, sheltering you from winter chills and offering cool relief in summer, protecting you with welcome shade and providing an escape from the madding crowd. Places where all five senses come alive, leafy corners that stir emotions and leave lasting impressions. Gardens are constantly evolving, and a good landscaper must always look to the future. Our dear friend Álvaro de la Rosa, with many gardens under his belt—including the oasis he created for us in the heart of historic Mahón—has generously agreed to recommend some of his favourite gardens, well-kept secrets that he only shares with true friends.

We’ve mentioned Sóller before, but now we’re going to let you in on one of its best-kept secrets. Sóller, on the northwest side of the island, is a unique experience in its own right. It’s one of the loveliest villages in Mallorca, known as the Golden Valley. Its botanic garden opened to the public in 1992 as a centre for the conservation, research and knowledge of Mediterranean flora in general and Balearic species in particular. No tour of the town is complete without a visit to this marvellous garden.

Another mandatory stop on this garden tour of the Balearic Islands is Fundación Bartolomé March. The foundation was established in 1975 by its namesake, a proud native son of Mallorca, who studied in Palma and spent the rest of his life travelling and cultivating his passion for the arts and beauty. One of the landscape architects responsible for this garden was Russell Page, who designed masterpieces like La Mortella Garden on Ischia, the garden of The Frick Collection in New York, and several gardens for fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.

Very soon, the famous art gallery Hauser & Wirth will open a new arts centre on Isla del Rey in the natural harbour of Mahón. This building will be surrounded by a magnificent garden designed by renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf, creator of the High Line gardens in New York City, the garden at the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011 in London, and many other wonderful oases.

Álvaro de la Rosa is working with Oudolf on this project, which promises to be an unforgettable garden where visitors will also be able to admire sculptures by Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois and other art world celebrities. We’ll keep you updated as the opening approaches.

Very soon, the famous art gallery Hauser & Wirth will open a new arts centre on Isla del Rey in the natural harbour of Mahón. This building will be surrounded by a magnificent garden designed by renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf, creator of the High Line gardens in New York City, the garden at the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011 in London, and many other wonderful oases. Álvaro de la Rosa is working with Oudolf on this project, which promises to be an unforgettable garden where visitors will also be able to admire sculptures by Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois and other art world celebrities. We’ll keep you updated as the opening approaches.